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GS430 Springs different from 400?

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Old 05-05-02, 07:21 AM
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whitels
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Default GS430 Springs different from 400?

To our suspension experts: I've done a little bit of research here and found that the shocks are different. Does anyone know if the springs are also different in any way (height, stiffness, etc). Thanks.
Old 05-05-02, 11:59 AM
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GS4Will
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whitels, i will check with parts director down at longo next week when i go back to office..

btw, who did you asked for at Tucker tyre in west covina, and do they have "touchless" mounting machine that can take 18" and larger tyres? thanks

Last edited by GS4Will; 05-05-02 at 12:03 PM.
Old 05-05-02, 08:42 PM
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GS4Will,

Thanks for verifying the spring for me.

When I called Tucker tire, I really did not ask for anyone other than to say to the person who answered that I am a customer of Tirerack and that my tires will be drop shipped. I called twice in the process and talked to two different guys over there but I forgot their names.

When you go there, you need to go to the office first in the back - don't go to the shop first. I did the other way and I was sent back to the office. The shop is on Azusa Ave but the office is on the small street right before the railroad track if you're going north on Azusa. You will turn right on that street and after 300 feet, the office is on the right.

In the office, there are a few guys answering phones and any one of those can help you and send you to the shop. Suggest you call them first before you roll in to make sure that their machine can handle the 18s, touchless.
Old 05-09-02, 07:31 PM
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Hey guys, we need to finish this thread. My dealer says the shocks that fit the 400 also fits the 430. Had my Bilsteins installed yesterday and the box said '98-'00. Dealer said, fits '01-'02 also. They are on, and work great.
Old 05-09-02, 09:59 PM
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GS4Will
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Neil is correct...as far as the springs, they have the same parts # for 98-00 and 01...on
Old 05-10-02, 08:14 AM
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whitels
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Originally posted by oldguy
Hey guys, we need to finish this thread. My dealer says the shocks that fit the 400 also fits the 430. Had my Bilsteins installed yesterday and the box said '98-'00. Dealer said, fits '01-'02 also. They are on, and work great.
Did you get the Bilstein Sports and did you install it with stock springs? Elaborate, man! We want to hear if your observation is consistent with what the other folks here felt about the Bilstein. Specifically, tell us about how the stock comfort level was affected (as we already know about the handling part).
Old 05-10-02, 01:42 PM
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Yes and Yes. Bilstein sport shocks and stock springs. Shock numbers BE5-2802, and BE5-2803. About $450 from e-shock.com and about $600 to install at Lexus with four wheel alignment and TRD STB. I had already installed a TRD LCB.
The ride is little different untill you press it some, and then it feels tighter and more controlled. Maybe like an extra 4# of air in the tires. Pressed harder, they do not fall appart like the stock shocks. My '01430 has 20000 miles.
I might not even feel the need for TRD sway bars but for the hope and expectation they will help reduce or eliminate the poor on center feel.
Hope this helps. I've about 100 miles on them so far, so maybe I'll have more to say later.

Go back to 4-08-02 shocks comments by RON430.

Last edited by oldguy; 05-10-02 at 03:24 PM.
Old 05-10-02, 03:58 PM
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Originally posted by oldguy
Yes and Yes. Bilstein sport shocks and stock springs. Shock numbers BE5-2802, and BE5-2803. About $450 from e-shock.com and about $600 to install at Lexus with four wheel alignment and TRD STB. I had already installed a TRD LCB.
The ride is little different untill you press it some, and then it feels tighter and more controlled. Maybe like an extra 4# of air in the tires. Pressed harder, they do not fall appart like the stock shocks. My '01430 has 20000 miles.
I might not even feel the need for TRD sway bars but for the hope and expectation they will help reduce or eliminate the poor on center feel.
Hope this helps. I've about 100 miles on them so far, so maybe I'll have more to say later.

Go back to 4-08-02 shocks comments by RON430.
Oldguy,
Thanks for the detailed info. Yes, I've almost gotten to the point where I've almost memorized RON430's description re Bilstein changeover. I just wanted to hear someone else's viewpoint.

That is the direction I seem to be going. I got burned before in my previous car and installed a "sport shock" without asking a lot of questions. I could still imagine my back hurting from that! Great, so I'm hearing that "Lexus comfort" is still there except it's like having 4psi more air. Great description! Thanks, oldguy (wonder who's older, you or me?).
Old 05-10-02, 04:32 PM
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64
Old 05-10-02, 05:33 PM
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RON430
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Uh Oh, Mean Gene and I may not be the only members of the old farts club.

I really don't want to sound like a marketeer for bilstein but over the years, they have done a very good job. I think Mean Gene got KYBs on his GS and they are the other licensee (that I know of) of the original deCarbon patent on gas pressurized shocks. But man those bilsteins make the stock shocks look pitiful. Lexus, swallow your pride and go get some bilsteins, please.
Old 05-11-02, 08:39 AM
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Old farts unite
Old 05-11-02, 09:54 AM
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Originally posted by oldguy
64
I feel like singing James Brown's "I Feel Good"
Old 05-11-02, 11:58 AM
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RON430
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If you can figure all the words out to any James Brown song, go ahead.
Old 05-12-02, 09:04 AM
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Can I join the OFC? 68 calendar years, but think I'm 38 most of the time. I ordered L-Tuned springs/shocks April 5 for my recently acquired '01 GS430 and follow all the suspension & handling posts. After I get the L-Tuned, I will decide if I want sways or other suspension parts. I have had Corvettes since 1986, so I'm used to power and sports handling (still have my 99 Corvette convertible for sale.)
Old 05-12-02, 12:23 PM
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RON430
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Good grief, if we are not careful we could outnumber the whippersnappers.


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