Full-Race

Hey Guys:

My Big Question is: Does the 2nd gen GS400 use the same spring dimensions and shock absorber dimensions as the 2nd gen LS400? If anyone has some stock GS400 shocks PLEASE measure them and take pics! Also if you have a GS400 with tanabe DF210s and bilsteins how do you like it?

why i need to find this info out:

My mom's original owner car is a 100% stock 1997 LS400, 33k, perfect condition LS400 (been garaged for 7 years without moving). I showed her how her 97 LS400 front and rear suspension geometry and components was virtually identical to the supras I work on, and she said "all i want for christmas is for my LS handle better than a boat" so that was the goal. I did a brief search of this forum and others and saw a bunch of people who were happy with their tanabe df210 lowering springs and bilstein HD combo. Im a huge fan of bilstein shocks, so like an impatient jackass i didnt even research the spring rates or valving rates and just went out and bought them. I installed the setup yesterday, and it is still soo mushy/bouncy/sloppy, just lower... im really disappointed in this setup..

the *LS*400 tanabe DF210 springs and they are rated at 6.3kg/mm (350lb) front, 3.0kg/mm (170lb/in) rear. The front almost feels ok, but is too soft and could probably use a bump to 7kg/mm (400lb/in). The rear is just wayyyy too soft, i cant even begin to explain how s#!ttysoft it is. I think thsee springs should be changed to be around 5k (300lb/in)... This is when i noticed:

the *GS*400 tanabe DF210 springs are 7.3kg/mm (~400lb/in) front, 5.6kg/mm (~300lb/in) rear -- *exactly* where i want to be with the LS400. Also the GS400 bilstein shocks are valved stiffer (much more preferable for this application) to accomodate these spring rates.

Last but not least i see the GS400 Bilstein Sport shocks - billy sports are known to be a little stiff but id like to get input from anyone who has used them? Are they too stiff compared to the HD's? or spot-on?

Bilsteins are definitely staying on the car - aftermarket coilovers are simply not an option (unless i make the bilsteins into coilovers using threaded sleeves) and i refuse to run spring rates over 8kg/mm. I am not new to modding cars- im a degreed mechanical engineer working in the aftermarket auto industry, i founded full-race.com in 2002. please try to keep this thread as on track as possible. thanks gentlemen

-geoff

Spyder78

iTrader: (7)

Geoff, as far as I know the struts will not work in the rear for sure, since the GS spring is mounted on the bottom of the strut whereas in the LS it is towards the top. I am almost certain that the front is also different but somebody needs to confirm for sure.

Full-Race

thank you! any chance you might have some pics?

Spyder78

iTrader: (7)

Here is a good thread for you to check, spring replacement on the GS, shows you how the overall suspension looks

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...n-install.html

newgsman

iTrader: (4)

I have bilstein sports with L-sportline springs (same as Eibach) and I find my GS4 has a very firm ride. I can feel all but the very smallest road bumps. Definitely not the mush mobile it was when stock. Sometimes I think that the shocks are too stiff.

Full-Race

spider thanks alot for the link!!

newGSman - i expected someone to say the "Sports" were a bit too stiff, thanks for the feedback -- what wheels/tires do you use?

newgsman

iTrader: (4)

I have had the stock 17" setup with General Exlaim UHP, also had 17" Dunlop SP9000. The Generals give a very slight softer ride.

I also had 16" winter 225/55/16 Goodyear GW3. These gave the least harsh ride.

Late this fall I put on 18" 255/40/18 and 225/40/18 IS350 rims with Hankook V12's. This ride was nice but you still notice every bump in the road.

Right now I running 225/55/16 Michelin PA2 for the winter. These seem to be about the same as the General 17" or maybe a tad softer.

Regardless of the wheels/tires the car definitely does not have the comfy ride of a sedate sedan with the Bilsteins. I also have TRD (blue) sways although I did not notice any difference in harshness when I put them on, but some on this forum have said the sways increase harshness.

At some point I think I may change out the Bilsteins.

Full-Race

thanks for the feedback, newGS thats some great info on the Sports - and right inline with what ive heard and experienced.

I recommend swapping out the bilstein sports for bilstein HD's, i think you would be pleasantly surprised!