man0fsteel

Hi all,

I've got some cracked lower control arm bushings on my 200 GS450h and was going to purchase some like these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-OEM-IS...RYmYmO&vxp=mtr

But while I was looking, I saw folks here have installed Figs Engineering bushings. They are quite a bit more expensive and there are a few types. I'd like to know if these make a difference in drive quality. I don't drive my girl hard (it's my commuter) and she's fully loaded but stock (not lowered). I do seem to experience some inner tire wear, but am really looking for some opinions on whether I'll noticed the difference when I'm cornering or braking hard. Also, does anyone know whether the FIGs bushings will fit my 450h? THey don't *specifically* list the 450h under the 3rd Gen GS (they do specifiy the 450h under the 4th gen GS category). I've left a message w Figs asking which bushing is most appropriate yesterday but haven't heard back yet, so I thought I'd check here as well.

Thanks all!

man0fsteel

Today I received an email from Figs:

"We refer to that location as the #2 bushing. The GS450h has the same bushing as the GS300/400 so the ones on the website will work for your car.

The bushing that we sell the most of is the following:

http://shopfigs.com/v3/G2ISHP-FRLCA-SP3491K-90-IN-BRKT

The factory Lexus bushings are fluid filled rubber that allow the front lower control arms to move during steering and braking events. This movement changes the dynamic alignment on the car giving it the unsettled feeling as well as the inner tire wear that these cars are known for. Our replacement bushing has a conical shape to the polyurethane and allows for a progressive loading; meaning it won’t be a harsh feel in the steering wheel but will also significantly reduce the wandering you are experience.

The only difference between the bushing linked above and the other listing is the durometer (hardness) of the poly bushing. We sell close to 50:1 of the 90k vs 80k bushing and have had zero complaints regarding noise, vibration or harshness in the wheel."

Very informative and I thought I'd pass this along.