Yes everything but the actual springs since I wanted softer ones anyway, trans mount was okay so it's staying for now but the motor mounts were letting a hair too much vibration in at 1400 and 3400 rpm. Rack bushings were replaced with moog not Lexus (too hard to find) and re-torqued to make sure the alignment was actually accurate. If you want to go down the path I think you do I've not replaced my steering column bushings and bearings or shafts yet since I really don't feel like dropping that kind of time into it since I've done it once on my other car and that was annoying for no change in vibration or feel. Subframe was dropped a few inches to check the mounts and they were not cracked or flat so I just re-torqued them and went about my day.

I am aware unibody stuff weakens over time but that's not something I can really do anything about but it's not rusted at all so there is no rust related weakening but that's the best I can do. Cross braces underneath were removed and re-torqued since I had to drop the engine and trans pans and also re seal the oil level sensor. I just can't leave well enough alone even though I really should since it's just the daily and doesn't really matter everything be perfect.


The the reason I actually bothered to check the rack is because on my fun car the rack ALWAYS shifted in autocross until I eventually replaced the rubber bushings I kept replacing often when they were crushed with metal custom bushings that had 1/4 inch poly inserts to provide some vibration abatement. Works now but I went through 6 sets of stock bushings and blew 5 racks since the original design was never intended to be subjected to what I exposed it to. Custom racks are much better at not blowing up from strain.....

 

Bought the car for $5200 and have spent $3400 in parts and about 30 hours of my time. For most people it would have been nearly $10k in labor if not more.

Still cheap considering my other car has an single engine component that cost more than my whole 430.

 

Ok we can move on from LS and A8's, that's not what this thread is about.

 

Ah my bad I didn't see the memo about going OT......case closed on the LS.

I can't wait to see how our next LX or possibly GX rides. Probably very very plush until you push it.

 

mmarshall, if you can't stay on thread topic, please don't post or they will be deleted.

 

The LX rides plush, but not as much the GX.

 

been a long time since i've driven either, but i felt the lx was a firmer ride than the gx and the gx seemed to have greater shock travel making it feel cushier. but things could well have changed.

i almost bought a gx in 2015, but in the end the looks, the 6 speed auto, the fuel (lack of)economy, and the rear barn door turned me off.

 

The LX is really heavy, which gives it a solid soft ride. What hurts it’s ride is most ride on huge wheels. The issue with the GX is the tall nature of the vehicle and the short wheelbase. It has a lot of trucklike back and forth motions you don’t have in the GX.

Niether ride particularly well.

 

They ride well for a body on frame SUV, not supposed to be crossover-like . The best version LX570 was the first or second year 18" rim version. I believe 460/570 both use the hydraulic system for their version of adaptive variable suspension and I think the GX470 also carried air suspension for the rear like my 4Runner has. Our LX470 need the fluid for the suspension changed at some interval I cannot remember. I do not know if the cars have the AVS hydraulic like.

 

The best GX460 was the original version. Simple front end. Same with the LX570...they both look better than the new models. The spindle grille looks like crap on both.

 

Personally I think the Navigator/Expedition ride significantly better.

I believe the LX is air suspension now. Air suspension is an option on the GX.

 

I agree.

LX is the same thing as 08. I don't think there is air at all. The Sequoia uses the same AVS with fluids, but it is from the previous LX (I think) LX570 is definitely fluid-based, the reservoir is in the back, I think it is a mistake to have air or fluid suspension IMO.

The very first adaptive suspension for the world based on the microchip was invented by Toyota...back in 1982 on the Toyota Soarer...SPORT/NORMAL and AUTO at the time....the newer systems were built upon the original designs.

 

originally the gx470, i agree, and as you know, i don't usually prefer older designs.

 

That one was good too, so much space and so roomy. The GX460 pre face lift looking back looks great. But it got smaller inside or tighter fitting

 

LX uses a hydraulic system with fluid, very robust. You change it at intervals and it should last the life of the vehicle.

And yes, GX has much more sidewall on its tires so that figures.

We have our eye on a '13-'15 LX bc it has 20"s with a decent amount of sidewall on them. I just feel like you're getting twice the truck for not a lot more money when it's LX vs GX used. Motor Trend had a big SUV test back in 2015 and they noted that it rode very well.