I just bought a 2003 ES 300 with 150k miles. Mechanic says I need 2 front struts complete assembly and 2 front and back stabilizer bar bushings. I would like to do this myself but it would be my first time. I’ve seen forums recommend KYB struts but they say they are stiff. Which complete struts do you recommend to get that smooth Lexus brand new ride without spending a fortune?
Where should I buy them?
Thanks for any help!

 

I will be the bringer of bad news what you want does not exist. If you want the Lexus ride you have to get the Lexus struts and assemble them yourself.

 

If I were you, I would get Toyota Camry V6 struts of the equivalent model year.

The Camry actually rides more smoothly than the Lexus ES equivalent.
The ES has sporty heavy duty suspension compared to the Camry.

I changed from ES to Camry V6 suspension 15 years ago, and I've never looked back.

 

I can absolutely confirm this, though I suspect some on here don't want to admit it.

In any event, I have Monroe refill struts all around and if you are looking for a silky smooth ride, you will be disappointed.

 

Are any of the complete or Quick struts gonna give me a decent ride that’s close to buying original Lexus parts in your opinion?

 

Are those the Quickstruts?

 

In my opinion no. Plus I've lost track of how many times I've seen the complete struts give people problems everything from riding too high, different corners of the vehicle at different heights, clunking....

I'm very surprised to see anyone say the ES rides harsher than the Camry counterpart. I owned a 2001 Camry V6 it did not ride as smooth and comfy as my ES. On OEM Lexus struts last I checked you can't get them anymore the part number changes up to the Camry part.

 

Your midlife refreshed 2001 Camry V6 and your midlife refreshed 2000 ES300 may both have had revised suspension calibrations.

For example, most in the 4GS Forum will agree that the original 2012-15 4GS was firmly sprung, while the 2016-18 midlife refreshed 4.5GS was softened, but then the final 2019-20 4.75GS was intermediately sprung between the original sporty calibration and the midlife soft riding calibration.

 

Generally speaking, the aftermarket coilovers and the Quick struts are more firm riding and sporty.
Camry V6 suspension is your best bet, especially the 1996-99 original version of the 3rd generation Camry, in case the 2000-01 midlife refreshed Camry V6 had firmer suspension calibrations like Lexus2000 hints above.

 

No. Refills. They are the OEM Spectrum, or something like that.

 

Again, I completely agree. My boss from years back had a '97 Camry which rode like it was going down a golden highway. It's the smoothest riding car I've ever been in even after all theses years. Of course, I haven't driven everything out there.

 

Either way it doesn't matter, Camry and the ES part numbers will change up to Camry ones so if you want Toyota parts that's your only choice. I suspect the same will happen with the coils.

 

Which struts did you use and was it the complete or quick strut type?

 

I used the OEM 1999 Camry V6: strut, coil spring, roll bars, and replaced all bushings - on all four corners too.
You could just purchase struts alone.

However, for "matched" suspension calibration, you may have to purchase the whole lot including all four struts, all four coil springs, plus front and rear roll bars like me.

 

Are the anti-roll bars the same thickness for both the ES and Camry? I'm now wondering if that accounts for the harsh ride in the ES v. Camry. I do like how my ES handles like it's on rails in corners, though.