CAUTION.....LS400 caliper grinding
03-09-12, 03:12 PM
#18
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I don't see the point in him being flamed if he's just sharing info on how to make ls400 calipers work on the gs, not only is 89% of the info not on this forum but when someone posts a write up he gets flamed, you don't have to do every mod that people write up for, I dont plan on cutting my tranny cable to make my trans shift better, nor do I plan on retrofitting bmw hid projectors on my headlights, they're posted to share info, you're not pressured to do it and obviously everyone has different ways to do it, I really don't think people on here are stupid enough to not know that if you're altering the original shape of a car part there's a chance you could completely screw it up, come on now guys really?
03-09-12, 04:22 PM
#19
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The RCA's are not 100% necessary, and this grinding business is not scary, or spooky, or sketchy in any way. I can understand why PHML has posted about them, because he has some for sale, and have been for sale for over a month, and he is trying to get rid of them. It honestly seems like he is trying to con someone into buying them from him, so he can get rid of them. Now I have not accused him of this, because I don't know him, and I don't know why he is trying to convince people to use them. I cannot understand it.
I have not posted in these caliper shaving threads that I sell RCAs in the classified section....so how can I be trying to convice or con ppl to buy? You asked me where its for $150, and i replied to you by searching craigslist. You brought up my CL classified FS threads...not me.
It IS irresponsible for you to say grinding worked for you...so you should do it too.
Fortunately, you wised up...and only now you have posted up a DIY thread with a disclaimer.
03-11-12, 12:46 AM
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r.c.a.'s are pointless, you just cant be a total retard, every post posts says to grind the inner tie rod bolt that way you don't go to deep, and idk about everybody spending hella money on even used ones i got a pair with new pads and rotters for $90 total!
03-11-12, 04:12 AM
#21
The only reason I really Splerged for my calipers, is because I previously purchased rebuilt calipers from Advanceautoparts.com, and for some reason I could not get them to bleed properly. So I returned it all and purchased used ones that I knew worked. I also bought new rotors and pads, so basically my setup is all new.
03-11-12, 04:12 PM
#22
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Thank you! lol This is exactly what I am saying.
The only reason I really Splerged for my calipers, is because I previously purchased rebuilt calipers from Advanceautoparts.com, and for some reason I could not get them to bleed properly. So I returned it all and purchased used ones that I knew worked. I also bought new rotors and pads, so basically my setup is all new.
The only reason I really Splerged for my calipers, is because I previously purchased rebuilt calipers from Advanceautoparts.com, and for some reason I could not get them to bleed properly. So I returned it all and purchased used ones that I knew worked. I also bought new rotors and pads, so basically my setup is all new.
04-04-13, 04:40 AM
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im not gonna argue over **** on the internet, but just sayin, if you do go to far, and if the calipers are aluminum, then whats stopping someone from welding it up in a circumstance like this small whole, throw a good bead across it, and then grind the castle nut and bolt or buy the RCAs but still props for trying, everybody Fu*K$ up, its in the human nature, but looks like there is one way or another to fix a fu** up like that rather than junking the caliper and throwing the money invested in the garbage, i mean if you can grind and it not alter the integrity of the parts then screw it, why not, RCAs are pricey for what they are (small pieces of precise machined aluminum, but if 150 to 200 bucks is the lowest price someone can go on a set of them its pretty messed up, id probably do the RCAs if i found them for the front and rear for 250, but 150 to 200 just for the front is slightly rediculous IMO and has anyone put the LS400 rears on an IS300? and this mod should be the same for an IS300 correct?
04-04-13, 04:46 AM
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i found 98-2000 LS400 calipers for 25 bucks a piece used in perfectly good working condition, front LS400 rotors with ceramic pads for 100 bucks, so by grinding i can do the LS400 conversion for 150 bucks, sorry i only give my secret for extremely cheap parts out to friends and close ones, and btw i can find IS300 manual clutch and brake pedals all day for about 125 to 200 bucks ( most people find them for 500 to 1000 because of how rare they are), if i wasnt turbo and i could run a weakass W55 and it not brake, i could buy all the parts used to do a manual swap in my car for 1500 to 1700, letting you GS guys know, and if you want a part or need a part let me know and i will tell you what price i can get it for and if you want it give me a bit and i will let you know how much itd be for me to get it for you and ship it to you
just looked and the LS400 calipers run from 25 dollars each at the cheapest to 100 dollars each and the most expensive
just looked and the LS400 calipers run from 25 dollars each at the cheapest to 100 dollars each and the most expensive
Last edited by is300nat; 04-04-13 at 04:50 AM.
04-05-13, 12:55 PM
#26
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Sorry but grinding calipers is pure stupidity.
To me it was lucky he went right through, what if he'd left a tiny fraction of an inch & they'd failed the first time they were really needed?
If you don't think nightpager RCA's are worth the expense (I didn't) get a machine shop to make some up, it'll cost practically nothing.
To me it was lucky he went right through, what if he'd left a tiny fraction of an inch & they'd failed the first time they were really needed?
If you don't think nightpager RCA's are worth the expense (I didn't) get a machine shop to make some up, it'll cost practically nothing.
04-08-13, 12:01 PM
#27
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yeah i agree grind isnt the best idea but if you do it how the one guy that posted the thread about it you shouldnt have anything to worry about, you just slightly grind the caliper and the actual balljoint bolt and nut so you arent taking much off the caliper, this guy was trying to grind just the caliper and not the ball joint bolt and nut, and what about someone like me that are on lowering springs so being able to re adjust the front to match the back isnt really an option, so my option to go with RCAs to keep the front in from sitting 1 to 2 inches lower is to put RCAs on the rear too, and havent found any for the rear of an IS300 as of now
and can you get the the software drawing for your RCAs that you would possible sale for a low price so that it could be simpily loaded into a CNC or Mill to have them made?
and can you get the the software drawing for your RCAs that you would possible sale for a low price so that it could be simpily loaded into a CNC or Mill to have them made?
04-09-13, 03:19 PM
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I put the ls400 front setup on my 93 and it was under $200 for all new pads, rotors, calipers. I did a minor amount of grinding on the caliper and a minor amount on the tip of the ball joint bolt. The part of the bolt I grinded on has nothing to do with its structural integrity. This kit was a cheap upgrade and easy to get. It filled out my 17" wheels nicely as well.
On my 94 I have a full stop tech kit and 19" wheels.
The ls400 kit is good if you are competent and on a budget. Warning posts like this one are good for those who are not too familiar with mechanical workings. Let's all stop arguing and move towards the greater good of the community. I personally love these cars which is why I have 2 and doing a full aristo swap. I plan on keeping it for long time and information on this site has helped me out. Its fine to post your opinion whether its rca or supra brakes etc but no need for hostility. Post your opinion and why you think its a better option and let the end user decide.
On my 94 I have a full stop tech kit and 19" wheels.
The ls400 kit is good if you are competent and on a budget. Warning posts like this one are good for those who are not too familiar with mechanical workings. Let's all stop arguing and move towards the greater good of the community. I personally love these cars which is why I have 2 and doing a full aristo swap. I plan on keeping it for long time and information on this site has helped me out. Its fine to post your opinion whether its rca or supra brakes etc but no need for hostility. Post your opinion and why you think its a better option and let the end user decide.
04-11-13, 05:12 AM
#29
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hey NIX i have an IS300 and have been looking at doing the LS400 brake upgrade, after grinding the ball joint bolt slightly did you try to take it off? i am willing to do it if i can still remove the ball joint nut, but after seeing pics of the ginding to it, it looks like the threads are so screwed up that it would be some trouble and cussing to get it off if you ever have to
04-11-13, 03:28 PM
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Its easy to get the nut off and ball joint out, just putting the nut back on takes some talent. You just have to turn the nut by hand while keeping it level since the tip is ground at an angle it wants to cross thread. Ironically I just did that yesterday on mine. I had to replace the front knuckle on my old GS. Had some wheel stud issues and I had a spare hub.
Like this post says just be cautious when grinding on and steering or brake parts. I've had my ls400 kit on for about a year and I've done some pretty hard brake tests(130-0, stop and go traffic) and no issues or warpage. Both my stock GS 300 had warped rotors bad. I feel the ls400 setup is a good balance with the stock rear.
Like this post says just be cautious when grinding on and steering or brake parts. I've had my ls400 kit on for about a year and I've done some pretty hard brake tests(130-0, stop and go traffic) and no issues or warpage. Both my stock GS 300 had warped rotors bad. I feel the ls400 setup is a good balance with the stock rear.