Hey guys and gals,
Looking for opinions. Which will give me a softer, more luxurious ride? Been looking in the forums and can not find the answer. For the past 15 years I've been riding my stock GS430 with 235/45/17 (currently Michelin Primacy MXM4). As I'm getting older I want a more comfortable, less road bump feel ride, even if that means sacrificing performance. Will changing to 225/55/16 be a noticeable improvement? Should I keep the 17 in wheels and do something else? Other ideas? Thanks to all.

 

At the risk of stating the obvious, in general, the taller the sidewalk the softer the ride.

 

Any recommendations on 16 in. tires? I am leaning toward a soft Pirelli Cinturato.

 

For the last month I've been running Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus tires and they have been absolutely outstanding. Best tire I've ever had on any vehicle in my life. Discount Tire offered me a 10-year warranty that if at any time one of the tires has to be replaced, and the tolerance is too great to put only one new tire on my GS 350 AWD, then they will replace all four tires.

 

im a big fan of the 16inch rims, weather on a ls or a gs, if i find some oem 16 inch rims i will grab them. Im tired of the road feel and smaller side walls, also the suspension on the gs loves taller side walls.

 

Heard good things about them, pvsmith. Discount Tire's warranty of 10 years is unbelievable, must think that people don't drive much.
On the ES forum someone was saying that a lower load and speed rating would make the ride more comfortable. The 17 in. tires are 97V and the 16 in. is 95H. Both rate a UTQG of 700 AA. Can somebody confirm this, please?

 

I switch to 16" 225/55/16 every winter and yes it is slightly softer but not like night and day. I don't mind the ride of the 16's as I also appreciate a soft smooth ride when I am simply cruising,

Part of the soft soft ride sensation is brought on by suspension components as well. Check the condition of bushings, shocks, springs, etc. If any of these are worn, it will contribute to more noise vibration and harshness.
.

 

Actually did that today when I changed the oil. Bushings show wear you would expect for 100,000 miles. Springs are responsive without any leaks seen. UCA, LBJ looked good, no play. The right outer tie rod will need to be replaced soon I'm guessing--no play, boot is cracked--. Sway bar links felt tight. I did not unscrew the plastic to see the sway bar bushings.

 

I'll trade you straight across for my set of factory 16s.

 

Thanks for the offer, eicca. Would you like to trade pics? I'll show you mine if you show me yours

 

For the love of geeohhd, please, no pics of 16's on a GS. I'd rather see Barbara Bush in a two piece before that

 

SEXY!!! What about Sr. in his skivvies?

 

Uh oh, 16s alert...

They're about 7/10 condition. Little curb rash, balanced perfectly and hold air no problem.

 

Well I'm glad that pic decided to be upside down.

 

I thought you were in Utah, not Australia