Aprilia

As the title states, I've got a new to me 2006 GS 430.

One of the rear shocks is blown and I want to replace it.

I took it to my tech and he said there is no aftermarket? and that dealer is the only option. Also that they need to be replaced in pairs. I'm in los angeles.

The dealer is $$$ and I'm looking for a cheap/easy fix, I only paid 5k for the car and I'm using at as a commuter.

Sure it would be cool to have the adj shocks but not at that price.

What have you guys done? Any ideas.

Thanks in advance & Happy New Years!

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

rockauto.com look for KYB shocks a complete set of 4 sell for around $360, you will not have the remote adjusters. Its fine the install on your car no codes will pop up if you leave it disconnected.

3GS all use the same shocks (except the AWD front are different) here are part numbers, you can find them on look up either 2007-up GS350 RWD they will mount on the 430's

KYB 551106 right

KYB 551107 left

KYB 55108 You will need two of the rears, both are same price.

gs350fan

Adjustable shocks for a low production car are going to be expensive. You may want to locate the part numbers and do and ebay search for a discount dealer selling them. Then you can DIY or find a lower cost mechanic to install them.
Shocks don't officially have to be replaced in pairs, but at this age is it probably a good idea.

If you want standard shocks, Rockauto sells KYB (the OEM) for a good price.

verly6565

rooooooooockauto

Aprilia

Haha, I'm a Rockauto junkie as well. When I looked up shocks for a 2006 gs430 it didn't have any available, unless I did Ibidu1's trick and punched in 2007 gs350 and bam!! I had options. Are you sure they fit? 110% or 85%?

Silly Q; what's the difference btwn shock and strut. Rockauto has them both listed.

Also it has shocks for "increased handling performance" and also "original ride quality". The originals are Sachs (great company, but not as good as ohlins, but a solid 8 of 10, if Ohlins is 10). The increased handling performance are KYB, I've heard of them but they aren't involved in Moto racing, so to me they don't exist. How good are they reliability wise and is the suspension stiffer? I don't want to lose the Lexus ride quality, but I'm intrigued by the KYB's.

Thx!

lottadik

3GS all use the same shocks (except the AWD front are different) here are part numbers, you can find them on look up either 2007-up GS350 RWD they will mount on the 430's

.[/QUOTE]

and 460's?

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

They will 100% fit

Actually the original Lexus are KYB, the aftermarket are valved like oem. I actually put the two side by side and couldnt tell any difference with the rear struts.

Struts vs shocks both absorb the ride of bumps, struts are more of a structural of the suspension. Kinda like the ohlins forks on your bike, those would be considered struts. Shocks are not structural part of the suspension, if you remove shocks from a car the springs will hold up the vehicle. If you remove the struts on a vehicle your car will drop to the floor.

Ohlins is a small company thats more of a specialist performance brand, sachs is a huge oem supplier.

Aprilia

Thx and you're the man!

Look for a thread (with pics!!) in a couple weeks detailing my purchasing experience, I got a hell of a deal and couldn't be happier.

Cheers and thanks again everyone!

gs350fan

I wonder if those adjustable shocks are made by Tokico. In the Early -mid 90s Ford Sold a Thunderbird SC, a RWD IRS car not that different in layout than a GS. The front struts even look quite similar. It was a competitor to the Lexus SC. It had a rocker switch and adjustable sport/soft shocks, with a separate control module. Someone said it was their patent.

KYB was also the OEM for their non-adjustable shocks.

If you wanted to replace those T-bird adjustable shocks today you would search for "Tokico Illumina" Maybe they make something for the GS? Total guess.