What’s up fellas? I’m new to the IS300 and mine is a 2005. It has just over 120k miles.
I’m checking boxes on what needs to be replaced and/or upgraded and I know it was in an accident. The radiator supports need to be replaced for sure. They are bolted in but bent and mangled quite a bit. I hoped that was the extent of the issues.
I’m getting ready to swap my UCAs for Godspeed adjustables and replace the front coilovers and ball joints for starters. While inspecting the suspension parts I saw this on both sides of the frame…


Is it trash? The suspension is mostly behind it, except the sway bar attachment points. Could this be the reason for my clunk? 😂😂 Could I instal a flat brace to span both parts of the frame? It’s not welded or cut all the way through. Why would someone do this?
The car drives straight and only a little vibration at 95mph. It shakes when braking at high speeds as well.

 

No insurance company in the world will cover that vehicle if they see that hack job repair. Car obviously had serious damage I'm guessing the car was totaled out so owner did the repair themselves. There are specific procedures in the factory service manual for collision repair don't know if that car can be repaired and insured again. I personally would not try and fix a car with that damage.

 

Well it does have insurance so I guess that’s a win.
I think installed new sway bar bushings and fixed the clunk! And I will still be replacing the coil over, lower ball joint and UCAs.
The car handles very well in corners. Speeds as high as 45-50 and it’s planted and feels confident.
Im going to change the components with upgrades or OEM parts so I have a good starting point.
As far as the frame is concerned. I do have my fears. But having said that. All the damage is in front of the suspension and the only leverage it takes is the sway bar attachments. My idea would be to clean up the ****ty snot welds and put in a fish plate to add some rigidity. Like this example…

It won’t be exactly like the picture or perfect but I believe it would help.