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IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Stiff ride question

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Old Mar 20, 2017 | 06:42 PM
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Default Stiff ride question

Ok, my car has a stiff ride lol. Not what I would expect from a Lexus. I know, it's the sportier model from the company but it still rocks the inside door panels on rough roads so my question is this. Did only the sports packaged cars come with the stiffer suspension? I'm assuming so but I had to ask. Now, I know a lot about tires, but not so much about luxury tires lol. I'm a racer by nature so I got that down, but now I'm shifting gears torwards the luxury segment and I'm looking for a softer ride. The car came with some **** Fuzions in the factory size so there's that. I was also thinking of going up a tad on the profile as well to 225/50 for a touch more side wall but some people say try a grand touring type tire for more comfort. Have any of you tried this? All I see are people jockeying for an even stiffer ride which is absolutely beyond me lol.
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Old Mar 20, 2017 | 07:24 PM
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The sport package has a stiffer suspension setup (shocks and springs), if that's what you have. Naturally, like you said, it is still a sports sedan. It isn't going to be ES pillow-like on the road. Some options would be swapping out for a non-sports package suspension setup, swap to 17's if you're equipped with 18's... You don't want to get too crazy with increasing the sidewall size, you'll throw off your speedo, shouldn't usually be a problem though.. As for tires, reviews are king for the most part. Going all-season over summer is always the better choice if you're looking for longevity/cushyness. I'd stay away from the more "sporty" all-seasons though (e.g. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3+, although I've never really noticed them being rough riding myself, owned these for a year now. Noisy though).
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Old Mar 20, 2017 | 07:58 PM
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Same here, I have 2011 IS250 RWD and I find the stock suspension too stiff for my liking. My friend's 2008 IS250 suspension is very nice and comfortable. I checked the numbers on shocks (both cars with factory suspension) and his 08 shocks have different numbers then my 2011.
I remember reading while ago that somewhere around 2010 Lexus stiffened up suspensions on majority of their cars hoping to achieve that "sporty handling", for more predictable stability at high speeds which is well known in German cars. There are vast number of Lexus RX drivers on this site complaining about suspensions being stiff AF in their 2010 and up vehicles.
I'd like to hear other drivers opinions on that matter.
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Old Mar 21, 2017 | 05:58 AM
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Originally Posted by primavera
Same here, I have 2011 IS250 RWD and I find the stock suspension too stiff for my liking. My friend's 2008 IS250 suspension is very nice and comfortable. I checked the numbers on shocks (both cars with factory suspension) and his 08 shocks have different numbers then my 2011.
I remember reading while ago that somewhere around 2010 Lexus stiffened up suspensions on majority of their cars hoping to achieve that "sporty handling", for more predictable stability at high speeds which is well known in German cars. There are vast number of Lexus RX drivers on this site complaining about suspensions being stiff AF in their 2010 and up vehicles.
I'd like to hear other drivers opinions on that matter.
Ah I see. Ok. so new springs from an 09 350? (shocks just dampen spring rebound, they don't give you ride quality; it's all in the springs) I'll investigate that. As for my stock suspension I'm guessing I don't have it as I have a base model 350awd, and by base, I mean base. This thing has NOTHING.
I still can't believe how my inner trim panels rock when I hit many hard bumps at one time. I mean it's not bad, but even I can't reasonably expect a manufacturer to be able to assemble a totally rock solid interior; there's just too many parts to be able to do that.
I'll check er out though. I'll do tires first. Thinking of Pirelli P7 Cinturatos. Whaddya think? If the tire change doesn't do enough for me then I'll look for springs next.

Last edited by Buddiiee; Mar 22, 2017 at 04:04 AM.
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Old Mar 21, 2017 | 08:58 AM
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Buy Swift springs, arguably the most comfortable and the best linear springs money can buy.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...gs-dynoed.html
https://www.facebook.com/swiftsprings/https://www.facebook.com/swiftsprings/
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Old Mar 22, 2017 | 05:51 AM
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I don't have coil overs. It looked as if that's all they do. Did I miss some pages?
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Old Mar 22, 2017 | 07:20 AM
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Look for Swift springs 4T040, They sell for $299 on Amazon and eBay
http://www.andysautosport.com/produc...gs__4t040.html
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Old Mar 22, 2017 | 07:36 AM
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Do you run 'em?


The description talks about lowering... Is that what these are?

Last edited by Buddiiee; Mar 22, 2017 at 08:06 AM.
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Old Mar 22, 2017 | 08:29 AM
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I have a brand new set in my garage, just waiting for nice weather to be installed. Swift are very conservative and don't lower your vehicle too much, that's what I like about them cause you can use them with stock shocks.

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Old Mar 23, 2017 | 05:01 AM
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Dam... that's disappointing lol. I LOATHE car lowering lol. Not even a millimeter. True, for SOME cars it does look a little better but I am all 100% for ride quality, and want as much travel as humanly possible. I'm also going up on tire sidewall a touch too to help out the ride. I miss my '77 New Yorker's ride lol. Would you have any proven specs as to the older OEM spring rates? Some say they are indeed softer.
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