I find I have joined the ranks of those with bad ML subs on the 2001 LS430. I've decided not to do the job myself, so I'm looking for good shop in the Chicago northwest suburban area. (Any suggestions?)

The one shop I've stopped at first suggested that I just pay the money and buy the ML replacement part, as he is not sure what else can be mounted. I told him the little bit that I've read, and he suggested a Kicker CVR-8, 8-inch sub with dual 4-Ohm voice coils to be wired in series for an 8-Ohm load. That's the highest impedance he can think of, and even that would be special order for him.

Does anyone know if this is an easy fit, or whether they will have to do major cutting or fabrication for the install?

Anyone used a Kicker 8-inch sub on a ML system? Results?

Other suggestions for an easy fit sub that will work in the ML IB/free-air stock location?

 

I just had my sub replaced on my 01 LS430. I can't help you on a nearby shop, but I had an installer put a C8 Kicker "COMPSUBWOOFER" on mine, and it works just fine. took him about 45 min. to install and total cost out the door was $115. No cutting, just dropped it in! 8" and 8 ohm. Wasn't looking for an upgrade but my old one was buzzing like it was broken although couldn't see anything wrong with it out

 

Off topic... GS 430 ML sub is 10". bizzare...

True. It's not easy to remove the sub if done properly. You would have to remove the back seat and the back's top cover to get the sub out.

 

I actually pulled my sub out of the 2001 ls430, and found that the cone was separated all around the outside frame. I could not see this at all until I pressed around the edge after removing.

Bought a $4 tube of silicone and ran a heavy bead all around the outside top edge, let it cure for a few days and reinstalled it. Still working fine.

Some have done this without removing the sub.

Did the same on an Avalon with similar results.

There are threads on this I believe in the ls430 section.

Good luck.

Alan