I have bought OEM struts for my LS400 1995 for a full replacement front + back. As OEM front springs are not available from Lexus I bought the closest match I could find from KYB. Upon assembly, one thing struck me: The rear ones fitted with relatively little compression, but to mount the front ones (431 mm) the amount of compression needed to fit the nut was quite a lot, almost to the point where the spring distorts slightly to one side.

Is this "normal" for the front springs mounted to factory struts on a LS400 (1995) ?

 

Are you sure you needed new springs? I have replaced my rear ones (1990 LS) because when trunk was full, it looked too low, but then the new ones looked exactly the same (with a full trunk)! These springs don't go bad, even after 30 years, even rear ones which seem to be softer...

 

I had some crappy coilovers so yes unfortunately.

 

Sorry to hear that.

 

sounds about right since the front has to hold up the engine! how does the car look when all are installed?

i don't think you can make the mistake of installing the rear springs up front and vice versa, since iirc the rears are much larger in diameter.