okay . i finally made a decision to replace my air suspension setup with Strutmasters strut/spring combo with the 1.5" drop for $950 . but while the suspension is off the car , what else should i be looking to change ? Daizan control arm bushings ? strut bar bushing ?

 

Billy Boi,

I would very much like an expert to explain how one knows when the Upper Control Arm Bushings and Ball Joints are worn out.

The Daizen kit has 3 bushings per side. I Lower & 2 Upper. There is no known repair for a worn out upper ball joint.

I had always thought that the part labeled "link" in the LS 400 Diagram was a solid piece.

During dis-assembly of the front suspension today I was surprised to see that there are movable grease fittings at each end of this part. It attaches to the Sway Bar at one end, the lower ball Joint at the other. When this part gets worn out it has to be a noise producer. I doubt it will have much effect on handling.

damon

 

the lower balljoints are cheap ($50 per side).. thats what i would change... swaybar bushings run about $15 per side from dealership.. um.. if you want to do the daizen and have the money.. then do it.. Its the labor that might kill you.. but its definitely worth it

 

Just installed the following in the front suspension of a high mileage 90 LS 400. Note most "paired" parts indicate right & left.

43340-59016
43330-59016 Lower Ball Joints

48510-59017 Struts x2

48610-50020
48630-50020 Upper Control Arms

48654-50010 Lower Control Arm Bushing x 2

45700-50010 Steering Damper

Waiting on:
48810-50011
48820-50011 Link:


Both front Tokico Shocks & the Damper had no rebound whatsoever. $1000.00 in parts and $500.00 in labor.

It would be nice if someone could find a modification solution that allows owners to replace the upper Ball Joint on the Upper Control Arm so that we could re-use the existng control arms.

 

I second that!

 

i dont think you can find the bal joint itself for the upper control arm.. it is very stupid the way it is though.. howeever i've seen control arms go for $315 per arm brand new. Brand new arm give you brand new joint, and bushings.. you'd probably save money on labor by buying new arms, instead of doing the daizen replacement.

 

I paid $255.00 each from Sewell last week.

I have not confirmed with LexLS but I believe that he considers the Daizen Bushing to be superior to OEM. I woiuld like the best of both worlds.

This LS is on its third set of front struts!

A company called Ingalls makes some really cool camber adjustment pieces but none for the LS. They to make ES300 parts.

 

Here is a pic of an aftermarket UCA or Upper Control with some very cool features.

It not only has a highly adjustable camber capability but it would be a breeze to replace the ball joint. Alas, not available for an LS400.

http://www.overboost.com/obs/product...id=88&sc_name=

 

I Know this is OLD but i have a Question. Is the Part 45700-50010-DAMPER ASSY, STEERING Available Aftermarket? Or Just From the Stealership?

Ive searched and only found a few Threads with OEM numbers and wondering IF its even Available Aftermarket..

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ng-damper.html
rockauto doesn't have one. afaik it's OEM Only.

 

I looked and didn't see it on my '99 LS.