I'm a big fan of Continental ProContacts, but I only got 30K from a set.; Currently running Conti TruContacts on my 2004 ES330; I don't get quite as good a "Feel" on very Wet Roads at high speeds,, but I expect better wear mileage.
My understanding is that Costco's Michelins are a great value.

 

Thanks for the write up.

What is the consensus on how long the stock shocks typically last for?

I would highly recommend Michelin all seasons on a LS400, I just got caught in the most treacherous sustained rain storm I’ve ever driven through on I5 and I was blown away by the stability and water shedding the tires provided and how the ls400 carved through standing water at 60mph.

 

Waynegro, FWIW, I'm on original shocks at 160,000 miles on my '98 and they are all good. If I were to ever have to replace them I would definitely get OEM shocks and nothing aftermarket. I have Michelin Defenders, about 5,000 miles on them. What tires are your running? I would have put Pirelli P Zero AS Plus on the '98 but they do not come in the stock wheels size I have on the '98. (I have them on my LS430, outstanding tire)

 

Thats great to hear yours are still good to go at 160k, I hope I get that kinda longevity out of mine. I’m used to the German car world where your entire suspension is shot at 100k.

I have Michelin Premier A/S tires, which I only even know if they make anymore. They really blew me away by how well they shed water and didn’t hydroplane.

Ok so you have a 98 ls400 and LS 430? A super clean LS 430 just came up for sale in my area for less than I paid for my 400 and a small part of me is jealous and upset I didn’t wait to get the 430. What’s your take on both cars?

 

Regarding my -05 LS430 and my '98 LS400, I love them both. They are both outstanding in every way, build quality, smoothness, power, etc. but different in their own way, hard to explain. As I said in another post not too long ago, after driving say the LS400 for a few hundred miles I say to myself its the best thing ever, then I drive the LS430 and change my mind, ha ha. I paid the same amount for both cars, $ 10K, and I can't believe what a good deal they both are. The LS430 was bought about 7 years ago and has been completely trouble free for the 40,000 miles in my ownership. The only real differences between the two are of course the LS430 is slightly more modern, but the nav system in it is too clunky to be useful, the LS430 has a much larger trunk, but the LS400 is considerably better fuel economy - easily in the low 30s on the highway every single time. Best of both worlds - have them both in your garage.

Best of both worlds- '98 LS400 and '05 LS430