valex

I am going to replace rear shocks on my 1999 LS (125K miles) with OEM. What else would you replace while you are there? (everything is original in the rear so fa on my car).

JimsGX

Unless you're experiencing some symptoms / noises, I'd just do the struts/shocks and leave everything else alone.

radiokilla

you could replace the ball joints if you feel like it.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Check the rear strut and control arm bushings. Otherwise, just swap the struts out.

Kansas

Are the shocks worn out at only 125K miles? The ones on my 00 LS are still like new at 135K miles and the ones on my 90 LS were still in great shape when I sold it at 183K miles.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

That is good longevity, mine were dead before 70K. After installing the springs in ours, I compressed the front ones to amuse myself. They didn't decompress at all. Barely enough dampening left in them, it was pretty easy to compress and extend them by hand. The rear was better but not by much.

Any signs of abnormal tire wear or alignment issues?

valex

I just recently noticed the rear is sagging a bit and handling got worse ( rear shocks, I think). When going downhill on a highway ( I live in the mountains plus I started to carry a few sand bags in trunk this winter for better traction in snow) there is a bit of pulsation when stepping on brakes, no abnormal tire wear. I haven`t inspected any bushings yet, going to place an order online in couple of days, thought I might want to ask for a piece of advice on what else might need changing, so I can include the parts into the same order.
Are the Rear Control Arm Bushings availavle witout changing the whole arm?

\

brianmch

Check Diazen as they have several poly bushings for this series. I was just told mine needed the ball joints replaced @ $235 each + labor as they are with the control arms, which come with new bushings. Total bill to be around $1K. ouch. I'll probably do them myself.

Good luck.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

my two 99's have 162k & 148k and the shocks are very stable.
but when/if I need them, OEM only, to keep that Lexus ride.

steveski

Agreed OEM is sure way to enjoy the soft ride.....125k is not out of the question for them to wear out tho......Could go with Bilstein if available for your year -- kidding as they would be a little rougher than OEM

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the KYB are BARELY stiffer then the OEM, and about 1/2 the cost, with no significant difference in durability.....

steveski

Good call why spend the big dollars on the OEM - I think KYB is a great alternative for sure

Lowdown

i'd try this out first.

HKSC430

Agree with trying the KYBs at the back, they are sweet.

(the KYB are BARELY stiffer then the OEM, and about 1/2 the cost, with no significant difference in durability.....)