awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Hello,

I'm in need of new shocks. I see Bilstein HDs are available for the 1st gen cars, but only the fronts. I like Bilstein's damping and the adjustable perches, I could get the nose down a bit. It shouldn't be too much rougher, but the front should be better controlled.

For the rear, I'd get some KYB GR2s because there aren't many other choices. The rear may be a bit underdamped this way, but it may still work. I'd be using stock springs. Anyone run this setup or have any comments?

I'm looking at available options here: http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/199..._absorber.html

Thank you,

Stan

awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

So, I'm going to guess nobody is running Bilsteins with stock springs on the 1st gen cars.

Stan

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

that's because bilstein doesn't make shocks for the 1st gen....
http://cart.bilsteinus.com/

awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, that's what I figured. The link I posted above does list the fronts for '94. My guess is maybe the 2nd gen fronts fit on the 1st gen cars?

Stan

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

no, the website clearly says 9/94. that's production start for MY '95 cars. regardless the part numbers are wrong

go search, i've already stated compatibility between 1st and 2nd gen suspension.

awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Got it, the "9/94" thing didn't compute right away.

Searched a bit, coming across lots of mentions of GR2s being too harsh -- aren't they supposed to only be only 15% stiffer than OEM? Also, a good amount of posts with "shock" and "strut" being used interchangeably -- this is LS400 forum, what strut?

Thanks again,

Stan

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

GR2s are fine, they have pretty much the same exact valving as stock with minor changes to accommodate for wear/slop in the suspension. (from what their tech guys told me,they should be slightly softer than stock once broken in )

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As PD mentioned, GR2's are near stock in feel. 10-15% difference at best will be imperceptible except by the most sensitive of backsides or test equipment. On stock wheels, it will feel OEM.

The 95-00 accommodate a longer strut front and rear. The 2-LS struts will be about 3" to long in a 1-LS. Even if you hack the springs, the strut piston will be bottomed or have very limited travel in a 1-LS. (This brings back memories when Tein had the first generation of the CS struts and the guys who wanted to put these in their 1-LS's.)

awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys.

I will tell you, this car's suspension designed is awesome. It rides very nicely considering it's on 187K old shocks, and handles damn well for a 4,000lb car. My "main" car is a fairly well sorted-out Subaru on Ohlins, and the Subaru rides like a dump truck compared to the Lexus. Our roads in the city are pretty bad. I'm sure new shocks and a 4 wheel alignment will make the car feel much more controlled and planted.

I wouldn't mind getting it down an inch, but I shouldn't even think about going down that road with this car.

Stan

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if you want to drop it just an inch you should pick up doncorleone's eibach spring set for the 1LS, VERY VERY few sets ever made, high quality, and ~1" drop, perfect mild setup for the 1LS.

awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the heads-up, PM'ed him. Think they'd be okay with GR2s? Not many other shock choices out there for me, it seems.

Stan

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

they'll be fine, should ride near stock but a little bit better in the bends. be sure to get realigned a week or two after installing the new setup (adequate shock/spring break in)