valex

I replaced front struts on my 1999 LS400 a few years ago with KYB Excel G2. My car had 144K miles on it back then. I put OEM ones on the rear and KYB G2 in front. Now, almost 45K miles later, I still feel the KYB are stiffer than OEM. I replaced rear trailing arm bushings with poly ones when I was replacing shocks/struts, but I don't think they would contribute to stiffness that much...
The ride is not horribly stiff, but a bit choppy, I would say and I miss the OEM quality ride/comfort and I am thinking about going back to OEM KYBs in front. What do you guys think?

I use OEM 16" wheels in winter (Colorado Rockies) and 18" 05 LS430 wheels in summer. Everything is stock.

Val

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I would stay with the OEM shocks if you miss the ride. Nothing else will reproduce that feel.

valex

Is parts com the least expensive, or someone knows of an even better site? On parts com it comes to $177 a piece plus $42 shipping

rljmusic

i saw a set on line and they are not just the cartridge part it was the entire strut with springs and all the goodies. I think it was on amazon or one of those parts outlets you find on line. that will save you tons of down time because those springs, without the proper tools can get you hurt or killed. I like that set up i saw i need to hunt it down so i can post it. a complete set of struts with springs is a huge time saver.

rljmusic

Complete set up with springs-1990-2000 Lexus LS400 Front Quick Complete Struts Assembly (Pair) $180.00 FREE SHIPPING here is the link at AMAZON

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Those are not OEM parts.

valex

I am not looking non-OEM struts, those are not OEM on Amazon. I want original ride and comfort level. I have spring compressor set, have done that kind of job 3 times already.

On a side note, the original springs don't "wear out", no need to replace them, correct?

Val

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

The springs CAN wear out but i would not think yours are worn. There is a measurement in the owners manual for this if your worried though. Just switch the ol springs to the new shocks.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

If your car is in a highly corrosive environment like they salt on the roads during winter or seaside that can damage the springs. The other would be towing where they are being compressed for long durations in travel. For the majority of us, you won't wear them out with the current metallurgy used in making springs.

valex

I finally got around to work on my 1999 LS, replaced the aftermarket KYB front struts with OEM KYB's. The aftremarket ones had a little over 50K miles on them and when I pulled them out and compared to OEM new ones, I noticed the new OEM shaft comes out kind of slow when pressed in and the 50K aftermaket ones were VERY slow, When I first pressed them, they just stayed compressed for a few seconds and then started to come out very-very slowly. Do you think they were toast? I got the OEM KYB's because I didnt like the ride with KYB Excel G2's.
Along with the front struts I replaced the Upper Control Arms with OEM and LBJ's OEM as well.
The UCA were original 198K miles, the bushings had a bit of play in them, but the ball joint seemed OK. LBJ's had close to 100K on them. Now the car rides almost like new, the strut rods are 1,5 old.

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

Rockauto.com has complete "pre-mounted" sets (4 units) for $309.

Limited lifetime warranty

Complete Set

Unity offers complete strut assembly sets to replace your vehicles suspension with ease. Unity complete strut assemblies include all the components required for strut replacement in a single, fully-assembled unit. This breakthrough design saves on installation time by eliminating the process of disassembling components and compressing the coil spring prior to installation. It also eliminates the safety hazards associated with the decompression of the coil spring. Every strut assembly features application engineered valves to optimize each vehicle’s unique ride and handling characteristics. All replacement parts from Unity Automotive will meet or exceed your original equipment standards
Components Included:

•Pre-Assembled Replacement Bearing Plates
•Top Mounts
•Upper & Lower Spring Isolators
•Upper Spring Seat
•Coil Spring
•Premium Rubber Dust Boot
•Premium Gas Charged Quality Strut

valex

I want to keep the original LS ride quality, hence replacing suspention components with OEM parts.
The KYB Excel G2 struts were not the same as OEM KYB's, stiffer/ choppy ride and looks like they didn't last very long anyway.

Nishy

Unity struts are pretty garbage.... Source: I sell them. Just go with KYBs and rent a spring compressor if you need to. They're not too expensive.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

The pre-assembled deals are crap. useful if you want to spend the rest of your "lifetime" continuously changing out failing, crappily made shock assemblies.

valex

The old KYB's Excel G2 strut shaft takes over a minute to come out competely when pressed in.
Just wanted to confirm it's not normal.