LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Twisting when downshift

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-05-13, 11:34 AM
  #1  
deanshark
Pole Position
Thread Starter
 
deanshark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ct
Posts: 3,273
Received 312 Likes on 269 Posts
Default Twisting when downshift

When I downshift out of overdrive into 3rd (any speed over 40) or from 3rd to 2nd (between 30-40) the back of the car feels like it wants to twist to the right. Then it will like shake once to left and right real quick. Nothing that will cause me to be out of control but very noticable. Doesn't do it when I brake, just downshift. I've always downshifted with this car since I bought it. Most of my old cars were standard so it's pretty much just a habit. I know it's b/c of a suspension part but not sure what. Everything looks good, but as we all know, looks are deceiving on all the LS400 bushings. I do have a bad spring/shock which I need to return for a refund but I had the same symptom even when I had the airshocks on it. If it shifts on its own (up or down) it feels, and rides, fine. I will be changing the shock next month so I need to know which part this could be so I can change at the same time. Any ideas?
TIA.
Old 10-05-13, 04:39 PM
  #2  
LScowboyLS
Lexus Champion
 
LScowboyLS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 0
Received 81 Likes on 39 Posts
Default

have you changed the tranny mount utilizing the real Toyota part (cheap & easy)?
Old 10-05-13, 07:08 PM
  #3  
deanshark
Pole Position
Thread Starter
 
deanshark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ct
Posts: 3,273
Received 312 Likes on 269 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LScowboyLS
have you changed the tranny mount utilizing the real Toyota part (cheap & easy)?
Been thinking about it for a while b/c I have a very, very tiny vibration on the shifter. (Barely noticable) And once in a while I get like an engine jump when I'm starting it. It's on the list. It still looks good but probably not after looking at some of other members pics of theirs when they came off.
Anything else it could be? I just want to have everything in one shot. (Seeing how I'll have the money soon.)
Old 10-05-13, 10:00 PM
  #4  
LScowboyLS
Lexus Champion
 
LScowboyLS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 0
Received 81 Likes on 39 Posts
Default

new bushings/ball joints throughout the suspension - do you want a complete list?

PS - the real Toyota tranny mount is like only $40 or so online and can be installed in 10 minutes, I would do that like tomorrow!

PS - try to buy strictly Toyota parts on all suspension parts (huge difference in quality), although, sadly, not every bushing is still available, but at least try!
Old 10-06-13, 07:18 AM
  #5  
deanshark
Pole Position
Thread Starter
 
deanshark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ct
Posts: 3,273
Received 312 Likes on 269 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LScowboyLS
new bushings/ball joints throughout the suspension - do you want a complete list?

PS - the real Toyota tranny mount is like only $40 or so online and can be installed in 10 minutes, I would do that like tomorrow!

PS - try to buy strictly Toyota parts on all suspension parts (huge difference in quality), although, sadly, not every bushing is still available, but at least try!
Nah, I dont need a list, I know what parts are on there. I dont want to change everything though, the car isn't worth that much anymore. It's old and starting to become a beater. Just want to do what it desperately needs. Plus, right now, I drive less then 50 miles a week. The tranny mount will be done, along with the front UCAs, but needs to wait til next month when I get back to work. Then I'll average over 1000 miles a week. Could this twisting feeling in the rear be caused from the front upper ball joints? I know they are bad even though the front feels tight.
Old 10-06-13, 08:09 AM
  #6  
LScowboyLS
Lexus Champion
 
LScowboyLS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 0
Received 81 Likes on 39 Posts
Default

have you done strut rod bushings and did you use the real Toyota bushings and install them properly clocked (360 orientation) and torqued down with car on its own weight on the ground?
Old 10-06-13, 09:26 AM
  #7  
deanshark
Pole Position
Thread Starter
 
deanshark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ct
Posts: 3,273
Received 312 Likes on 269 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LScowboyLS
have you done strut rod bushings and did you use the real Toyota bushings and install them properly clocked (360 orientation) and torqued down with car on its own weight on the ground?
No, I haven't done anything suspension wise except changed the air shocks to springs. I'll have it on a lift in a couple weeks and I'll be able to check everything better then just on a jack.
Btw, it's my 93 and it has 151k miles. Air shocks went out at exactly 150, go figure.
Old 10-06-13, 02:51 PM
  #8  
python
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (4)
 
python's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: ca
Posts: 1,840
Received 26 Likes on 24 Posts
Default

check the rear trailing arm bushings
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bryceis250
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
11
10-12-18 03:59 AM
SuicidnS13
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
2
03-23-13 12:52 PM
ca18det
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
2
03-05-12 05:04 PM
ur2slow1
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
30
04-27-09 03:34 PM
Bradster
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
2
07-25-08 11:11 AM



Quick Reply: Twisting when downshift



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:53 AM.