In the market for some shocks, my 98' ls400 has 147,000 miles on it and im sure its time for a new set of shocks all around. I see the two main brands that are a direct OEM fit are KYB and bilstein which one is recommended.

 

"im sure its time" - I thought the same thing when I replaced all 4 on mine at around 170k miles. After doing the job, I think one was probably in need of replacement and the others could have gone a while longer.

Of course I don't know your car, but you might consider that they're still good at this high mileage.

On my '91, I replaced with KYB GR-2's and am very happy with them. KYB was the OES for the shocks. Supposedly these KYB GR-2's are valved slightly differently from the Genuine Lexus ones, perhaps to make them different for marketing purposes, perhaps to make them better suited for a 150k+ car's worn suspension.

 

They should last a lot longer than that, make sure
my 99 at 165k mikes still has good bounce.

 

My Lexus mech told me not to change it until it breaks haha

 

Leave it be!

 

I'm at 277k on my 97's front shocks and I think they might be "tired" but as far as damping, it passes a basic bounce test. Unfortunately, when undergoing moderate bumps it feels a bit too soft, so I'm going to replace mine with KYBs in the near future

 

the KYB shocks will give you the factory stock feel, bilsteins are a bit stiffer

 

Can be hard to determine when on the car unless there is an obvious leak. Ours were pulled off at 82K and all 4 were dead, no rebound at all. Once compressed they stayed that way and it didn't take much strength to compress or extend. You could set them how you wanted and feel the sections that were easier or firmer along the stroke. I snapped a pic of them on the garage floor after compressing them and next day some 12 hours later only two had rebounded maybe 2". (Not sure if I can find the pic though I'll look.) LOL. Asked the mechanic and he relayed they can go bad as little as 30K or go as long at 150K miles. If the roads are super smooth than the probability for longer life is much better.

As for best shock, that depends what ride characteristic you desire. I like the Bilstein.

 

do you reuse your old spring on these Kyb shock when it's time to change out?

 

Most instances you'll be fine to use the spring. If on inspection there is deep pitting, cracks or layers are flaking off, or when measuring their length they are obviously different then you will want to consider a replacement. Snow or coastal region areas this is a stronger consideration opposed to drier regions.

 

I replaced my shocks with bilstein. I like it a lot but it is a little stiffer than stock, which I don't mind as my other car is a B8 S4 on h&r springs/bilsteins as well.

 

I bought my 97 LS400 when it was a year old & have the car for 19 years now. Car is at 235K miles & still drive like a new car. I've replaced the shocks/struts on all 4 corners with KYB GR-2 Excel-G's at 100K miles interval & the old ones were all shot every time (none of them leaked, just didn't bounce back when compressed). The KYB GR-2 Excel-G's ride are identical as OEM's. I've also replaced the top strut mounts & the sleeves as peace of mind.

 

I have a 99LS with 222K miles, years ago I put OEM KYBs on the rear and KYB G-2's in the front. The ride was much stiffer and choppy, unpleasant for my taste. The G-2's lasted under 50K and I put OEM KYBs in and got my Lexus ride back. OEM are more expensive, but worth it for me, I value comfort and softness above all in my LS!