Notices
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Best Stock Suspension Replacement?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 5, 2023 | 03:06 PM
  #1  
AngoLS430's Avatar
AngoLS430
Thread Starter
Driver
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 55
Likes: 11
From: California
Exclamation Best Stock Suspension Replacement?

Hi everyone, I have a 2001 LS430 UL (178,000 mi.). The dampening in my rear passenger-side air suspension is leaking oil and has gone bad (the airbag is still intact). Still a smooth ride but definitely not as good as I want it to be. I just purchased a whole new* set of OEM air struts that have 72,000 miles on them, a whole 100,000 fewer miles and they all check out! I want to take it a step further and get all new suspension components such as upper and lower control arms, tie rods, ball joints, and knuckles. I don't know what brand to get and what is best suited for my car. I want them to be brand new, and don't want to break the bank with OEM parts. Is there anything I can purchase that is close to OEM spec, as I do not want to put cheap, crapy parts on my car. I also have the air suspension controller for my stock air suspension (asc 680), so I would like parts that work well with a lowered vehicle! Hopefully, I'm going down the right route with this as I'd like to keep my car as stock as possible.

I appreciate any input, criticism, and feedback given, thanks!

Angelo
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2023 | 09:27 AM
  #2  
dan25man's Avatar
dan25man
Intermediate
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 427
Likes: 183
From: VA
Default

Mevotech's stuff is pretty good. Sometimes they design grease nipples on their stuff and I don't like that. In my opinion ball joints should be greased and sealed units. Otherwise just make sure to fill them with grease before use because they are shipped empty. I'd also say that the front suspension is a pretty easy job, but the rear... Unless you've got lots of play in the rear upper/lower arms/ball joints I wouldn't replace those. The knuckles don't need to be replaced but you can probably get new wheel bearings to install onto them.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2023 | 10:40 AM
  #3  
ls430w140's Avatar
ls430w140
Advanced
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 716
Likes: 168
From: FL
Default

Originally Posted by AngoLS430
Hi everyone, I have a 2001 LS430 UL (178,000 mi.). The dampening in my rear passenger-side air suspension is leaking oil and has gone bad (the airbag is still intact). Still a smooth ride but definitely not as good as I want it to be. I just purchased a whole new* set of OEM air struts that have 72,000 miles on them, a whole 100,000 fewer miles and they all check out! I want to take it a step further and get all new suspension components such as upper and lower control arms, tie rods, ball joints, and knuckles. I don't know what brand to get and what is best suited for my car. I want them to be brand new, and don't want to break the bank with OEM parts. Is there anything I can purchase that is close to OEM spec, as I do not want to put cheap, crapy parts on my car. I also have the air suspension controller for my stock air suspension (asc 680), so I would like parts that work well with a lowered vehicle! Hopefully, I'm going down the right route with this as I'd like to keep my car as stock as possible.

I appreciate any input, criticism, and feedback given, thanks!

Angelo
Why would you need to replace steering knuckles?

most of aftermarket parts to replace control arms and other components are of average or significantly lower quality than OEM. I know Proforge could be potentially a solid alternative, but you need to make a choice whether you’re going long term with OEM quality, or short term disregarding Lexus comfort settings to choose Moog, Mevotech, Beck and Arnley etc.

Some people have luck putting lower cost lower grade components, but everything there including rubber compounds, metal quality, bolts and other hardware are going to last less time.
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2023 | 11:32 AM
  #4  
bradland's Avatar
bradland
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 824
From: 565 St Peter NOLA
Default

Originally Posted by dan25man
Mevotech's stuff is pretty good.
The answer to the question is simple- Best = Genuine Toyota/Lexus.
Sorry Dan, I wouldn't use Mevotech parts if they were FREE.

Ball joint failure is not pretty...

Last edited by bradland; Mar 6, 2023 at 11:38 AM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
forsythia
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
17
Jul 9, 2018 04:22 PM
devD
GX - 1st Gen (2003-2009)
3
Jan 18, 2017 09:38 AM
turbo_dreams
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
5
Jan 3, 2016 08:28 AM
MX5
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
15
Jan 6, 2015 09:03 PM
Salil022
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
1
Jun 12, 2008 07:17 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:33 PM.

story-0
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-3
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-5
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)

Slideshow: reviewing the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury plug-in hybrid crossover SUV!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-05 19:04:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus and Toyota model of the 1990s ranked.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-04 12:35:11


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models

Slideshow: 10 Toyotas that could have been Lexus models.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 11:44:33


VIEW MORE