First time post here, so far I have found a bunch of helpful information; thanks to the previous posters! Unfortunately I can't link anything yet because I am new to the forum.
Topic of post is lower control arms and/or LCA bushing replacement. I would really appreciate some feedback from people who have gone with one of the "non-standard" options (aftermarket or retrofit).

For replacement I have found three main options:

1. Replace entire lower control arm. RH 48620-50050 LH 48640-50050.
PROS:
- Peace of mind
- Relatively easy replacement.
- Includes other bushing which is difficult to find otherwise.
CONS:
- Most expensive.
PRICING:
a. OEM from local dealership (Not available from bell lexus ebay). RH $343.96 / LH $325.08. TOTAL ($669.04 / set) pre tax, local pickup.
b. Rockauto MEVOTECH - I have heard mixed reviews, anyone have experience with these? RH $96.79 / LH $94.99 - original grade or RH $124.79 / LH $119.79 - supreme. 12.99 SH. TOTAL (supreme) ($257.57 / set) pre tax ~1 week shipping.
c. Import (Amayama) TOTAL ($462.50 / set) pre tax, 2+ week shipping

2. Replace LCA bushings (48655-50012).
PROS:
- Maintains factory installation.
- ~55% of the cost of replacing entire LCA.
CONS:
- Relatively difficult to install, can easily damage bushing bracket.
- requires a press to reinstall bushing.
- Tooling recommended (SST 09710-28012-01 s/o @otcviper). *SST not strictly required, see video from @LILEVO. @jazzygirl also did a good write up on this.
PRICING:
a. OEM local dealer $180.88 / piece. ($361.76 / set) pre tax, local pickup
b. OEM from Bell Lexus. $240 + $9.00 SH for a pair. ($249.00 / set) pre tax. ~1 week shipping
c. Import (Amayama) $34.71 / piece. TOTAL (amayama $94.15 / set) (impex $79.04 / set) pre tax ~2 week shipping?

3. Retrofit IS / GS bushings + brackets (48075-30030 48076-30030).S/O @mykvr6 @gemineye. I am very curious to hear how these bushings are still holding up, I would assume well since it is still OEM.
PROS:
- Better price.
- OEM Toyota quality.
- Availability.
- Very easy installation
CONS:
- Requires removal of special dished washer.
- Harsher / sportier ride? Curious on opinions from anyone who has done this.
PRICING:
a. OEM local dealer 98.69 / piece; (197.38 / set)
b. Ebay ($75-100 / set). Anyone have recommendations for ebay vendors?
c. Rockauto SKP SKMCK3216 ($33.79 / set)
d. Import Amayama ($74.30 / set)

I tried to include as much helpful information as I could for anyone else who might be looking into this; I know it is a common issue with these cars. I am really looking forward to hearing feedback from folks who have gone with the non-standard options.

Details on bushing replacement:
I picked up some bushings from my local dealership and was going to go that route, planning on pressing them using the tooling from Harbor frieght's 57996 joint press kit, which I already had. Unfortunately, the largest "cup" has an inner diameter of ~71mm and the OEM bushings have an outer diameter of ~77mm. If anyone is curious the depth of the bushing is ~52mm.
There are not many options for tooling as far as I could find. I heard some guys found custom tooling on ebay but the link was dead ofc.
I saw that Figs engineering may install the bushings for you if you send them the housing and new bushing, not sure if they still do that.
I'm trying to avoid using the ears of the bushing brackets as I have seen those get bent from pressing. I will probably go with the removal method that @jazzygirl outlined in her post (using a sawzall).

Now that I have done a little more research, I am really curious about the IS / GS retrofit. Pricing is reasonable, quality should be good, installation is super easy. Anyone who has done this, please let me know how the ride was affected.

Additionally, vendor recommendations are appreciated .

Once I have the permissions, I can update the thread with links to the threads / parts / videos I have mentioned.

 

One other option is from RC F / GS F. Part numbers are 48075-24010 and 48076-24010. Someone posted this option on this site years ago, but I cannot find the post to give them credit. The thought was that these were for the 5L engine, so they would be closer to the LS weight. I see these on ebay for some U$90 or so.

I did this about 5 years ago. No problems with it. I did do alignment after as these are a bit thicker. Ride was firmer, but not substantially to my butt-o-meter. The car still rides very well.

From an ebay listing

PS - near as I can tell, your option 1 does not include these bushings. They slide onto the "spindle" on the upper left of the photo below. So just a heads up.

 

Thanks for the reply, that is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. I think it is a safe assumption that the part for the F versions is built for more weight, and probably a better fit.

Good call on the lower control arm replacement, I believe you are right for the OEM parts. I misunderstood because it looks like aftermarket versions (rockauto) comes with the larger bushing as well. Considering that, the price difference is even larger; still I don't think it is worth because of the difference in quality.

 

[QUOTE=BC Rider;11957316]One other option is from RC F / GS F. Part numbers are 48075-24010 and 48076-24010. Someone posted this option on this site years ago, but I cannot find the post to give them credit. The thought was that these were for the 5L engine, so they would be closer to the LS weight. I see these on ebay for some U$90 or so.

I did this about 5 years ago. No problems with it. I did do alignment after as these are a bit thicker. Ride was firmer, but not substantially to my butt-o-meter. The car still rides very well.

This!!