Hi,I wanted to ask about your experience with replacing the air suspension with BC or Tein coilovers on a 2003 LS430. I’m really concerned about keeping that smooth ride that the air suspension offers. I’ve seen a lot of folks on the forum making the switch to coilovers, so I’d love to hear your thoughts and any advice you might have on that and what would be the advantage of replacing them besides lowering it for the looks.

Also, on a different note, could you recommend the best rim size and the widest tires that would fit without rubbing or grinding against the fenders? I want to make sure everything fits perfectly.

Thanks a ton!

 

The search button at the top of the page will get you answers to all your questions

 

I just replaced my front 2 air-struts with Chinese made air-struts and they feel like OEM so far.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226720587264
I am only 1500 miles in but considering they cost me US$750 for the pair (plus fitting), they are considerably cheaper than the OEMs.
I don't doubt that the longevity won't be there but then I probably won't be alive in 20 years either and I am pretty certain that my 21 year old LS430 won't either, so not worth spending $3700 for 2 front OEM air-struts.
If these last me 5 years I'll be happy. Any more than that is a bonus.

 

The difference between air suspension and a coil over is night and day. If you are focused on smoth ride...air

 

Great to know, as I am still on originals. How did you know it was time? sagging? ride quality? I've never wanted to risk it until I have to.

 

The front right strut had "misting" on the shaft at the annual inspection and the car had developed a wobble when driving over bumps, so that strut had lost some of it's damping.
I decided to replace them both at the same time since the front left gets hammered being nearest the kerb in the UK.

The new struts solved all of that and she drives better than at any time since I have owned her.
She now has that firm but smooth feel when throwing her through the twisties but floaty when at speed on a motorway.
Best of all worlds which is why I wanted to keep the air-suspension 😁