Hi Everyone,

My recently purchased 03 LS430 with 225,00km (140,000miles) has had a front end knock since I bough it and upon inspection the MAIN issue is a totally flogged out tie rod and semi-bad rack end. Easy fix, I'll replace both tie rods and rack ends and I absolutely intend to also replace the lower REAR (the big) bush on the lower control arms too but upon inspection the FRONT bushes have a bit of play too. Nothing TOO bad but to replace them it looks like the only sensible option is a complete lower arm. I am not keen on chinese aftermarket however genuine is unpleasently expensive for a pair.

I'm wonding if anyone has experience with these and whether or not I should just do the darn job or leave it and see how it goes. It's one of those "while I'm in there, might as well do everything" things, and if it were a $30 bush, or even a $50 bush I would just do it, but I don't want to spend money if i don't HAVE to.

FYI, I am also doing upper control arms, sway bar links, sway bar mounts and ball joints, it's just these arms are so expensive and I'm not totally sure I NEEEED them.

Input from anyone who has done front end work on their 430 or anyone with experience with Chinese aftermarket control arms would be appreciated. Cheers!!

 

This bushing? - https://febestparts.com/FRONT_ARM_BU...IT/TAB-374-KIT

Yes, you’re smart to stay away from the aftermarket LCA’s like Mevotech.
I could be wrong but I think Febest is the ONLY way to buy just the bushing.

 

Yep, that is the bush. I do not trust Febest, I've had too many mechanics tell me to avoid Febest and by the looks of it they are the only ones who have the bush without the arm. I'd 100% buy the bush if it were available through Toyota but the fact that Toyota do not supply the bush without the arm tells me there is a reason for it.

 

Comparing competitive US prices Impex Japan is basically 50% cheaper for the genuine OE part, or 2 for 1 if you will.
Shipping will obviously add to that as it’s not a small part but you should still come out well ahead.
Amayama is not quite as cheap as Impex but still better than US dealers.
I have no clue what sort of pricing you’re subject to in Queensland.

 

I've not tried Impex. I'm trying to check their prices right now but their site seems to be down. Best price I've found is around $240USD + shipping each. All in all it's not the worst price but if I can get away with NOT replacing them I'd rather that.

 

Impex isn’t down I just checked their price.
$122 ea. but like I said S&H will not be cheap.

Amayama is showing $160 ea. plus S&H

 

I should mention that I have to go with aftermarket upper control arms because a pair of genuine is looking like $1200 AUD + shipping while aftermarket is only $200 landed. I really do want to use all OE parts but sometimes prices are inhibitive.

 

Weird, Amayama shows $203USD + shipping for me.

Yoshiparts = $230USD + shipping

Burjauto = $238 + shipping

From my end $160USD is seeming like a good price.

 

Hmmm
Amayama on my end-
$296 ea from UAE
$160 ea from Japan
Logistics…

 

Some sites add your countries import duties and taxes if applicable, but some don't.
They also price differently depending on the amount of paperwork that is required for shipping to some countries.

 

I ran into the same problem, my lowers were toast. I did the after market (Mevo from RockA) parts on my 2005 LS430 with 180,000 miles on the odometer. Sold it with 240,000 miles to a friend. I never had to align again after the initial work and he tells me It still drives great 2 years later.

PS - also have a 2004 LS 430 Sport with 115,000 miles and the 2005 drove better. I did lower ball joints and upper control arms on the ‘04 so far.

Good luck.