Just a quick update — more owners have been raising concerns about OEM parts becoming harder to find, especially for critical parts.
What started as a small discussion has now grown to over 600 people acknowledging the issue, and it’s still slowly increasing.
Interesting to see how widespread this might actually be as more people speak up.

For anyone curious what people are saying and join the effort, https://c.org/5RtkfxZMwK

 

Has anyone compiled a list, no matter how short, of parts that are verified NLA?
I ask because, personally, I have not noticed an issue with availability.
Yes, of course, it's coming, and good to be proactive, but an actual list would be very helpful.

Your post HERE suggests the dealer would not be bothered to find/sell parts, but that doesn't necessarily mean those parts are NLA.

 

Reman Transmission (showed in stock ordered and told not available), Air suspension compressor (showed in stock ordered and told not available), and Steering Column no longer available. This experience prompted me to start the petition.

Here is the short listSuspension Shock Absorber (Right, Rear)
Suspension Shock Absorber (Left, Rear)
Coil Spring (Left, Right, Rear)
Coil Spring (Left, Right, Rear)
ARM ASSEMBLY, REAR SUSPENSION, NO. 2 RIGHT
Steering Column Tube (Upper)
SHAFT ASSEMBLY, STEERING MAIN
Steering Shaft
Steering Column Switch Housing
UNION SUB-ASSEMBLY, PRESSURE PORT
UNION, POWER STEERING SUCTION PORT
Brake Master Cylinder
Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir
SUPPORT SUB-ASSEMBLY, BRAKE PEDALACTUATOR ASSEMBLY, ABS & TRACTION
HOSE, BRAKE ACTUATOR
ABS Modulator Bracket
TUBE, FRONT BRAKE, NO. 1
TUBE, REAR BRAKE, NO. 1
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (Front)Air Suspension Compressor Bracket
Air Suspension Compressor Line
GEAR, REAR DIFFERENTIAL SIDE
PINION
CV Axle (Right, Rear)
CV Axle (Left, Rear)
Air Filter and Housing
Engine Air Intake Hose​​​​​​
Engine Oil Dipstick Tube
Engine Oil Pan
Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Set
Engine Mount Bracket (Right, Front)
Engine Mount Bracket (Left, Front)
A/C Compressor Clutch Pulley
A/C Compressor Clutch Coil
A/C Compressor
COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY, COOLER
COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY, COOLER
HUB SUB-ASSEMBLY, MAGNET CLUTCH
A/C Compressor Clutch
BRACKET, COOLER COMPRESSOR
Cabin Air Temperature Sensor
THERMISTOR, COOLER (SENSOR, SMOG VENTILATION)
RADIATOR ASSEMBLY, AIR CONDITIONER
A/C Compressor Clutch Pulley
ABS Control Module
COMPUTER ASSEMBLY, SKID CONTROL
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (Right, Rear)
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (Left, Rear
PIPE SUB-ASSEMBLY, FUEL DELIVERY

 

Excellent, Thank You!
I didn't go through the entire list, but I did check the top 3 or 4.
Lexus shows rear air struts NLA for 2001 cars, but available for 2003 to 2006.
They may not be the EXACT same part, but physically, in regards to fitment, they are the same.
Look at Arnott air struts on Rockauto, they show the same part number for 2001 to 2006.
Standard, non air, struts are a similar situation. They changed from mono tube to twin tube* somewhere around 2003, so part numbers are different. The fit, physically, is the same.
Go back through the list and search for 2003 to 2006 availability. I think your NLA list will become shorter.

It pays to learn how to navigate Lexus dealer parts websites.
Example-
Look for internal steering rack parts. Seals, O-rings, bearings, etc.
You will not find them if searching for a 2004 to 2006 model, but you will find them for the earlier cars.

* I may have this reversed; I don't remember exactly.

 

Any other confirmation, anyone has successfully use 2003-6 air struts in 2001?

 

@clubls , WHOA, that is some serious research! All I was thinking about were the floor mats and the electric rear window shades. But in all seriousness I am interested as I plan to keep my near-mint 04 through it's end of life, and it is only at 165k. I signed the petition and will be observing.
Here is a related thread I started:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...he-future.html

I don't have air suspension, but this thread may have some insights for you:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...04-2006-a.html

I would say chime in on that thread, that will send it back to the top and perhaps garner some new knowledge.

 

Let's get the momentum going. Please join us at https://ls430parts.org

 

Hi. I did a lot of research because the chunk of change you'll spend is significant.

My conclusion has led to a resounding: NO, they are not "compatible" in the strict sense of the word.

You can bolt them on, yes.
But they appear to be marginally different in that the 2004-2005 struts are longer than the new struts to compensate for the change to 18" wheels on the facelift models.
Japanese owners of the UCF30 (the Celsior/LS430) have reported a possible change in ride signature becoming harsher
I believe that it is perhaps the ECU mapping of the suspension. Facelift ECU would prefer a more "sporty", harsher, strut setting (understanding that the 2004-2006 are also a bit longer)
This goes in line with some marketing claim by Lexus that the facelift models had a different suspension profile.

My thinking is that the latter facelift 430s had their rides made more firm because people may have "complained" that they did not feel excited by the way the car drove back in 2001-2003 compared to a 7 series of the then S class of the time.
Lexus then responded by "planting" the car more at the loss of some ride comfort.

You should also know that older struts will feel softer, smoother than whatever new struts you get.
As the new ones wear out, you will get a far more plush ride.

 

Also, for anyone reading:

I have gone through a lengthy full suspension (control arms, struts, etc restoration on my 430.

This is my guy in Osaka.

https://sozotas.co.jp/

Get in in touch. He'll find you almost anything...except rear air struts.
Those are just NLA

 

Why would a strut need to be longer to accommodate the 18" wheel?
If you do the math, factoring the aspect ratio (sidewall height) of the tire, all three 430 wheel/tire combinations are the same overall height/diameter (+/- .15")
The largest difference in height is actually between the 16" to 17" at .14" (9/64"), but the 18" wheel is actually smaller than the 17" by .06" (1/16").
The 45 sidewall on the 18" wheel is short and rather stiff compared to the 60 and 55, providing a stiffer, somewhat harsh, sporty feel.
16-Inch Wheels-225/60R16
17-Inch wheels-225/55R17
18-Inch wheels- 245/45R/18

 

I understand. I am not for arguing what is what, just giving up the info on what I have found and what has been the experience of others because I, too, was trying to see if I could buy the facelift struts and fit them.
This is what was written about it, along with other reports of ride quality differences.
Whether that may be strut design, strut length, etc, is beyond me.
If our man here wants to give that a shot, I would LOVE to know.
But if it does not work the intended way, it's a lot of money (and mechanic time) spent on finding out.

Maybe a ring to a Lexus workshop to see if they can sell him the rear struts or if they can confirm his model year is compatible with the facelift struts.

 

is he finding you new oem or just good Japanese aftermarket?

 

New OEM only.
In my experience, you send him the part number you want, he'll check with the manufacturer and get back to you on stock and pricing within a day or two.
In some cases the part number could be updated and he'll notify you of this. You can decide if you want to go ahead with those or not.
Most of the time, his prices are Amayama or tad lower.
What you get from him, that you don't with Amayama, is that he can quickly check if something is NLA faster and you can place an order with him faster.
If you have a banking app like Revolut or similar, you can transfer money to him faster than with the brick and mortar banks.
This speeds your payment to him and he orders faster from the manufacturer to get stuff ready for you faster.

I forgot to add: he is Seagulls_Japan on ebay. The man has a solid track record.

 

I asked a few dealers they cannot comment on the fit. They asked me to check reddit

 

That's not a great reply. Then again, not all dealers are created equal, so I would make a phone call to a couple just to double check.
If you are in Europe, I have used Nagengast in Poland to clean, reassemble, re-seal and re-bag my struts.
They are widely known in the BMW, Merc, Porsche forums.
They did an excellent job and the price for doing the it was just under a new pair of struts and some 30% less than a pair of the Arnotts which have wildly mixed reviews online.