My car rides like a charm at stock height on chrome 17" wheels, lowered (with Datasysytems) on 17" chrome wheels and lowered down to a half inch gap with 20" wheels. I've never had a problem and absolutely love the ride and handling of this car. I can't even tell it's been lowered, and the drop is 2.5"!!!

 

Dr Jekyll, did you install the Datasystem yourself? If so, was it difficult?

 

we need pics!

 

Here's a straight shot to show how low I got it on the Datasystems F5/R4 with manual sensor adjustment on the fronts only, the front end was really that high prior to the adjustments. Keep on the look out for a few nicer pictures to be posted later.

 

Well, went out to the garage this morning to find my 2002 LS 430 leaning to the right. Thought maybe a flat tire? No, the air suspension has failed again! Had struts replaced at 75,000 and now it's in the shop again at 92,000! Is there an after market kit to replace the air struts with normal less expensive struts???

 

maybe just buy a set of coilovers?

 

I Don't Need Air Suspen. The Ride Doesn't Seem Smoother, And The Car Looks Off Balance In Park In Sport Mode. Also The Sport And Normal Mode Hardly Has Any Difference. I Had The Front Shocks Replaced Under Warranty

 

I have a 01 430UL, with 112K on it. I have not had any problems with the suspension at all. I have inspected the struts and don't see any signs of leakage. The different settings when chosen do make a noticeable difference in the feel of the ride and the height adjustment works as advertised. One thing I've learned about the Lexus is that you must ensure that you use a very high quality tire and you must ensure your brake rotors are wearing evenly and if you get them turned that it's done correctly, and keep the wheels and front end balanced, or the car will be noisey and ride rough. If you do these things normally you will be happy with the ride.

TIM

 

I've owned a 95 LS400 for 8 years with 99000 miles and no issues with the air suspension.

Pat

 

02 LS430UL. No problems with the suspension at all. In fact, a remarkably reliable car.

 

Great thread! Helpful advice for me right now as I am considering a UL and have concerns about the air suspension in general.

 

Smart b8b, seeking as much info as you can from different threads is wise. The suspension info is priceless if you find great info. The info on this thread looks great!



Love GOD not money!

 

Last year, the air suspension failed on my car at 100k, the replacement parts alone would have been over $2k. When I brought it into Pohanka Lexus in Chantilly, VA, the service adviser bluntly stated the air suspension package was a hit or miss item on the LS4xx, there were 2 in the shop at the time for controller replacements. The UL is an awesome package, but I wish they would've offered the air suspension as an option.

Best of luck to you, but have some funds aside for upcoming/unexpected repairs.

 

I had no idea that the air suspension was that expensive. The info you gave for b8b is something I wish he heard about a week ago. My concern for him is expenses also. I was debating getting an ultra luxury also but,now I question if I should. My 2001 has the standard suspension and Im plenty happy with that.

I want the other features that the ultra luxury has to offer. I hope the best for b8b, i feel he had to get what he truly wanted and you advice is priceless for him so, he knows what to look out for in terms of repairs he might have to make. Its a risk I guess all luxury car owners take buying more costly autos.

Great info for b8b, im sure hes grateful. Im grateful for your info as well, fangtl



Love GOD not money

 

Can you convert the air suspension to spring coil? I did that on my Range Rover (they are not "if" it fails, but "when" it fails.