BNR34

iTrader: (1)

So one of my air strut went bad on my UL, @62k miles

Lexus corporate is very gracious and agreed to pay for 50% of the bill even though my car is out of warranty by 12k miles. But 50% of $1600 is still $800. One time is ok, but I don't want to keep replacing $1k per shock every 60k miles, I plan to keep this car for a very long time.

So I am considering converting to steel springs/conventional struts, because the whole set up would only be around ~$1000.

The problem is, there are almost no aftermarket shocks available for the LS430. Everyone make stuff for the LS400, but not for the 430

My favorite is Bilstein, but they don't make it

The only shocks I can find is KYB GR-2, which is not the coolest.

My previous coilover's experience left a bad taste in my mouth, so I want to stay away if I can. And I don't like the valving in TEIN's shocks.

My best option right now is the OEM sport shocks, with some lowering springs from Tein or Tanabe.

Please post all available shock and coilover options that you know of, and share your experience with them.

Also I want to know if there are shocks from other car model that would bolt onto the LS430. Like how 2nd gen GS shocks fit the SC430....etc.

Thank you very much.

airtime

Sorry to hear that it went bad. Did they explain what actually had gone bad? A bad seal, leakage that can't be fix, etc?

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. We all know it will fail sooner or later, just depends on when. Mine just went bad a little sooner then I hope.

Nope, just like always, the dealer is completely worthless, clueless, no help at all to me. I took my car there just to see how much Lexus is willing to assist.

The dealer did nothing but confirmed what I pointed out to them, that the shock lost all dampening ability. They can't give me a clue or reason why it went bad.

My case is kinda weird, that only the shock absorber lost all resistance. The air spring is functioning perfectly. It maintain height perfectly, no sag at all. And the car goes up and down perfectly when I engage the high setting. The weird part is, there is no leak at all on the shock body, it is 100% bone dry. I guess a shock can go bad without any leak. Obviously the dealer don't offer rebuild service. There are a few aftermarket companies that rebuild LS400's air struts, but they haven't progress to the 430 yet.

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

Ohh God, so it happens to you, at 60k!!

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, well, the shock is a wear item, it is going to wear out sooner or later.

Don't cry, give me some suggestion on aftermarket shocks!

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

I called the shop I know, they said the ones they can order are OEMs, and KYB, and some unknown brand (cheapo)...

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Probably Monroe, they have an application for the LS430.

I'll do OEM sport before Monroe

Thank you for your effort

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

So that time has come

I should research more but what about the thread that you started regarding the rebuilt?

This did cross my mind for a bit:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/clu...sion-sale.html

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, it is inevitable

That company is still working on it. That was why I wanted to push them to hurry

No aftermarket air suspension for me!

JP2SEA

iTrader: (3)

I know you mentioned no air suspension but have you researched on you zealand's 3D Dumper (Aragosta shocks with Eibach spring) ? or Hybrid AirSus?

I'm thinking about these if my other air sus fails. I personally do not want to kill the air suspensions (so my choice will be Hybrid).

I've actually talked to the owner of you zealand before, and he is very very into the car's handling, so his product is not just for the lowered looks.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

JP2SEA,

I just want to drive and enjoy the car, I don't have any interest in spending time and money to R&D any aftermarket suspension parts

jman-LS430

Hey BNR34, good luck on our decision on which way to go. For reference, if it were me, I would risk it and pay the $800 hoping that that will by me some time until the aftermarket guys who refurbish OEM Air Suspension start supporting the LS430.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Thank you for your good opinion

Yes I am schedule to take Lexus's 50% offer to put in that new air strut. I am hoping if my theory is right, that only the one strut in that corner wears out prematurely, so after this new strut, the other 3 struts would last for quite some time. And hopefully by that time, there are aftermarket OEM air struts available.

I am just starting my research, because if all the struts fail every 60k miles, I am definitely not paying $4k every 60k miles. I plan to keep this car for as long as I can, this is my favorite body style

I test drove a LS600hL last week for future reference of a possible next car, as nice as the 600 is, I still prefer the LS430.