LS 430....Experiences with Tanabe NF 210 and DF 210 springs
09-11-10, 05:35 AM
#19
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Difference between "OEM Euro Sport shocks" and KYB GR2
I converted my 05' LS430 UL from air suspension to the NF210 springs with OEM Euro Sport shocks, it is exactly what I am looking for. Sounds like you have the same preference as well. I didn't want coilovers for the exact reasons you stated, and most coilover's company don't sell each shock individually, you have to buy the entire suspension kit or have them rebuild every 30k~50k miles, it is a pain.
I picked the NF over the DF because like you said, the DF is only 0.2" lower on the rear, and mind you since the UL is heavier on the back, it brings down the NF just enough for the perfect rake look. I also don't want the DF's higher spring rate in fear of ruining the ride. The ride is perfect for me now, it rides pretty much the same as a stock sport suspension car, it is actually a hair less harsh because the stock sport suspension have firmer A-arm bushings that transmit more harshness from the road.
Initially when the springs was first installed, the car was sitting higher then I want, but after a few months, the springs settled down quite a bit more and the height is perfect now. It is slightly lower then most stock AMGs, which is exactly what I want
See pics of my car here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4973759-post1.html
I picked the NF over the DF because like you said, the DF is only 0.2" lower on the rear, and mind you since the UL is heavier on the back, it brings down the NF just enough for the perfect rake look. I also don't want the DF's higher spring rate in fear of ruining the ride. The ride is perfect for me now, it rides pretty much the same as a stock sport suspension car, it is actually a hair less harsh because the stock sport suspension have firmer A-arm bushings that transmit more harshness from the road.
Initially when the springs was first installed, the car was sitting higher then I want, but after a few months, the springs settled down quite a bit more and the height is perfect now. It is slightly lower then most stock AMGs, which is exactly what I want
See pics of my car here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4973759-post1.html
Last edited by vollandt; 09-11-10 at 07:11 AM.
10-22-10, 05:53 PM
#20
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Hey all, I am wanting to convert my 02 UL (120,000 miles) from air suspension to normal coils. I want to keep and maintain the closest ride quality compared to the air suspension. I dont really care about it being lowered or anything like that....Anyone have any recommendations on which struts, coils and shocks to buy. Can you get normal (ml, cl) OEM suspension parts from lexus? Thanks!
10-24-10, 10:45 AM
#21
I went with the DF210 springs and OEM sport package shocks. My car came with the sport package , When i added the DF210 springs i almost think it softened the ride up just a little, I would go with the DF210s , It brings it down about an inch and keeps a nice soft ride.
10-26-10, 05:11 AM
#22
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I pulled the trigger on a set of swift springs and kyb struts and while i was at it, changed the lower control arm bushing as one of them was cracked. I still have the stock 16" wheels. The swifts spec is for a similar drop stiffness to the NF210 , but they claim some wiz bang technology in the metal they use and how the coils are wound. I have no idea if this is all hype, or if their technology realy gives them an advantage, but I can say that I like they the car feels much better than stock. I can tell that the car rides stiffer and handles much better. The wifey doesn't notice any difference - So far it's looking like a perfect upgrade. Also, I tend to run my whole family around in the LS, so figure 600 pounds of people. Especially when loaded up, the ride was just a little too sloppy for my taste with the stock suspension.
11-01-10, 03:08 AM
#24
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Maybe this is obvioius - Any change in volume comes from going over the type of bumps that send noise through the car. A stiffer suspnsion will absorb less energy from bumps and so you should expect a relative increase in noise coming into the car.
02-22-11, 02:19 AM
#27
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Very happy with my DF210's. With an SS-kit (im having installed tomorrow) you will get the the best drop of 55mm without maxing out the struts or sus dynamics. Ill put pics up tomorrow if everything goes well..
Just for more info:
NF210 spring rates: F/R 4.3/2.9 Down 1.0/0.8
DF210 spring rates: F/R 5.3/3.8 Down 1.0/1.0
DF's are only slightly firmer than OEM, feel great and responsive, far better turn in, sharper braking also. Cant recommend them enough.
Just for more info:
NF210 spring rates: F/R 4.3/2.9 Down 1.0/0.8
DF210 spring rates: F/R 5.3/3.8 Down 1.0/1.0
DF's are only slightly firmer than OEM, feel great and responsive, far better turn in, sharper braking also. Cant recommend them enough.
02-22-11, 08:56 AM
#30
I am perfectly happy with my NF210 btw.
If you want it lower more on springs, your only option is to get the SS-kit like Dutchie101 mentioned.