Hello, this is my first post. I have owned Lexus vehicles since 2000. My first one was a LS400 1995 with air suspension. I owned it for few years between 2000-2003. Then recently I bought a LS400 1992, which I still have. My daily commuter is a 2002 LS430. I live around Los Angeles and Long Beach.

I have a medical condition in my neck (disc herniation). So I am into LS mainly for the soft ride. I want to share my experiences from that perspective, as I have some experience with this.

 

Welcome to the "club". I have 2002 Ultra with 18" wheels and 45 aspect ratio tires. I had the option of trading for 17" wheels when I got my car. I think it rides a little rougher than I'd like, and sometimes wish I had gone for the smaller wheels and taller tire profile.

 

Welcome! You'll see that we've had some discussions lately about the LS and assorted maladies like my weak back.

 

cyclehead, thanks for the welcome. 17" wheels with higher aspect ratio tires will help make it a softer ride. The Unsprung weight seems to be a big factor for ride comfort while less rotational weight gives you fuel economy and higher acceleration. So reducing wheel weight and tire weight, specially tire weight is a good idea. I recently replaced my worn out tires (Invader Sport, no brand) with a heavier Michelin Primacy MXV4 and it hurt my neck. So in a span of one week I changed to the lightest tire available on the market, General Altimax HP and it improved in all respects - ride, acceleration and fuel economy. I am even thinking of changing the wheels to Motegi Traklite 1.0 in 16" wheel size, which is my OEM wheel size. If you can fit a 16" wheel (base 2002 models can fit 16", not sure about the ultra), then that will give even softer ride. But 17" might be good enough for you.

caddyowner, thanks for the welcome. I am a long time veteran on this issue. Between Toyota Cressida and 1995 LS with air suspension, the Cressida worked better for me, but after I experienced the 2002 LS430 (regular coil spring suspension), that seems to work for me the best so far. But as you can see from above, one still has to be careful about tire and wheel weight (unsprung weight).

 

Welcome! It sounds like you have the ideal setup as is, 16s should be the softest as you have the most sidewall tire cushioning. Also, a good set of tires should further help absorb those road imperfections. IMO the LS430 is one of the best relatively mass produced cars out there and quite underrated. Post up some pics when you get the chance!

 

Welcome to cl. Ls400 and Ls430 you have the best of both generations (worlds). What color/combo are ur rides.

 

CarGuy89, thanks. I will post some pictures later.

GLIDESUL, thanks. Ls400 is silver with dark grey interior and Ls430 is light green with light grey interior.

 

Welcome to the forum. Agree with unsprung weight suggestion for achieving best ride, handling, braking etc. No matter what size tire and wheel combo its always a good idea to go with a relatively lower weight solution.

 

Welcome, sorry to here about your back. Ive never see light green, should be interesting.

 

Bumping this thread to provide some update. The Generals did not work for me either. I tried two different tires to see which one can be softer than the Generals:

Hankook optimo h727 and
Goodyear Assurance Comfortred (not touring)

I tried one of each on my front driver side and found that the Hankook is softer. So now I have replaced all Generals with the Hankooks. Within a few days I will be able to give some feedback about my experience with the Hankooks.

I sold the Michelin's on craigslist and will probably do the same for the tires no longer needed.