Are the air struts from a 03 LS430 compatible with a 06 Ultra LS430? I know there was some suspension modifications made in the 04-06 production years and the Lexus part numbers are different but am not sure what actual engineering difference is if any.

 

I would just get the newer ones for the 04-06. If you're considering 01-03 used air struts, I'd advise against it due to unknown remaining life of the used strut. The dealer I use to buy struts actually charges 150 more for the 01-03 strut vs the 04-06 strut.

 

Don't disagree with you but if you can find some reasonably priced struts without a lot of mileage then it might make sense given that new struts run $900-1100.

I am still trying to figure out the differences between the struts. Sewell shows 3 different strut sets: 2001-02, 2003 and 2004-06. Doesn't mean anything but the outward appearances are all identical.

 

Different ride settings etcetcetc. Better install the ones, that go with YOUR vin.
And 900usd for adjustable airstrut is cheap.

 

I kept searching eBay. Found a independent shop selling a whole set for $1000 with 50,000 miles on them. I offered him $500 and got it. They all look in very nice shape and claimed by the owner to all be fully functional with a return policy. It's a bit of a risk but I don't mind. Seller had excellent feedback. You can't test them unless they are on the car. Saved $3500 over buying them new. I purchased mine as a backup set for piece of mind.

 

Great find! I got one from japanese yahoo aucs, 120usd (rear right). But, it's been sitting in storage for two years now, as car still rides great.

 

I picked up 4 used, for $660. Installed 2 of them (25K & 55K miles ago) sold one for $400. Still have one. I hate to see useable stuff get dumped/thrown away. If I can make it work, or repurpose it, I will.