Lexus LS430 Air Suspension Conversion
 

2004 LS430 UL.....Air Strut is worn out, took it to lexus and the want $1524.00 to repair one side.......I would like to convert this from Air to Regular struts, but there are so mant kits out there.....was wondering if you guys recommend any......I originally was going to go with strut master, but seen a couple of bad reviews about non fitting parts, than Megan Racing MR-CDK-LL01, came up, I see one review on this site and it looks good.....anyone have any suggestions????

I personally feel that Megans are cheap parts. But thats just me. It really depends what you want to spend on aftermarket suspension. If you're looking for comfort, you may just wanna buy a OEM strut.

Check out Strutmasters! I purchased a set for my 97 LS400. Perfect fit, with no alignment issues and exactly the same ride quality. The kit also included instructions on how to redo the electrical system to disable the compressor and not throw any warning lights.

Hummmm, I'd be interested in more concerning this conversion as someday, I may have to do something for my '01 & '04 UL's with air. Brousing around like Ebay & both Megan and Strutmasters profiled. Anymore advise out there between the two? How about that stock OEM set-up from lesser models (down at my favorite wrecking yard...)? Relatively easy job (I'm an OK shadetree mech!)?
Please expound! Thanks, RW

Oem Springs, preferably sport models or Tanabe and Kyb shocks. Kyb mounts as well. Slightly more then coilovers but they have better longevity and better ride.

Lee, which air strut is worn out?

I converted to OEM springs and shocks using the sport model, but if I had to do it again, I'd use the non-sport springs and shocks but still put on the sport rear sway. LS will never be a sports car and think the ride would be a bit better with regular variety - not enough sport to make the difference worthwhile.

Interesting to hear your thoughts on the sport springs Dave. I know much of it is preference. I also enjoy my car on normal cushy mode 80% of the time. I was going to start accumulating the suspension parts for my conversion but decided just to purchase a used set of air-shocks for a lot less money. I also have the sports rear sway bar on my UL. Even the minor upgrade made a good and noticeable improvement. :thumbup:

I think you would be most happy with OEM steel springs and OEM, non-sport struts, and the price if you order through a place like Sewell would probably not be that much more than an aftermarket kit. I haven't priced it out, but my guess is it would only be a few hundred more.

On a car like an LS, I really don't think firmer shocks are going to do much of anything but make the ride harsher. And with an OEM setup, you know you're going to have the right ride height and that it will likely last 100k miles.

so I would need OEM springs and struts? I was looking to go with Megans but only because I wanted the ability to adjust the car height (the reason I brought the UL in the first place).....But Im thinking at this point, I would really just like the car to Ride like a lexus and no more air rider.................Can you point me to the parts I need? I am a little confused because I thought all I would need are the struts

The ideal package for comfort is going to be OEM standard coil springs and either OEM shocks or KYB. KYB is the OEM manufacturer but the rates may be ever so slightly different with the dealer supplied shocks vs KYB GR-2. You will also need the shock mounts and bellow. KYB makes all these as well. When converting the suspension, don't remove the height sensors or you will get the error message at your dash.

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...30%2B4.3L%2BV8

Ok so if I went with KYB GR2 Front
Front Strut #341392 Strut Mount #sm5565 Strut Bellow # SB104
Rear Strut #341393 Strut Mount #SM5566 Support Bellow #SB102
And Tanabe 214 Springs

Thats it?

Your list looks good.

Edit - Check out post 26

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...n-infos-2.html

Megan Ezs r pretty good and comfy for daily, have them on my CL LS430. For 6bills u cant complain. Heard u can pull a fuse to get rid of dash lights, dunno just heard not sure if true tho.

Megans used to be crap, but they're coming around. Most of the items are made by one manufacturer who everyone else just puts their names on anyways...

i have the Sports suspension, i like the ride to be honest - but i am coming from an ISF. i always felt the 17s and oem is too soft but again, i used to have tanabes and 20s in GS400 the ride was pretty good.

Is there a coilover setup? maybe you can grab