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I'm looking at some used LS430s. It seems that in Europe every car has air suspension. Suppose a corner fails, I think it may be cheaper to do a conversion.
Has anyone had experience doing this? Is it a one-man job? I don't have lifts (student), so it has to be on jacks / stands / at most wood, though I guess one corner at a time this is not a big issue. Maybe the hardest part is when you feed the rear struts back up someone has to give you a hand, am I right? Besides that, is there anything else that would require help?
yes its an easy one man job. I installed my aftermarket air suspension in my driveway with just a jack and jack stands. there are detailed strut removals on the forum, just use the search function.
The LS are just a better cars are well. You can also swap a used air strut for pretty cheap. There is a company in Poland that rebuilds them for good prices. Multiple options vs spending what a dealer charges for a new unit. Look for any sounds of rattling at the struts and also use a flashlight and look under the black rubber covers that surround the air bag. Look for any signs of oil leakage down the strut.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; Apr 11, 2015 at 10:35 AM.
I'm looking at some used LS430s. It seems that in Europe every car has air suspension. Suppose a corner fails, I think it may be cheaper to do a conversion.
Has anyone had experience doing this? Is it a one-man job? I don't have lifts (student), so it has to be on jacks / stands / at most wood, though I guess one corner at a time this is not a big issue. Maybe the hardest part is when you feed the rear struts back up someone has to give you a hand, am I right? Besides that, is there anything else that would require help?
Thanks in advance.
If you're converting to steel coils and struts, one part you'll have to do is assemble it with a spring compressor before you install the strut inside and reassemble.
It can definitely be done with one man, but you need the right tools. You can also take it to a shop and they can assemble it for you, most will have a stationary press that's a lot safer.
It's definitely something you want to be VERY careful with, they call these things "widow makers"
If you're converting to steel coils and struts, one part you'll have to do is assemble it with a spring compressor before you install the strut inside and reassemble.
It can definitely be done with one man, but you need the right tools. You can also take it to a shop and they can assemble it for you, most will have a stationary press that's a lot safer.
It's definitely something you want to be VERY careful with, they call these things "widow makers"
Hi, thanks. But the ones I've found are all preassembled coilovers. Perhaps the OE ones are not, though.
yes its an easy one man job. I installed my aftermarket air suspension in my driveway with just a jack and jack stands. there are detailed strut removals on the forum, just use the search function.
good to know. how long did it take you? im going from factory air to aftermarket air this summer. i told my boyfriend i want to attempt the install myself and he said i shouldn't! but i just cant bring myself to spend what - $600+? on an install that i think i could do
Air Suspension Conversion: A One-Man Job?
