I just installed Tanabe DF210 lowering springs on my 2002 Lexus LS430 Custom Luxury. Figured I'd start a thread with an easily searchable title so others looking at these springs can find a before and after.

My Lexus was stock except for 15mm H&R spacers in front and 25mm H&R spacers in the back. I am using the 18" sport wheels wrapped in Pirelli P7 All Season Plus tires.

I installed Tanabe DF210 lowering springs and KYB Excel-G struts. My strut mounts were in good condition so I did not replace them. I took measurements before but need to re-measure and verify whether these drop 1.0"/1.0" F/R. These are supposed to be a lower, stiffer spring than the NF210. These were taken after driving ~20 miles in an afternoon. If it settles a lot more over time, I will update the pics later.


I tried my best to get the before and after photos from the same angle.




BEFORE:


AFTER:


BEFORE:


AFTER:


BEFORE: (front wheel gap)


AFTER: (front wheel gap)


BEFORE: (rear wheel gap)


AFTER: (rear wheel gap)



And here are some after shots to show how flush the fitment is with the lowering springs and spacers. I'm really happy with how this turned out. Exactly what I was hoping for.







The rear tires rub a tiny bit on the inside of the fender when I go over really big dips. You can fit one finger in the gap. I probably drove 25 miles today over all sorts of rough roads to test them out and it only rubbed once back there. This relieved my concern that I might damage the back fenders.



And here's the front gap inside the fender. My tires always rubbed while backing around corners after installing spacers. It still does with the drop, but it's not any worse. Full lock either way doesn't rub while driving forward.




Ride quality has been great. It feels like new life has been breathed into my car. The stock springs and old struts with 120k on them felt really floaty. These feel tight, like driving a newer, sportier car. Definitely not harsh or detrimental to ride quality. I would highly recommend the Tanabe DF210 springs and KYB Excel-G strut combination to anyone who wants a sportier stance, improved feel, and not wreck their driveability. If anyone has questions, I'll answer as best I can.

Alignment specs are as follows. Measurements in degrees:

Front Caster (L/R): 7.8 / 7.5
Front Camber (L/R): -0.7 / -0.8
Front Toe (L/R): 0.05 / 0.05
Rear Camber (L/R) : -2.3 / -2.5
Rear Toe (L/R) 0.15 / 0.15

I thought about buying the Megan camber arms to get the back camber in spec, but the camber is helping my tire clearance. I have a tire machine and balancer, so if the wear gets really uneven, I'll just flip my tires over.

 

How much for this setup? I want to lower my 2004

 

~$650 for four struts
~$245 for lowering springs.
~$250 for spacers

If you're having someone else install it, labor time to install rear struts is 3.2 hours and front is something like 2.5. I would recommend an alignment afterward which is usually $75-90

 

What advantage is there from lowering your car?

 

Better looks.

 

Looks great!

 

Gorgeous.....

 

What a coincidence! I was just looking at buying these springs earlier this morning. They look great! Any noticeable changes with handling corners?

 

Thanks errybody

 

It's noticeably firmer and better handling, but changing the struts and springs will not have a huge effect on body roll. I think a bigger rear sway bar would go really well with this setup to make it corner flatter. I haven't taken it on any twisty roads yet though.

 

looking good with the drop springs.

 

That is a matter of opinion.
So you take a classic and sophisticated vehicle like the Lexus and you add unnecessary and unflattering changes and expect others to like it? lol


The sad part is that the older Lexus' are becoming like the pimped out Cadillacs and Crown Vic's; big rims, loud pipes, lowered suspension.

 

This member is trolling all over the forum. Let's not engage in an argument that will go nowhere.

 

If stating fact is trolling then I stand accused.


I just wish those pimping out Lexus would just stick to Hondas and cadillacs.

 

Looks great! Don't forget better highway MPG! Probably won't ever notice but does help with aero a bit.