I need to replace both front Air struts on 2004 LS430. 175K on car. The cost of new oem ($1,476) per side is too much. Has anybody used non OEM or purchased used struts with any luck. Thank you.

 

You can find them used on the forums or eBay; however, they'll be just that...used. You can't tell how much life is left in them. There really isn't a non-OEM version that would work with the factory ride height system. Many people end up swapping their air suspension for a traditional coil spring/shock setup.

 

I wouldn't bother with replacing it with used air struts. Like Waijai said, there is no telling when they will go out again.

i would recommend the OEM struts/springs combo, coilovers, or aftermarket air suspension.

 

I've had issues with my right rear shock since I bought the car. I ended up buying a used one on ebay for only $100. There are a few reasons why I did this. I actually ran across a ebay listing recently for 04-06 remanufactured shocks on ebay. There is a company who does them for other cars. The listings ended and as far as I can tell I don't see any more listed. HOWEVER, my idea was that I got a extra shock cheap for $100, and I might be able to send it in to repair. It was only $381, found the listing.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-LS430-XF40-2004-2006-Front-OEM-REBUILD-Suspension-Air-Spring-Bag-Strut/201916746619?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Edit: Actually looking at the site they appear to have some.
http://www.rebuildmastertech.com/lex...ut-4801050120/

Its probably a very limited basis. I plan on calling them to ask if they let people send them in for repair. It may be a good option. I personally want to keep my factory air, I don't want to go with springs.

2nd edit:
I just called the company and apparently they do NOT rebuild 01-03, they were considered problematic, and they said there would be alot of back and forth with customers if they failed again. However the 04-06 they do rebuild and in the case in the link above they have them. Hope that helps.

 

Wow that is good to know! Have you looked at the two links for the JDM vendors? I searched by the part number and bought a low kms one personally. The LS430 Facebook group is great too.. I put one comment about a bad shock and 3 people mentioned having spares to sell.

 

Since most of the 160,000 LS 430s sold in the USA came with non-air as original equipment anyway, may switching to non-air be a more cost-effective and satisfying solution to consider...?

 

I've been running the Arnott replacements in the front. Work great and much better price. They also have excellent customer service.

 

do the arnott actually raise when switched to "high" mode? am curious what you give up with the Arnotts?

 

I have the ASC controller. They work great, no complaints.

 

that’s a great looking LS!

 

Do you notice a difference in the ride? I just swapped out the front strut with a JDM strut that just came in the mail. I would have kept the original shock but the oil blew out and the air part was fine. The JDM one seems to be working great leveled out the car immediately. The reviews on the Arnott stated they work in a static format where the OEM ones are dynamic and counter balance the roughness in the road.