d1ma

130k miles, the suspension is starting to make noises, ride comfort is not what it used to be, i'm committed to keeping the car for another 3-5 years and decided to do a suspension overhaul.
now, why the rear subframe? wife hit a curb, bent a control arm, hired a budget mechanic to install megan control arms while i was traveling, he butchered the subframe attempting to cut out the stuck arms... i regret letting someone else work on her.

for the money there's no better driving car, even with a worn out suspension, so -- time for a refresh.

my goal is to get this done in 2-3 weekends, I haven't found too many threads of people overhauling a non-air suspension and hope this helps others... and myself.

here's the parts list from rockauto ($1405.20 w/ shipping and 5% off coupon)
- f & r brake pads + ss hoses
- f & r kyb struts
- parking brake hardware kit + shoes
- f lower balljoint
- f upper & lower control arms
- f & r sway bar bushings + links
- inner & outer tie rods
- engine mounts
- trans mount
- hood & trunk struts

also ordered a subframe from a wrecker: LS430 Rear K Sub Frame 51206-50040 - $225

i realize i'll need a good heap of fresh hardware, will start compiling the list over the next few days.

feeling pretty comfortable about everything except dropping the rear subframe, anticipate running into a few stubborn bolts that'll make the project extra fun.

any tips, links, resources would be greatly appreciated

i'll update the thread with progress.

ls430w140

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

I hope you get your money back talking from expereince the rear control arms are super easy it is 2 bolts, if he couldnt get the bolts out he should not work near a car if there stuck you heat up the end 2-3 to with a torch and then use a air hammer and they come right out.

2KHarrier

This should make for a fantastic thread. Please take some photos and post as you complete the work. Here's hoping it all goes well..
You near Chicago?

bradland

I'm considering the Mevotech lower control arm (CMS113X) as well. Once I realized it includes the large bushing and bracket. I normally favor OEM parts but at that price, without the hassle of pressing bushings in and out, a simple swap is hard to pass up.

Romanova

I'd pass on SS hoses. A properly bled brake system with fresh fluid, quality pads, and quality rotors should be more than sufficient for any kind of braking you will be doing in a car like the LS430.

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

Agreed if he was going to track his car then that would be a different story.

d1ma

I'll take pics once I get it early next week, if they're damaged I'll swap them. The frame's coming off a 04 LS with 101k miles and no accident history (allegedly).

Plan is to DIY everything except the alignment, thinking of getting a smart strings alignment system that will be used mainly for the s2k test and tune days in the future... not sure about it yet since the alignment guys I got to now are pretty easy to work with and always cut me a deal.

Man. Tell me about it. I spoke to the police, it's not a criminal case. I can do small claims and it's not even worth it in the end. A reminder of a lesson I already learned... shame on me.

Moved to Denver. Gotta update that. Don't want to build false expectations -- I'll try to video this. At the very least some pictures.

Agreed. I'm also limited on garage space and a press wouldn't help that.

I prefer the linear feel ss lines give, have done it to all my cars in the past, when I saw it was an option from Centric for a few bucks more... why not.

I guess it's a preference thing... unless someone knows of a negative to SS lines??

The parts are starting to come in.

For those of you who have experience, since I'll be swapping all of the components over, is it easier to pull the diff, suspension, arms, knuckles, etc... while they're still on the car/subframe? What's the optimal order to do this in?

I anticipate having a few more stubborn bolts and getting a few tools to help.

Diagrams and more parts to come over the weekend.

d1ma

Looking for a part site that lets me click on different areas -- will update asap.

d1ma

Spent 45 minutes talking to a cali lexus dealer since the local one's closed. So, apparently, 2006 ls430 sounds like 2016 ls460... at least to Steve. He gave me part#'s for the wrong car.

Plan to visit a local dealer tomorrow with diagrams and go through the parts piece by piece and hopefully pick everything I need to start. Maybe wait for shipping on any missing parts.

The remainder of the parts is coming in tomorrow. The plan is to start on Friday.

Will be checking the subframe for bushing condition and will post pics.

** forgot to circle the vertical diff bolts

04silver4

How is everything holding up after a year? Very curious about how well aftermarket parts feel compared to oem.

YODAONE

For best results use OEM parts....or if using aftermarket, Purchase NOTHING made in China.

Ask RockAuto to verify Country of Origin of their parts.

Read this post;

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...rock-auto.html

Aftermarket vendors must earn our business.

There have been concerns raised over their aftermarket parts for LS400.

Rock Auto must address the quality level.of aftermarket Lexus parts, or not offer them.