So this is turning out to be a very frustrating experience. The local dealer doesn't think you can put Sport shocks on a car that didn't come with them. My car is a 2006 430. The local indy doesn't like the KYP's and will only put on OME shocks and wants 800.00 to do the job. That seems high to me. The dealer wants 1200.00 to replace the with an alignment. They are also saying that they can't install sport struts because the mounts are different? Is that true?

 

Going by what the forum said, no, you can install sport, in a car that doesn't have them. As long as this information is not incorrect, yet another example of the dealership simply not knowing what they are doing. They should be avoided imho.

However, I thought they were cheaper, which would be my motivation. Someone here pointed out it's more, and you're not going to have sport springs anyway.

Also, I would find a better indie. I'm not saying they shouldn't be able to eat, but yours seems to be offering only 33% less than the dealership. I'd rather find one who will install customer parts. The deal is customer parts = no warranty. So on a timing belt, better to let the indie sell the part, sure. On a shock, bushing, etc., buy online, have indie install, save $$$$.

For example, on a timing belt/water pump/tensioner/pulley job, at an indie, it's usually $850 vs. $1800 at a dealer, a lot more than 33% off....

 

The strut mounts are the same for normal and Spt Pkg. You can always use this pic and page as reference. It's always good to have this info before hand if you are discussing repairs at the dealer or your ind. mechanic. https://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.c...category=21754
John is right tho without Spt springs and a Spt sway bar the struts will not make much difference.

 

And remember, SPORT by Lexus standards really isn't that sporty. Also, the SPORT models had different control arms with firmer bushings.

$800 doesn't seem too bad for the indy for OEM parts. From a discount OEM provider, you're at $400 for the shocks alone... figure closer to $500 so the indy can make a few bucks off parts, then $300 for labor. Still, that price is enough to make me DIY.

 

Thanks @rkw77080 and @Viper6 , y'all saved me $1100 and extra work! I used a combination of jacking up the shock and using woodworking clamps to redirect where it was going, but it was basic problem solving. Rear struts done!

 

I almost had to put a personals ad on craigslist to find someone heavier than me, but Jesus blessed me with an insatiable passion for fried chicken.

Just replaced my rear shocks armed with with nothing but my obesity and a weak, clumsy, vision-impaired girlfriend. No need to separate the ball joint!