LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

To replace struts, or not to replace struts? That is the question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-10-19, 02:02 PM
  #16  
bradland
Moderator
 
bradland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: 565 St Peter NOLA
Posts: 2,289
Received 654 Likes on 534 Posts
Default

My apologies if I threw a wrench into the budget.
Old 09-10-19, 03:40 PM
  #17  
westopill
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
westopill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 310
Received 34 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bradland
My apologies if I threw a wrench into the budget.
No apology necessary man, you gave me a heads up that the parts might not be compatible which I appreciate. You're totally fine man!

I think I'll consider the KYB's since I dont want to spend over $500 for fixing something that's not exactly broken to begin with. I'll do more research here on the forums as well to confirm KYB comfort and reliability. $300 for four new struts that are comparable to OEM is a pretty good deal.

Thank you for your help. 😊
Old 09-10-19, 06:57 PM
  #18  
Lzam
Pit Crew
 
Lzam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: NC
Posts: 134
Received 10 Likes on 8 Posts
Default

I did the the entire strut assembly front for $320 for the pair 1A Auto car rides so much better and my driver's side was shot.
Old 09-10-19, 08:19 PM
  #19  
gmoney94
Driver
 
gmoney94's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 134
Received 24 Likes on 19 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by westopill
What year is your LS430? 2001-2003 or 2004-2006?
My car is a 2006
Old 09-10-19, 08:22 PM
  #20  
gmoney94
Driver
 
gmoney94's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 134
Received 24 Likes on 19 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LexRex
FYI-

01-03 struts work just fine on 04-06 models. I've done it personally on my 2004, using 04-06 coils.

I believe the difference is that the strut changed to monotube in 2004, but the older style still fits perfectly.
i researched this myself and numerous folks on the board corroberated that these struts fit 04-06. I took the plunge and they are a perfect match. My vehicle is an 06.
The following 2 users liked this post by gmoney94:
bradland (09-10-19), westopill (09-10-19)
Old 09-10-19, 08:31 PM
  #21  
bradland
Moderator
 
bradland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: 565 St Peter NOLA
Posts: 2,289
Received 654 Likes on 534 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by gmoney94
i researched this myself and numerous folks on the board corroberated that these struts fit 04-06. I took the plunge and they are a perfect match. My vehicle is an 06.
This is what I was hoping for, thanks guys!
The following users liked this post:
gmoney94 (09-11-19)
Old 09-10-19, 09:59 PM
  #22  
westopill
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
westopill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 310
Received 34 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

Good to know! Will definitely reconsider OEM in this case. Only problem is that when I reinstall the old spring from the front struts I will need the spring from the 01-03 model correct? Since the 04-06 is McPherson style strut rather than a shock style? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Old 09-11-19, 07:09 AM
  #23  
gmoney94
Driver
 
gmoney94's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 134
Received 24 Likes on 19 Posts
Default

I don't believe the springs are any different from a fitment perspective. I did change my springs, but only because I wanted something a little firmer/lower. Maybe others can chime in on this as well.

Last edited by gmoney94; 09-11-19 at 08:54 AM.
Old 09-11-19, 12:10 PM
  #24  
westopill
Intermediate
Thread Starter
 
westopill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 310
Received 34 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LexRex
As I said above, the 01-03 strut fits the 04-06 springs. Mounting hardware is the same. Any changes to the strut between 01-03 and 04-06 are internal to the strut and do not affect mounting.
Sorry I didn't catch that, thats great news! Will look into the sport suspension struts.
Old 09-12-19, 07:37 AM
  #25  
LiCelsior
Retired

iTrader: (32)
 
LiCelsior's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 12,362
Received 17 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by gmoney94
I just replaced min at 126k. I went with OEM Sport struts as opposed to the KYBs. They are more money, but not that much considering that you'll keep them forever and they were made for our car. Additionally, they feel great and have definitely made the steering feel tighter, and the dampening over small/medium bumps is ultra smooth.

This is a great deal.
Old 09-16-19, 08:27 PM
  #26  
SlowLS430
Rookie
 
SlowLS430's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: OR
Posts: 32
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I replaced my rear shocks with OEM sport rear shocks. To my surprise, the rear had KYB GR-2s on it. As I manually tested them side by side, the OEM sport shocks, also from KYB, seemed to be identical to the GR-2s. They seemed to have the same bounce and rebound damping.

Now I have a pair of rear GR-2s I need to get rid of, if you're interested.
Old 09-16-19, 08:54 PM
  #27  
bradland
Moderator
 
bradland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: 565 St Peter NOLA
Posts: 2,289
Received 654 Likes on 534 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by SlowLS430
I replaced my rear shocks with OEM sport rear shocks. To my surprise, the rear had KYB GR-2s on it. As I manually tested them side by side, the OEM sport shocks,
also from KYB, seemed to be identical to the GR-2s. They seemed to have the same bounce and rebound damping.

Now I have a pair of rear GR-2s I need to get rid of, if you're interested.
Did you install an aftermarket KYB strut or a genuine Toyota / Lexus strut?
Old 09-16-19, 09:14 PM
  #28  
SlowLS430
Rookie
 
SlowLS430's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: OR
Posts: 32
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default OEM Sport Shocks

To answer your question, the new shocks were OEM Sport Shocks (rear only)
Old 09-18-19, 02:44 PM
  #29  
Duck05
Racer
 
Duck05's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Nor CA
Posts: 1,990
Received 363 Likes on 244 Posts
Default

On my ‘01, after 228k and looking for an ‘05-06 unsuccessfully, decided to keep the car I knew and invested in new struts all around.

Went with KYB over OEM struts and used the price differential to replace the leaking LCA “donut looking” front bushings (with the liquid filled OEMs versus the solid aftermarket versions at the advice of the shop I use).

Parts and labor (5+ hours) it ran $1700. Best investment as the ride and feel ha been outstanding.

The KYBs have been fine but the new LCA bushings have been a factor. Good luck with your selection.
Old 09-18-19, 04:49 PM
  #30  
430SLOwner
Instructor
 
430SLOwner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,056
Received 206 Likes on 182 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by westopill
Is LexusPartsNow.com a reputable site to order parts from? I've heard mixed results from other members..
may wish to consider looking at https://www.toyolexparts.com


Quick Reply: To replace struts, or not to replace struts? That is the question



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:57 PM.