I'm happy to join this forum and look forward to owning an LS430. Have one in mind right now!

I've done some research regarding the OEM suspension springs and struts. I considered going the coilover route but am afraid of an overly stiff ride...this car will be used for long trips. Plus I really do need the ground clearance. But some combination of OEM parts might improve response and reduce understeer (LS430s do generally understeer, right?). I thought there would be some technical specs for springs (wire diameter, spring length, etc.) like I could find for German cars (I lifted a Jetta Sportwagen) couldn't find anything. Then I went to LexusPartsNow.com and low and behold, there are weights for the different OEM springs. I'll just leave this with you and you can give me your comments. The highlighted lines are the parts I'm thinking about buying for an early LS430.

By the way, I'm assuming all springs and struts are interchangeable between all LS430s. If I'm wrong, let me know!!!

 

Being a front engined, rear wheel drive car, the LS430 tends to oversteer more than understeer, not that is does much of either as the TCS (Traction Control System) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) won't let you.
Front wheel drive cars suffer most from understeer.

If you need ground clearance you'd be better off with a Land Cruiser or similar.
The LS is a luxury limo and not really designed for taking a pounding from rough roads.

Be aware that some LS models have height adjustable air-suspension systems.

 

So what is the goal? Sound like you are trying to achieve a higher ground clearance with the most comfortable ride? On my 02 Non-UL 430 at 95k miles I replaced the suspension with the Monroe Quick Strut option (RockAuto). I will say that over stock I've gained some ground clearance ~1". In terms of ride quality it's possibly a tad stiffer but more composed and tighter than what I had previously.

I've learned in researching possible cars to own the best thing to do is go drive the one's you can find closest to you. Don't put days of research into something without actually having driven it first. Actual seat time will provide you way more information than reading forum posts will.

 

I'm surprised to hear an LS430 would have oversteering tendencies out of the box, even with the VSC off. I'll have to take a spirited drive and find out. I like a little trailing throttle oversteer as that's how I had set up my old BMWs. I understand the purpose of the LS, just trying to tweak the suspension a little to my liking.

No, not trying to raise the car, just keep it at approximately stock height. I may consider the Sport springs depending upon how it feels after I drive it a while. I don't mind some extra stiffness, I'm sure the car will not be like my old 7 series with Dinan springs . This will be a cruiser. I'm fond of tweaking suspensions, especially with OEM parts to get where I want to be.

One interesting thing about my research is I've found few posts about the "Rough Road" suspension. I think there was a comment once about it raising the car 1 or 2 inches, but I have never seen a picture of a lifted LS430. I suspect at most the springs will take the car no higher than the standard suspension. If anybody has a car with this suspension, I'd like to hear about it!

Happy to say I've committed to buying the car I was looking at. It's a Mystic Gold 2002 with 116k miles...yippee!!!

 

I replaced the air suspension on my old LS430 Ultra with the sport setup and added the sport model rear sway. I'd have to say if I were to do it again, I'd go with the standard OEM springs / struts. The ride was fine and a 'little' sporty but reality is you are never going to get any real sport out of the LS430 - it's built to be a comfy cruiser and is best at that. With the sport springs it lost the "LS430" special feel that it had with the air suspension, and felt just like a normal car. I've ridden in non-sports and the ride was better and closer to the air suspension and would recommend that option.

I've never seen and don't recall reading about the rough road option until this post so no info there from me.

 

I understand. I'm just looking to improve response a bit and tweak the understeer/oversteer balance. No radical changes. No stancing! I'm definitely going to swap for Sport struts eventually and at that point I'll know if I want to try and swap springs. I've seen posts saying they hate how the car "pushes" in corners. I'll have to find out for myself. The car has 16" wheels and I probably will go to 17"...not 18".

I believe with the early cars, the sway bar was the same as the later Sport models (14mm)?

This is my BMW. Not looking to do this with the LS...

 

Understand - but my advice is keep it as plush as you can, that's what this car is built for - not hammering into turns. If you want sporty, go for it but I feel like I made a mistake doing that and made a compromise I shouldn't have and regretted doing it. Not sure on the early models, but I if I recall correctly, don't think the later models had a rear sway at all unless you got the sport package.

Yeah, we had one of those as well but took a little different turn (was a Star Wars themed 24 hours of Lemons car we built, gone several years now).

 

Gorgeous BMW. I could stare at that all day.

 

Here she is! 2002 one owner, 115k+ miles. Mark Levinson package only. Bought at a Porsche-Audi dealership so they did a good job detailing the car. I know some people aren't as enthused with the Mystic Gold color, but when the paint is cared for it looks great! Looked at Moonlight Pearl and considered Millenium Silver, Parchment Crystal and Cypress Green but this is what popped up and I jumped at it. It's obvious the car has been garaged. There are blemishes and a couple minor dents and but the paint is otherwise shiny. The telescoping steering function doesn't work, the only thing so far. But I'm very happy with my purchase and looking forward to being on this board.

The first things that come to mind are solid and smooth. The car goes about its business without any fuss. Handling is good, I took the car on a gentle sweeper at 85 mph and the car was composed. A little pushing, but not bad. Very comfortable. Like the upright greenhouse. I think the only very minor observation is the road noise under certain conditions, which is slightly surprising. Not that it's bad, but more than expected given the reputation. I can actually feel worn pavement, I thought it would be a little more isolated, especially with 16" wheels. Perhaps it's the tires (Michelin X-Tours). But I'm not complaining.

 

Welcome Kenny! Beautiful 7er and LS.

I have a penchant for both as well! This is mine.

 

so your not looking to lower the car at all? hmm in that case ive heard of BC making custom coilovers that sit at stock height..you could try that with similar spring weight