Front End Weight Reduction
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: NY
Front End Weight Reduction
So as we all know the front end suspension of our LS460s is very, uh, fragile. I just replaced my entire front end suspension (bought the car like this), I mean all of it I wish I thought to take pictures, 8 control arms, tie rods, ball joints, struts, knuckles, sway bar and links, all shot. The rear end was all fine by the way! The neighborhood I live in has the worst roads in NYC the city of ****y streets in case anyone was wondering how such a negative anomaly is possible.
I want to do some front end and general weight reduction hoping to reduce stress on the suspension. I’m going to buy the front end pieces of a carbon fiber body kit and get a local shop to retrofit some lightweight sport seats. All in all would save a couple hundred pounds over the front wheels. ...Probably for like $5000... What do you guys think? Worth it?
I want to do some front end and general weight reduction hoping to reduce stress on the suspension. I’m going to buy the front end pieces of a carbon fiber body kit and get a local shop to retrofit some lightweight sport seats. All in all would save a couple hundred pounds over the front wheels. ...Probably for like $5000... What do you guys think? Worth it?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
Your LS is a 2007, its 11-12 years old....and its driven on the worst roads in NYC but the suspension is fragile? NYC cars get hammered, having the suspension worn out after 11 years of NYC driving is not "fragile".
I wouldn't reduce weight, I would just drive as carefully as you can. If you replaced everything you should be good for another 11 years.
I wouldn't reduce weight, I would just drive as carefully as you can. If you replaced everything you should be good for another 11 years.
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Tx
Biggest bang for the buck will be lightweight wheels and tires. There are significant benefits to reducing the rotating mass the suspension has to deal with. Of course, there may be other considerations in tire choices and rim choices that may cancel out the weight saving benefits...
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 36
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From: NY
This is my alternative. I still have money set aside for the car that I thought I would need. The body kit bumper and hood look so cool though! I’m going to get a quote from the shop anyway.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: NY
I wish I could drive more carefully but Im busy and I can’t necessarily drive 20mph everywhere around here especially if I’m trying to get though this traffic.
Last edited by Legus; Nov 13, 2018 at 12:36 PM.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
Front suspension, yes. I guess it’s relative, just considering the entirety of the rear suspension is still okay. I’ve read enough about various aftermarket control arms going prematurely and much newer models with the same issues to suggest that the common failure with our front control arms isn’t necessarily a problem with the arms nor the bushings but perhaps the weight distribution of the car.
I wish I could drive more carefully but Im busy and I can’t necessarily drive 20mph everywhere around here especially if I’m trying to get though this traffic.
The car is a pretty neutral weight distribution, its not front heavy.
CL Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,262
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From: MA
Your LS is a 2007, its 11-12 years old....and its driven on the worst roads in NYC but the suspension is fragile? NYC cars get hammered, having the suspension worn out after 11 years of NYC driving is not "fragile".
I wouldn't reduce weight, I would just drive as carefully as you can. If you replaced everything you should be good for another 11 years.
I wouldn't reduce weight, I would just drive as carefully as you can. If you replaced everything you should be good for another 11 years.
Beck arnley, movotech, dorman, ac delco etc.... all low quality stuff slapped with the companies logo on it, they are not manufacturing anything on their own.
I think they can get away with this on MOST cars but not with the massive size and weight of the LS, they are wearing out very quick.
Many posts talking about how the control arms went out again after a short period of time.
I bit the bullet and purchased PSB urethane bushings and my 08 is in the shop as we speak having them replaced.
He is a little mad I didn't buy the complete arms as its more work for him, but I am not going to do this job every 6 months or a year , its once and that's it (I hope)
The urethane bushings may cause the ride to be more firm and less luxurious but at least they are known to be more durable and should last a lot longer.
Personally I wouldn't mind a lightly more firm sporty type feel even if there is a sacrifice on some level.
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