What is the difference between the left and the right struts on the LS……. I see they have different part numbers. I have a AWD LS460.

 

Fitment due to AWD parts being present.

 

Most likely, one number is specifically for the right side and one number is specifically for the left side.

 

TRUE!…… And they are the same price.
But what is the difference between the two?……. They both look the same and appear that they could mistakenly swapped "IF" you don’t verify the proper side strut before installing. Could installing the wrong side strut hamper performance?

 

Are you talking about air or regular struts? In case of air struts, it might not be possible to use same part number on both sides due to the air port. The port has to be facing outwards otherwise the pressure line will not reach it. Also, struts can be internally different due to the weight distribution of the car.

 

No direct experience replacing struts as I have my original 4 air struts on my '07 RWD. But if both are readily available and there's no significant price difference, then I wouldn't worry about it and just install them where they're supposed to go. Could be orientation of brackets/mounts, angle, etc. that may be the difference. Perhaps when you get them and dig into the install, you can advise us what you find.

 

Regular struts on a 2013 AWD