I have a 2002 RX300 and noticed a leak from one of the rear struts. Can I replace just one or do I need to replace both rear struts at the same time? Knowing an RX is mostly just a cruiser, should I replace with stock Lexus struts or can I find a suitable replacement that will mirror the ride of the OEM struts? What is a suggested altenative to the stock Lexus parts? Also - the vehicle sits high and I did see the that there are lowering springs available, which would lower the vehicle about 30 mm. Does lowering the vehicle change the feel of the ride much? How much of a ride difference will I notice? I saw an ad in car magaizine recently and it indicated that you could experience an improvement in the handling of the vehicle while driving straight down the road when it is windy as well as an increase in gas mileage, even a reduction in braking!? Anyone have experience with the other benefits of lowering the vehicle that they could share?

 

I have lowered GS, and the obvious, other than looks, is lowered center of gravity. Lower CG, by itself does not improve handling. The springs and shocks, change the suspension geometry a bit, but most improvements come from the difference in springs an shocks.

Increased mpg ... I think is a tall claim.

In GS I have to be careful on the bumps and park a bit behind (dont want to fit the bumper), I dont think that will be a problem in RX.

Salim

 

I switched off my OEM shocks back in January to KYB GR-2s, they handle much better than the original stock shocks.

I had such a leak you described in one of my front shocks back in late 2006, and ran on it for quite a bit until I was able to get it repaired temporarily, when we removed it, this was the play it had, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hUYf2qBKHU

 

so I take it that I need to change both struts so as to have brand new and even the ride. I am interested in the lowering - but I don't want to steer to far off course from stock - as one day I will part with my vehicle, and the fact that I probably don't need to much modification given that I just want to enjoy the ride.

 

I would change out both, because they ride differently from OEM. Keep in mind that the KYBs come silver in color. I recently, within the past few days, painted the top part of my shocks black to match the rest of the vehicle.

 

If you alter the looks, your resale value will go down. Same is the case with changing the feel.

So if you plan to sell soon, stay with OEM or equivalent. Customization makes sense when you intend to keep it long. Extra money you put in will never be recovered and it is unlikely that you will get the same resale had you had kept it stock.

Typical customer in resale market, tends to stay clear of modified stuff (even if it is an improvement).

Salim

 

Salimshah - good points - since I doubt I will keep this forever, I will follow your advice. I have also seem some comments on other posts that there is also the possibility for additional tire wear. I don't need the hassel of additional costs in that area as well.
The comment from Lexmex does also bring up a good point - I'd rather not have a noticable color showing - something I didn't like when I changd shocks on an SUV I had a few years back.
I am going to go with OEM or similar if it isn't noticeable.

 

the KYB shocks are just fine, they dont effect tire wear. As far as I know the KYB shocks are pretty much the same as the stock ones. Somewhere I read KYB makes the OEM shock.

 

Just to add to the point on whether to change one piece, please change the two. The reason is that if you change only one, the new one will transfer more load to the old and this will make it fail faster and you'll then have to change it too. Same goes for bearings.
Apart from that you may likely have your car tilt a little to the old shocks side any you won't like that.