I recently purchased an 1996 SC400. After finding the front shocks leaking and the car a bit bouncy I replaced the shocks with KYB GR2s. After driving on them for a couple of days I've noticed I don't care for the ride quality.
The thing that bothers me is the fast frequency of the return in the motion of the shock over natural variations in the road surface. The ride isn't rough, it just feels like the car has had one too many cups of coffee.

I would prefer a ride closer to a stock sedan ride like a GS300/400. I went along with the recommendation of the KYBs because I've read here and on other forums that they were the closest to stock ride quality.

Would replacing the shocks with the OEM parts have given me this more sedan type ride or am I comparing apples to oranges??

 

u should have gotten some koni's if u wanted the smoothese ride. I know what u mean by the GR-2's feeling like it had too much coffee, but thats something u get used to. If you dont, then I would suggest some konis at least in the front and you can adjust them to exactly how u want them.

 

EvilEagle,

Are you refering to the "Koni Yellow" adjustables?

You may be right about adapting. I'll give it another week or so to see if I adjust to the feel but my first impression is that this ride is a little to high strung for daily driving by an 'old guy' like me.

Does anybody have comments on the comparison between the KYBs and the stock Lexus OEM replacements or other alternatives for a more 'boulevarder' type ride?

Thx

 

The OEM Lexus ones will give you the smoothest ride. The KYB GR2 are valved a tad stiffer so that is why you might feel the "too much coffee" effect.

 

yup.......