Hi,
I just past 60 K miles (and 28 years) and I think my SC300 nears new shocks. We are getting older and my wife says she can't take the bumps.
I have not taken the car for a longer drive so it may just be that after sitting in the driveway for two years the shock need to be warmed up.
Anyway, probably, due to aging, I am thinking of putting in new shocks. Most of the posts deal with KYB versus Bilstein.
Has anyone any experience with Sachs. It is an old, reputable German company, I think.
Thanks,

Nick

 

Normally for the cars that they are available in I like Koni, Bilstein and yes, Sachs for mostly BMW/Mercedes models.

Bilsteins were available for SC's via a set designed for the MKIV Supra for several years (the Bilstein #AK1242 and #AK1243 front and rear respectively) via an assemble-it-yourself coil-over suspension but this was a $1,000 "budget" oriented semi-track coilover suspension. Not what you are looking for I think and unfortunately the shocks themselves are now discontinued to the best of my knowledge.

Right now it appears that RockAuto has direct fit OE style shocks from Sachs for the front and rear. Tirerack has KYB GR-2/Excel-G shocks as their direct-fit OE style replacement shocks.

In the past we'd have also have suggested new OEM 1993-1998 Toyota Supra Turbo shocks and springs as an excellent drop-in replacement and handling upgrade for an SC but Toyota has discontinued those parts.

Aftermarket coilover suspension options for these cars are MANY and very popular of course. Much more expensive than an OEM or OE Direct Fit replacement option but many offer superior handling advantages over the factory stock suspension.

If you want to just restore your factory ride back to what it was when new the OEM Lexus SC300/400 1997-2000 front and rear shocks, springs and other components are still available from dealers.

Try them through MyLParts which is Lexus of Roseville's online discounted parts ordering system via mail.

1997-2000 Lexus SC300/400 Front Shock Absorber OEM -- P/N 48510-29505
1997-2000 Lexus SC300/400 Rear Shock Absorber OEM -- P/N 48530-29545

 

For what the op is looking for I would suggest the kyb shocks, I put them on all 4 sides of my 95 400 and they are so comfy, and handle great, really the best of both worlds, you won’t be sorry with kyb I believe I heard something about kyb actually being the oem supplier of shocks and Toyota just rebranding them as their own? Perhaps the ever knowledgeable kahn can speak to that? Which makes sense to me because feeling how the car rides it feels like a stock cushy ride that can also get a down and dirty on some gt high speed curves ( I didn’t say drifts I said freeway curves hahha)

 

Have to agree if the OP is looking for a comfy ride than the KYBs are the best choice at an affordable price.

But, if handling and pumping up the excitement factor (trading off comfort) look towards coil overs and lowering the car.

 

Thank you for your very informative posts. The Sachs are not available at this time from Rockauto. So I order the KYBs in a kit that includes the struts, the bellows and the mounts for the rear shocks. I am not going to change the front ones as they seem ok. The order number for 94 SC300 is KIT 341162.