I understand that beginning in 2005, a "softer" shock absorber was installed on the SC 430 which yielded a more comfortable ride. Can these "2005" shock absorbers be installed on earlier models without any problems and provide a smoother ride?

Thanks!

 

Yes and welcome to club lexus

 

Thanks for the kind welcome and your response to my question.

When I did not see any responses to my question for a few days, I called a dealership and they said it could be done. But to be sure, I called the 1 800 Lexus customer service number to verify and they said they said that 2005 shocks could not be installed on 2002-2004 models. So I remain a little confused.

Thanks again.

 

05+ sc430s have different rear springs, so you need the whole setup(shocks+springs) to swap.

You CANNOT only buy the 05+ shocks and call it a day. You need the 05+ springs as well.
Just dump the runflats first if you are not so in love with them.

 

Welcome Barton!


Cooperate Lexus will not authorize or even acknowledge the fact that some part might be interchangeable with any other. That is an unnecessary liability, which they will not take the burden of. Hence, when you call they will never tell you or recommend anything else other than the OEM specified equipment.

 

Before going to the 2005 shocks, I recommend you condiser the following:

I put Tein Coilovers on my 2002 SC. I have the dampeners set to level 1 on the front and level 3 on the rear. The ride quality is better than any SC on the road, and the cost was less than a new set of Lexus shocks. However, at this low of a damper setting, I recommend that the ride height be set as close to stock as possible.

 

Of course, the Tein's are not free of CYA-speak - they clearly say in several places that they "are not street legal". <grin>

 

Do the '05+ models handle better or worse? I never thought my SC had a rough ride but if the '05 has a softer suspension and still able to improve handling I'd like to know. Thanks.