Guys on higher mileage sc430's, say 100,000 miles + what approach makes sense to refresh the car for handling, ride, steering feel etc.?

Assuming basic maintenance is up to date.

Lower control arms
Steering bushings
Alignment
New wheels / no runflats
Shocks/springs

-Anything else?

Thanks.

 

Also consider the front and rear sway bar upgrade with bushings.
Refer to bacardi11 thread on sway bar.

 

Look into your engine mounts and transmission mount. I would also seek a shock tower brace.

 

- sway bar endlinks
- Transmission flush
- Brake fluid flush
- power steering flush
- differential fluid flush
- ball joints
- inner & outter tie rods

 

Other suggestions:
-transmission filter
-spark plugs
-MAF sensor cleaning
-thermostat replacement
-radiator cap replacement
-throttle body cleaning
-fuel injector cleaning/upper engine via gas tank and vacuum line

 

Just making a combined list:

- Lower control arms
- Steering bushings
- Alignment
- New wheels / no runflats
- Shocks/springs
- front and rear sway bar upgrade with bushings.
- engine mounts and transmission mount
- sway bar endlinks
- Transmission flush
- Brake fluid flush
- power steering flush
- differential fluid flush
- radiator flush
- ball joints
- inner & outter tie rods
-transmission filter
-spark plugs
- spark plug grommets
-MAF sensor cleaning
-thermostat replacement
-radiator cap replacement
-throttle body cleaning
-fuel injector cleaning/upper engine via gas tank and vacuum line


Also at 100k if not done you'd probably want to look at:
- timing belt
- waterpump
- tensioners
- pulleys
- valve cover gaskets
- front main seal

lets keep updating this list if anyone can think of anything else.. maintenance related..

 

To maintain factory performance: shocks yes, springs no. While doing the timing belt, in addition to the aforementioned items I'd replace the upper and lower radiator hoses as well as the serpentine belt. If the brakes are anywhere near due then it's a great time to take care of them while working on the suspension.

 

I agree with every post. my sc430 has 237k miles. replace upper control arms, lower ball joints, around 173k along with struts front and rear. trans flush , and trans flush again. but ill tell you I bought all my parts on line. had a friend help install then took to hibdons for alignment. I would hate to see what the dealer would charge for all that. ouch. good luck.

 

I agree with all that has been said - but many of the suspension items that involve ball joints, bushings, etc should be checked for deterioration and/or sloppiness before I'd change things out completely. E.g., if the tie rod ends are tight, no need to change just because of mileage. Now I'm speaking for those among us with several kids in college, and therefore with a tight budget. If you can afford to sweep through everything and do proactive/preventative maintenance - go for it.

 

All bushes. Ball joints!!!! Those control arms! I will say it again. Those big donut front control arms and new ball joints. You will be happy. Tires are just like brake pads. They get eaten. Happy new year.

 

I've had several experiences with Toyota ball joints being bad and causing steering problems but never showed any outward signs of failure or severe wear. They didn't groan, squeak or grind. When removed they didn't feel sloppy in their sockets. I would have sworn that they were good. WRONG!! My Sienna and my SC both responded wonderfully. Steering sloppiness and shakes both disappeared. My Sienna has 112K miles and my SC has but 61K miles. Again, the results were amazing.

 

Does changing out the steering bushings really make a difference? I'm in the process of upgrading sway bars, end links, and bushings and have been considering doing the steering bushings as well. Thoughts?

 

I think so, you will have less play in the steering wheel. Made a huge difference in my old GS300 so ordered it for the SC as well. Figs engineering's makes the poly bushings http://shopfigs.com/v1/index.php?rou...product_id=220

 

I don't really feel any play in my steering wheel, but maybe I just don't notice it..

 

Steering rack bushings are the only item that mounts your power steering rack to your chassis. Any forward or lateral movement of this steering rack - even the most minute - can cause noticeable changes in toe and other alignment settings... with higher mileage cars it would be worth it to go ahead and change. I haven't changed it in my GS430 but in my GS300 when I had changed it, the steering felt great.. I was having a lot of play in it prior.