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Ride height adjusted ride feels way better with the FIGS front refesh kit and the BC coilovers. When I first got the car the suspension was worn and the drivers front was creaking at low speeds, thats all gone. First impression of the BCs is they feel soild a bit stiff but not uncomfortable the bouncy feeling of the worn stock suspension is gone. I have left the damper right in the middle and will adjust after I get some miles on it. Here's how it sits currently
About a year I purchased my 02 SC from a local guy who had it about 3 years. He did quite a bit of work on it: timing belt, water pump, gasket replacement, nav update, tune up, and a few other things in the 3 years he owned it. He put about 5000 miles on it.
I bought it with 102k. It now has 104k. Had it checked at the Lexus dealer - everything was great. Then I did a bunch of minor maintenance / repairs such as: changed fluids, rebuilt most of the speakers, Nav unit, and radio (CD Changer), resurfaced windshield, trunk lifts, and other stuff that does not require much skill or fancy tools. One day, about six months ago while looking at the car from the rear end I noticed the left side of the car seemed lower than the right. So, took out my tape measure and sure enough, about 1/2 inch lower. I take the car to a local garage, owned by a former Lexus mechanic, and ask him to check it out. He says everything looks OK, but the left rear is about 1/2" low and the left front about 1/4" low. He says the springs look fine. We agree that shocks may be the problem, so I had all four replaced. I asked that the lower balljoints get replaced at the same time, but the mechanic said it would be a waste of money as they were in "fine shape". After the shocks were installed there was a little improvement, but still leaning to the left. It turns out that the left rear tire was a mismatch with the other three (how I missed that and how the mechanic, and the Lexus dealership guys missed it is unfathomable). Today I got four new Pilot Sport A/S 3 +s installed to replace the stock Eagle GTs. The car rides much better, quieter and smoother. BUT they did not correct the lean. I'm posting to see if anyone has any ideas what may be causing the leaning. I'm still thinking springs, but am open to other ideas. By the way, if anyone is looking for 2 nearly new, ~1000 miles, stock Eagle GTs I have them in storage. Seriously, I do not know of any adjustments that could correct this, and professional help not is doing much for me. Any hints would be appreciated.
He says everything looks OK, but the left rear is about 1/2" low and the left front about 1/4" low. He says the springs look fine. We agree that shocks may be the problem, so I had all four replaced. I asked that the lower balljoints get replaced at the same time, but the mechanic said it would be a waste of money as they were in "fine shape". After the shocks were installed there was a little improvement, but still leaning to the left.
From my understanding, springs are the ones that hold the height of the car. It is 15 year old springs, so I would imagine they probably a bit tired and probably should be replaced if you really want to match the height. I am not guaranteeing new springs will fix the problem here, the difference in height is pretty small, so it could be something else. Have you check sway bar bushings, end links, etc?
....so where exactly did you measure from ? The distance of the fender lip to ground, the crossmeber, etc.....just trying to get an idea, so maybe we can give you an idea where to look ? I once had a difference that I could visually see, but I changed shocks & springs (lowered) at the same time & the height evened out
Finally got a window of opportunity to wash her after a wet wet winter in NorCal.
Nice looking car. Thanks for sharing. As to your last question. Actually I measured at the wheel-well through the center-line of the wheel. My goal is to retain a "stock" look, so no lowering is in order.
Finally got my new G-spiders installed...went ahead and updated to new Michellins as my existing tires were down to 4/32. Still need to seal the wheels and black the tires. Also now my dingy brake calipers are more noticeable. That may be another project. Any suggestions on color...normally I like bright red....but with a burgandyish red car....hmmm....black?....silver?
Thanks OBT, don't see many of this color around. As you probably already know, the color changes depending on the light so I had to wait for the right moment to catch the ray of sun.
03-01-17, 10:04 AM
