Dustin88

Wondering if my car has a problem or if it's just the way the car is.

I have a 99 ls with 230k, Ive replaced f and r strut rods, front lower ball joints and fr lower control arm bushings, motor and Trans mount, all Oem parts. Fsctory struts, probably original. Rear springs seem to be sagging some

the car takes large bumps pretty well but I feel all the small bumps and the back end feels kind of loose when going over bumps. No parts seem loose

thinking about replacing every suspension component on the car but I've never rode in a low milage ls so I don't know how far off my suspension is from new.

I have back and neck problems and no I don't want to feel any bumps. Maybe I'm asking to much from a 18 yr old car

Banshee365

The ride is very supple and smooth. Are you running factory wheels and tires or low profiles? It's to know what to expect when you haven't had the opportunity to compare it to another car. How are the upper control arms and ball joints? Do you hear clunking and knocking anywhere or are you just feeling bumps? Throw some weight in the trunk and see if that makes a difference.

Dustin88

Stock wheels/tires. I was thinking about replacing fr uppers next. It's the smoothest riding car I have owned just looking for even better ride quality, not sure if it's my car or just how they ride, the roads suck where I live which is part of the problem.

I guess I can try and find a low milleage ls for sale and text drive it. Want to try a ls430 also

jimisbell

My LS 430 rides like a magic carpet and the engine is so smooth and quiet its like a turbine. I commented to the wife yesterday that we needed new, quiet tires so we could not hear them. It makes my 2007 Lincoln Town Car seem like a dune buggy. I am selling the Lincoln !

deanshark

I'm going through the same thing. Bad rear springs and shocks. Rear end sags and sways.

Back and neck problems are the worst. (3 herniated discs) I can't fix my car now and I wont pay someone to do it for me.

If you test drive another one just make sure it doesn't have air suspension. You'll never get that smooth of a ride with springs. Air is awesome, but expensive when something breaks.

Dustin88

You sound just like me, I do everything my self but it hurts to work on cars now without having a lift. I really don't want to just throw money at it. I have a love/hate relationship with the car. I like a alot about it but the high speed stability is really bad and sometimes scary and I'm just not happy with the alignment even after 2 alignments

Banshee365

Stability problems at any speed are certainly not normal. Shocks can certainly cause that.

VolumeToo

I've just changed from a '94 to a '98 - and had a '90 before that. It does seem to me that the later generation has a firmer ride - but much softer seats. The 1990 had the softest ride, due in part to its higher-profile tires. My car has 145k miles, and, with the exception of a front balljoint (soon to be replaced), the suspension appears in good order. Interestingly, during the 100-mile drive home when I bought it, the ride did seem to soften up a bit. The guy hadn't used it much in a long while, TBH. (But then, he did have a shed full of about 10 vintage Rolls Royces!)

SW17LS

It should ride extremely well, remembering my 98 when it was new. It However is not a floaty boaty ride, you do feel imperfections in the road they are just always incredibly damped and muted, it's a very polished ride...should almost be like a hovercraft at speed, like the wheels are almost disconnected from the car.

Make sure you're running good tires and that they aren't over inflated.

Dustin88

Ok I think my suspension and struts all just worn out. Have to decide if I want to put anymore money in this car or upgrade to a ls430. The car has a few other small problems also

SW17LS

The LS430 rides basically the same, unless you find one in substantially better condition...

oldskewel

iTrader: (1)

From your description, I'll agree with Banshee and say it is likely to be the struts. I'd start with the rears based on your description.

Not too hard to change, but depends on your health.

Some say that the KYB GR-2's are too firm, but I put those on (all 4 corners at around 170k miles, which I concluded was earlier than I needed) my '91 and the ride is somewhere between a hovercraft and a magic carpet.

It sounds like you already have a lot of new suspension parts on there, so that may make it a tougher decision on whether to get a newer one or to fix this one. Good luck.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

I'm almost at 230k and lowered on Eibach springs. The ride is fabulous on the highway and most times on the street but I've also changed most of the steering and suspension parts over the past 30k miles. The 430 I recently purchased feels way better than the 400 in most ways even though I still think a 400 still looks better. Another thing is that the seats in the 400 are not as firm as they used to be due to their age.

SW17LS

Your 400 is lowered. Having gone from the 400 to the 430 when they were new they are very similar. We actually kept the 400 after the lease was up after driving the 01 430 because they drove almost exactly the same.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I get what your saying and I remember how sweet the ride was in my 400 when I first got it with 62k on the clock and fresh off a lease. It was amazing, The 430 I just have is 12 years old/ 400 was 5 years old, the 430 has 121k/ 400 had 62k. The 430 is in great mechanical condition and a welcome change since my 400 is long in the tooth and the creaks are getting louder. I still cant bring myself to daily the 430 yet but I will soon since I plan to give the 400 1 more refresh. I must admit IMO the 400 just looks better gliding down the road.