CPALex

Bought my GS400 about a year ago and so far I love it. I just replaced the high performance Pirelli's with a Bridgestone Potenza and now have a much better ride. However, I suspect that the struts are a little worn and could use replacing. Any suggestions as to what I could use to replace the originals would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

p.s. I'm running a stock 98 GS400 with 111,000 miles and 17" rims. I'm not looking to lower it.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

are you looking for OEM ride or something a bit firmer?

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

Might as well add in lowering springs while you are at it.

CPALex

I don't know. I'm looking for a smooth comfortable ride with decent handling. At the moment it seems that even the small bumps come right through the body of the car and I don't like that at all. This changed a good bit with the tire switch but I still feel the bumps quite a bit more than in my Honda Odyssey and that doesn't seem right.

What are these sway bars I keep hearing about? I've not been able to determine exactly what they do.

CPALex

Mike, I suppose I'm one of the small minority who thinks his car looks best at normal height!

gserep1

CPALex,
I'm with you. I have a 23 year old nephew who bugs me about lowering my car and putting on big wheels. I admit they look good on someone else's car, but not on mine.

I drive too many freeway miles for that. Comfort above all for me. I know we are in the minority, but to each his own.
Thanks

CPALex

How true. In addition to your points, my clients are attorneys and business executives. The good impression I make driving my Black on Black GS400 might become a bad impression if lowered and seen by my conservative clients.

David1969

I'm about ready to change my shocks/struts on my GS400. On my Cobra, i went with Bilstein shocks/struts and boy what a difference it made. I love the Bilsteins so much i'm going to go with them all around my car. They carry a lifetime unlimited warranty ( at least they did when i bought mine ) and are 100% replaceable should something go wrong with them. They're touted as "the best" and i agree completely. Just something to think about when choosing your struts/shocks.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I hear you on that. My parent's 05 odyssey is smoother over the roads compared to my GS400 when it was stock. I still went with KYB shocks and Eibach springs (lowers 1" all around so it doesn't look "lowered"), but it decreases the wheel gap all around. If you're looking for that smooth feel, then go with what's proven to do that: OEM shocks. Chances are, you'll feel more road with any aftermarket shocks.

Front: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...98&catalogid=2

Rear: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...98&catalogid=2

^^ OEM shocks

As far as sway bars, they are basically a bar that connects from one lower control arm to the other. It's and additional suspension component part that reduces body roll. The trade off is if you're driving over uneven road, you do feel more imperfection. Certainly I wouldn't recommend getting sway bars if you're concerned with ride quality. Remember, any suspension mod you do to the car that enhances performance, your ride quality becomes less OEM. Not even the almighty Tein CS that everyone raves about can absorb the road's imperfections like OEM suspension.

e-man

Earlier this year, I replaced the shocks on my 99 GS400 (80,000 miles at the time) with OEM stock replacements. It dramatically improved the ride quality.

Lexizm

iTrader: (2)

I think I'm going to go this route too.

WillieGS3

Oh boy what a big difference between Tien Flex Coilovers and Tien CS version coilovers. My Lexus quite ride is back with sport feel. I will difinetely recomend this set.

CPALex

Willie, which did you use - the CS or the flex? Where di you get them? Are these OEM?

WillieGS3

Tein CS version 2 with EDFC old (big motor)

bigL

iTrader: (3)

I have a used set of l tuned Id be willing to part with.