In my 98 GS400, I'm getting ready to remove rear strut/spring assemblies to replace the rear struts. I'm planning to pay a garage to compress the springs and reassemble, and then I'll reinstall the assemblies in the car myself. I have been trying to find a write-up/DIY on this, and closest I've found is this one from the 1GS forum.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...tallation.html

I've also read through the L-Tuned suspension install thread https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...n-install.html which seems to cover the removal of the assembly pretty well.

Does anyone have any additional recommendations/advice or links to video or write-up that you can share with me? BTW, I'm installing KYB Excel-G struts and reusing the stock springs, only rear for now.

Thanks!

 

It's extremely simple. The L-Tuned thread tells you everything you need to know. There's no trick to it. Just undo the bolts, and do them back up with the proper torque. If you're taking them out and putting them back in, might as well just rent or borrow a strut spring compressor and do that yourself too.

 

Thanks, yea, I thought about doing the assembly myself...maybe I'll go for it.

 

I ran across this video, and wonder if this method will work on the rear of the GS400. It sounds like a safer way to compress the spring, and no tool required. Seems like it would work...

 

A spring compressor is usually under $30 from Autozone or any of the other big box parts stores. Even if you'll just use it once, I highly recommend it. I'd rather spend a few bucks than risk one of those puppies rocketing itself into my face. Some parts stores may even let you rent one for a day. They're incredibly simple to use and the job isn't nearly as daunting as it may seem at first. I had some issues with my rear passenger side strut and have had to remove it several times, it's at the point now where I can have it out and back in under an hour. If you can turn a wrench, it's no problem.

 

Thanks, this makes me feel better, maybe I'll just go rent a spring compressor and give it a try.