Hello All,
I have a stock 2001 GS430 with 121K. Lower ball joints replaced at 63K. Aftermarket ASA wheels 18x8 +35mm offset. Brand new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ in 245/40/18s. Car runs and steers well with new shoes! Gone is the vibration at 65mph and the tramlining.

I am considering lowering the car to get rid of the 4x4 stance up front. I want to retain the factory ride quality or as close to it as possible. I was considering Tanabe NF210 or DF210 springs and KYB Struts. After reviewing forum posts and talking to a knowledge import tuning shop, it seems with the cost of the springs and shocks, coil overs seems to be a better buy. The shop recommended BC Racing coilovers and forum posts suggest the softest springs would most mimic the factory ride quality.

My questions for all of you:
Longevity of coilovers when set to lower the car to about a 2 finger gap to the tops of the tires and driven in a spirited manner on the streets. Are there any brands of coilovers more reliable than the others?
With this level of lowering, how likely am I to have problems scraping on inclines, declines, speed bumps, etc..? What about camber/caster settings?
Do coilovers sag and need adjusting from time to time? What about changing rebound and dampening as they age?

Other than lower ball joints, are there other parts that are considered to be no brainer replacements when having the coilovers installed and will the BC Racing, Teins, coilovers come with everything needed for their installation ?

Then again, should I consider RCAs instead?

Thanks in advance….


Neil

 

Years. Yes. None. Nothing to change, simply get an alignment. No. No.The springs will settle a bit over time, but not in a manner significant enough to require regular adjustments. The damping and rebound should stay consistent. If they start to get softer it is because the damper is leaking. All your bushings and ball joints should be in good condition. BC and Tein provide all the necessary parts. RCAs will only lower your car, they will not stiffen it.

 

I have a GS430 with 18x8 asa wheels as well and recently replaced all of my shocks with Bilstein and reused the tein lowering springs. Looking back I wish I would of gone the coilover route for adjustable. My springs lower the vehicle to about two finger gap in the front and the previous owner installed SPC upper control arms to help with getting the alignment into spec. That would be the only other upgrade needed that I can think of.

I dont have issues with driveways but pay close attention to my front bumper when parking somewhere with a curb.

 

Pulled the trigger on a fellow CL member's new KYBs and tried ordering NF210 - TNF24B only to find that they are obsolete. Now I have to go with DF210s or pick another more conservative spring. Anyone have any recommendation on what springs are closet to the NF210s in drop and ride quality. I know the NF210s and DF210s are linear rate and Eibachs and Vogtlands are progressive.....Not sure how that palys out on the street though.

 

 

How low can I go with my flush fit wheels/tire to clear with no fender modification? Will DF210s & KYBs work with no rubbing or scraping? Wheels are 18x8 offset is 35 and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ 245-40-18s?

 

All of the attached pics are of the front driver's wheel and tire.

 

Yes it will work.

 

2nd, you will be just fine with DF210s and KYBs with 18x8 +35 offset even with 245/40/18 tires.

 

I'm just showing you it will work. 24/40/18 with eibach lowering springs & bilstein shocks. 1" drop & no rubbing at all. Rides OK to.