I rarely create threads, but after 17 years and 167k miles, I’ve finally decided to spend some money on my awful suspension with hopes of curing the dreaded shake. After driving an ultra smooth rental last week, I quickly noticed how horrible my shake is. I recently pulled the trigger on parts from Rock Auto, please see below:

(2) Beck and Arnley inner tie rods
(2) steering rack boots (eBay)
(2) Moog outer tie rods - 2nd set
(2) Mevotech sway bar bushings
(2) caster arms (oem)
(2) Mevotech supreme lower control arms
(2) Moog LBJs - 2nd set
(2) Moog stabilizer links
(2) Moog RK Series UCAs. I’m aware this is their value line, but I’ve read nothing but decent reviews on this site from people who have installed them. I refuse to spend $700 for oem arms.

I’ll keep everyone updated once I’ve installed the parts. These parts should last the life of the vehicle lol.

 

how about shocks, those prob need to be changed too!

 

I have new OEM shocks and motor mounts in my garage, but I don’t plan on installing them. The set on my car is still in good condition.

 

unless your planning on selling them, i would enjoy them for the ride.

 

I’m not planning on selling them at this time. I’ll install once my original shocks are blown.

 

Best of luck with the refresh... and steering wheel shake on these cars is something that's complained about way too often.

Fresh suspension and good wheel alignment can do wonders however.

 

Thanks. I’m looking forward to the installment. My Moog UCAs arrived late last week, so I can proceed forward now. I have a great mechanic that will install every part listed above, including alignment for $490.

To correct my previous post, I meant to say strut mounts, not motor mounts. I installed new OEM motor and tranny mounts one month ago.

 

I’m not clear on why the strut mount? I don’t recall this being much of a wear item unless there is obvious signs of wear or damage?

 

I always replace both at the same time to prevent rework. Lessons learned from years of ownership.

 

Updating my thread in case someone stumbles upon this thread years from now. I recently paid a suspension shop $500 (including alignment) to install everything listed above. The car’s steering is so solid now and the infamous 60-mph steering wheel shake is finally gone. I’ll probably start buying suspension parts for the rear within a year or two. I need to keep my baby looking good and running well until I upgrade to the 2019 Mercedes W222. I’m patiently waiting for the W223 to hit the market and depreciation to work its magic. I refuse to purchase the newer Lexus because of the predator mouth grills, which are hideous.

 

Bumping my original thread from 7 years ago. So after 6 years and an additional 23k miles (190k) all of the parts are still solid minus the OEM caster control arms, which is upsetting based on the money spent. The bushings are cracked and causing misalignment issues. To those who have trashed the Moog RK line, I can confidently say that my UCAs are still solid with no play!

 

2002 GS300 Sport Design 165K
I replaced everything front suspension and tie rods and struts about 10K ago. I used Mevotech Supreme parts.
Two Additions To The Thread:
1. Sport Design uses a different upper control arm specified at RockAuto as "Special Edition". It is a physically different fitment. The other parts in the front end are the same, Sport Design or not Sport Design.
2. After all work done by my trusted mechanic I still had random steering wheel shake on random pavement and to a lesser degree felt vibration in floor and seat. It always occurred 60mph+. In the end it was tire balance. I had Discount Tire do a heavy Road Force Balance. After that, it was "Lexus Smooth as(s) Glass". It does not cost extra, it takes a little longer for them to do, you must request it, every Discount Tire can do it. In my book, Road Force Balance is essential. Hope it helps. Maybe even for those who have not replaced front-end.