Sammydean

I am hoping to get some advice from the folks here in the forum. I am looking to trade up from my 2003 GS 300 and buy a 2008 or 2009 GS 350.

I am looking for the least amount of drop possible with a comfortable ride. Can anyone tell me which of the springs (Tanabe NF210 or F-Sport) lower the smallest amount or are they about the same?

Also, I am thinking of putting 19 inch wheels on as well. What would be the widest staggered wheel combo I can fit on front/rear with no fender mods and no rubbing?

Thanks in advance.

jtrue28

there are differing opinions, but if you look at each of the websites, the F-Sport offers the least amount of drop.

Mike450h

I would agree with the last post, F-Sport drops the car about an inch, your ride will be affected no matter witch way you go,to me it added a lot better handling than the stock springs.

As far as wheels......Lots of differing opinions on sizes, but I think you will find that most people are running 20'' wheels as they seem to look best on a GS, max stagger is for my money 10.5 as that is what I have in the back on my car, front is 9.5, I can't see going much wider than that without potentially getting into the fender. I wedged in some 295's if I go over a bump at an odd angle and to fast it will rub just a little.

Hope that helps....

Kcook700

iTrader: (2)

I'm running the F-sport springs which i just put in my 08 AWD. I found the ride nice after the swap. only noticed minimal amount of difference in ride, it could also be in my head. I too didnt want much of a drop, but that 4X4 AWD look had to go. Only reason i went with F-sport was because i got a deal. It was between those and the NF210's. I believe there are some CL vendors that can get you a coo deal on either of those springs.

Another reason i chose the minimal lowering spring is because i didnt want a super low car. One of the reasons i bought a lexus was for comfort, I personally was not willing to sacrifice for lowering the car too much. Again, that is just my opinion...

Stormforge

NF210 springs provide a ride that is almost the same as the oem springs. in a double blind test, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference.

Sammydean

Thanks for the insight from everyone. I am planning to buy a RWD but I'm curious....do the AWD models sit up higher from the factory than a RWD?

Kcook700

iTrader: (2)

Yes. I would say the AWD sits roughly an inch higher than the RWD.

Stormforge

if you plan to mod your GS, then definitely RWD is the correct platform you want to choose. there are lots of complaints about vibration from members who have lowered their AWD GS.

Kcook700

iTrader: (2)

^^ I agree. At the time I was looking for a car, the AWD was my only option for a Black/Black in my area. Not to mention the price seemed worth it. Given what I know now and given the chance, I would have went with a RWD.

Sammydean

Great information to know. I had no idea that the AWD sat higher but it does makes sense that it's a little more complex to work with. Sounds like RWD is definitely my best route.

jtrue28

AWD would be unnecessary in TX anyway.

Just4Me

Amen. OMG... thats my exact words... i chose mine because i wanted the black interior. And the price was right... if i could go back, id wait till i found a rwd in my price range