need suggestions for replacement shocks ls400

Feb 15, 2009 2 Replies
P

hello, I've inherited a 1992 ls400. It's a bit old but it still works very well. Great car for everyday work! it has about 180k. the previous owner did major engine work (timing chain, new a/c, new radiator and hoses) at 150k. I've noticed the suspension is a bit bouncy. By the amount of miles on this car I suspect it's due for suspension work. I think this car has the normal struts in front and shocks in the rear setup that most cars have.



For Lexus, what is a good brand and model of shock to use for replacement? Also, should I be looking at replacing bushings? It does have 180k. I know the front tie rods got replaced around 150k as well. I'm very impressed with the car and if it's due for suspension parts I want to do a complete job.



Also, where are good places to get these parts at reasonable prices?



Thanks,



Oskar


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J

Without air suspension, or retrofitting to coil spring -- I'd get Gabriel Ultra from local Autozone. These have 9-stages inertial sensitive valving that won the Popular Mechanic's Editor Choice Award some years back. Or you can get firmer Sachs from rockauto.com and other online places.

I'd stay away from OEM KYBs (aka "Keep Your Bilsteins"). These are not much more than old-tech fixed orifice shocks that like to burst their seals because of the progressive damping nature of the cheap valving mentioned.

Also check your lower ball joints. Toyota used weak joints on some of these, and some years of Lexus LS like to throw out their wheels when these go, see pictures:

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J

Sure, consider changing out the rubber parts in the front suspension. An alignment would most likely be required after working on these parts, so might as well do them once. But usually after 150K miles these things, like bushings, ball joints and wheel bearings can be replaced preemptively.

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