need suggestions for replacement shocks ls400

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pheonix1t@gmail.com - 15 Feb 2009 22:28 GMT

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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johngdole@hotmail.com - 17 Feb 2009 05:26 GMT

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:

http://www.chrisandnat.com/projects/LexusBallJoint/f0.JPG
http://www.chrisandnat.com/projects/LexusBallJoint/f2.JPG

On Feb 15, 2:28 pm, "pheoni...@gmail.com" <pheoni...@gmail.com> wrote:

> hello,
> I've inherited a 1992 ls400. It's a bit old but it still works very
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> Oskar

Reply to this Message

johngdole@hotmail.com - 17 Feb 2009 05:32 GMT

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.

On Feb 15, 2:28 pm, "pheoni...@gmail.com" <pheoni...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Also, should I be looking at replacing bushings? It does have 180k.
> I know the front tie rods got replaced around 150k as well.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Oskar

Reply to this Message