L-tuned / Trd Suspension ?'s

[Lexusfreak]

Hi guy's,

I just had a few questions relating to the GS 300/430 (model year 02+) L-tuned/TRD suspension. I currently own a 01 ES but have some questions regarding the GS 300/430 for future reference as it's a georgous car & something I might consider down the road. Any help is appreciated.

- Is the L-tuned/TRD STB the same for the GS 300 & 430 & is it a fairly easy install? Please explain.

- I noticed you can get "braces" for under the car as well both front or back. Please explain the purpose(s) for them (in detail) and are they just "bolt on" modifications or they tricky to install? Will they improve the ride of the car or make the GS ride more "harsh"? I would use the car as a daily driver not for any type of racing applications. Finally, would the under car "braces" be even necessary if I already have the STB?

- Where would be the cheapest place(s) or websites to get these items in the U.S. & Canada? (perferably Canada to avoid any duty charges) Are there any places that "discount" these items for LOC or CL members & specifically how much? Any contacts would be a big help. M

Many thanks everyone for your help! B)

[HotBlue400]

http://www.l-tunedparts.com/

[Neo]

Did I answer you on CL already? I see these types of questions pretty often and I sometimes don't even look at the screen names (even though these are sometimes different on both forums).

1. There is no L-Tuned STB. There is a TRD STB. It will not fit a GS300. It will fit a GS4x0 if the engine cover is removed. Install is pretty straight-forward. There are 3 bolts from your shock tower (on each side) and there are 3 holes on each side of the STB. Guess how it goes in. ;) You may have to jack up the car on one side to be able to jiggle the bolts into place since there is some play. It all depends on how your car is sitting at the moment.

2. There are a number of under body braces. Depending on where they are, they help tie the connected parts together to act as one unit. The good thing is that the car feels more solid and respond in a more predictable manner. The bad thing (in terms of ride quality) is that it removes some of the flex and independent suspension. This gets interpreted as a harsher ride. The more bracing you add, the harsher the ride becomes to varying degrees. Some braces will contribute minimally to the ride degredation while others will be very noticeable.

These braces are meant to improve handling and not ride quality, unless you view bad handling as bad ride quality. ;)

Installation for these braces are also DIY but more difficult. They bolt on and require no modifications to the car but it takes a little more time and know-how than the STB. All suspension mods contribute differently. Having an STB does not preclude you from wanting/needing the other braces.

3. For purchases, the site HotBlue400 is a good place. It is the internet storefront for Carson Toyota in California. It is run by Steve Ganz, the parts manager. I've bought plenty of stuff from Steve.

Good luck.

[Lexusfreak]

thanks neo, yes I did post the same thing on CL :)