Swap or Delete of Adaptive Suspension on 2007 Lexus GS450h

[ricʞ]

Hello everyone 🙂 

I am having trouble finding replacements for my front shocks (i think coils are still good, need struts and top plates). I have the Adaptive Suspension on my model. I have called a lot of garages in my area (montreal) and they all come up with nothing and even when calling the Lexus Dealership, they had maybe one of each strut (600$ front right and 850$ front left CAD) and both top plates (450$ each CAD) but did not even have a date on when they would come as none are in stock anywhere... 

Would I be able to replace it with another similarly fitting strut from the GS line or anything else?

Would anyone have ANY better alternative than this for me? It would be SUPER appreciated 

[rich1068]

Hi. Got your message 😉

I'm afraid the fancy adaptive suspension on my 450h must have gone the same way as yours. A previous owner obviously baulked at paying ££££ to replace it and had Tein coil overs fitted instead. I only got the car in November and was a little wary of the aftermarket kit but it rides really well. It also sits a smidge lower which I think suits it. 

It's a solution worth looking at I think. 

[rich1068]

If you do want to stay OEM worth looking on Amayama.com 

[ricʞ]

1 minute ago, rich1068 said:

Hi. Got your message 😉

I'm afraid the fancy adaptive suspension on my 450h must have gone the same way as yours. A previous owner obviously baulked at paying ££££ to replace it and had Tein coil overs fitted instead. I only got the car in November and was a little wary of the aftermarket kit but it rides really well. It also sits a smidge lower which I think suits it. 

It's a solution worth looking at I think. 

 

Just now, rich1068 said:

If you do want to stay OEM worth looking on Amayama.com 

Oh so you found some which fit that are not the Adaptive Suspension? Would this mean I could fit other struts instead? If yes, would this not pop codes ( CHECK VSC ) and whatever else since sensors have to be unplugged?

I am honestly looking for a decently priced solution, just a replacement to have good shocks since these are at the end of their lives. I honestly don't want to break the bank or anything. Really need some help from the forums here because I am stuck..

[rich1068]

2 minutes ago, ricʞ said:

Oh so you found some which fit that are not the Adaptive Suspension? Would this mean I could fit other struts instead? If yes, would this not pop codes ( CHECK VSC ) and whatever else since sensors have to be unplugged?

As I say, fitted by a previous owner. But a similar question popped up on the UK forum recently and a quick search of the Tein UK site showed they still did a kit for the GS. I assume the possible fault codes are coded out maybe? Don't know. But there are no lights on my dash. The switch still lights up if you flick from normal to sport but obviously doesn't do anything because the adaptive suspension has been removed. 

I can't see an issue replacing the adaptive system with a coil over kit. It's like the air suspension on the RX300/350(?). Great while it's working but eventually it gives up and either the parts aren't available or they're horrendously expensive. Just replace with something more traditional. 

[rich1068]

Oh and Elbows Up btw 😉

[ricʞ]

4 minutes ago, rich1068 said:

As I say, fitted by a previous owner. But a similar question popped up on the UK forum recently and a quick search of the Tein UK site showed they still did a kit for the GS. I assume the possible fault codes are coded out maybe? Don't know. But there are no lights on my dash. The switch still lights up if you flick from normal to sport but obviously doesn't do anything because the adaptive suspension has been removed. 

I can't see an issue replacing the adaptive system with a coil over kit. It's like the air suspension on the RX300/350(?). Great while it's working but eventually it gives up and either the parts aren't available or they're horrendously expensive. Just replace with something more traditional. 

Yeah I literally would just take the suspension from a GS350 if possible I just do not want to spend an arm and a leg on these OEM Adaptive Suspension parts.. if you or anyone knew of something like that, I would immensely pleased as id prefer a more OEM ride, coilovers aren't too much my style unless that's my only option..

1 minute ago, rich1068 said:

Oh and Elbows Up btw 😉

Thank you Rich, much appreciated you answering my questions! 🙂

[rich1068]

Don't completely dismiss the coil overs idea. I'm not at all a car modding guy. Never messed with suspension in my life. And as I say, I was wary of the Tein kit fitted to mine but it rides really well. Very Lexus-like and not at all firm or crashy. 

[ricʞ]

14 minutes ago, rich1068 said:

Oh and Elbows Up btw 😉

Oh I also checked on Amayama and they were on there, crossed referenced the part numbers and my front right is 350$ CAD and the front left is 750$ LOL not sure why one is more expensive than the other

Each top plate is 100$

This comes out to about 1300$

[ricʞ]

Just now, rich1068 said:

Don't completely dismiss the coil overs idea. I'm not at all a car modding guy. Never messed with suspension in my life. And as I say, I was wary of the Tein kit fitted to mine but it rides really well. Very Lexus-like and not at all firm or crashy. 

This is what I found but I am not sure what im looking at aha but what you said sounds good to me

[McBrian]

Good coilovers are a great addition, but only if they are installed by someone who knows how to set them up. They are adjustable but that is really a waste because unless you are racing you are NEVER going to adjust them so they need to be set correctly at install.

The other good is they come fully assembled and are usually well priced for a full set.

I too would not spend the $ for maintaining the adaptive system.

For those who have done it, does it cause a light or have an effect on the traction or stability control (if equipped?)

[ricʞ]

53 minutes ago, McBrian said:

Good coilovers are a great addition, but only if they are installed by someone who knows how to set them up. They are adjustable but that is really a waste because unless you are racing you are NEVER going to adjust them so they need to be set correctly at install.

The other good is they come fully assembled and are usually well priced for a full set.

I too would not spend the $ for maintaining the adaptive system.

For those who have done it, does it cause a light or have an effect on the traction or stability control (if equipped?)

I have actually found OEM Toyota parts from Partsouq.com 

I checked around to see how reliable they are and have seen nothing but good comments, TrustPilot says the same story

Check image for prices. This is just for the front right side, OEM w/ Adaptive Suspension. (left was not available right now)

 

1 hour ago, rich1068 said:

Don't completely dismiss the coil overs idea. I'm not at all a car modding guy. Never messed with suspension in my life. And as I say, I was wary of the Tein kit fitted to mine but it rides really well. Very Lexus-like and not at all firm or crashy. 

 

[ricʞ]

 

8 minutes ago, ricʞ said:

I have actually found OEM Toyota parts from Partsouq.com 

I checked around to see how reliable they are and have seen nothing but good comments, TrustPilot says the same story

Check image for prices. This is just for the front right side, OEM w/ Adaptive Suspension. (left was not available right now)

 

 

Updated with RH Link and all parts are for the right side only**

[rich1068]

12 hours ago, McBrian said:

Good coilovers are a great addition, but only if they are installed by someone who knows how to set them up. They are adjustable but that is really a waste because unless you are racing you are NEVER going to adjust them so they need to be set correctly at install.

The other good is they come fully assembled and are usually well priced for a full set.

I too would not spend the $ for maintaining the adaptive system.

For those who have done it, does it cause a light or have an effect on the traction or stability control (if equipped?)

Mine sits a bit lower than standard. It also has LS430 5 spoke wheels on because I'd imagine the originals corroded. Unfortunately they're a tiny bit narrower than the standard wheels and this necessitated spacers to get over the huge calipers. Normally I wouldn't entertain the idea of a car modified by someone else but it seems to have been done out of necessity more than anything else. The previous owner was in his 70s, no boy racer! I think the look suits it and as I said, it rides very well. I've never driven a standard GS 450h and I might notice a difference if I did but to me it's just fine.

No lights or effect on traction/stability control.

[ricʞ]

Small Update*

Just ordered the parts for everything on a front shock replacement other than the left strut (looking for one available a decent price) and the coils (my car only has 184,000kms and the coils should be great)

The links for the front can be ordered by any garage at a normal price so that will get done when I bring the car in for the work

I will drop a pic of the total, keep in mind it is in USD (Converted to CAD for me by my bank upon transaction so rates may vary)

[ricʞ]

9 hours ago, rich1068 said:

Mine sits a bit lower than standard. It also has LS430 5 spoke wheels on because I'd imagine the originals corroded. Unfortunately they're a tiny bit narrower than the standard wheels and this necessitated spacers to get over the huge calipers. Normally I wouldn't entertain the idea of a car modified by someone else but it seems to have been done out of necessity more than anything else. The previous owner was in his 70s, no boy racer! I think the look suits it and as I said, it rides very well. I've never driven a standard GS 450h and I might notice a difference if I did but to me it's just fine.

No lights or effect on traction/stability control.

That looks great! I really do like the height and the color! Unfortunately for me, our roads are horrendous.. potholes the size of bomb craters. This makes the lower height hard to ride around with over here 😞