Replacing Adjustable Shocks On '98 Es300

[steve1261]

Hi

'98 ES300, 133,000 mi; got it with adjustable shocks because my test ride made me think the road feel was just too poor with standard shocks. The adjustables were, in fact, a great help as I adapted to the Lexus road feel (or not) and for eight years I've driven most of the time with the adjustment on the recommended setting (one notch toward Sport from Comfort). I had to replace the rears at about 80,000 mi because at least one had gone bad and am now considering replacing all four because the ride has become bumpy and noisy and, probably, a little soft. They are at least partially functional because I can tell the difference when I change the adjustment one way or the other but I'm hoping to get a quieter and at least somewhat tighter ride with new struts (and whatever the mechanic finds needs replacement when they take the suspension apart).

My main question is about whether I can use standard shocks instead of the $600 or so a pair adjustable ones. And whether I can get replacements that will work on the car somewhere other than at a Lexus dealer. A couple of years ago I called a Lexus dealer and they said that I could use plain (non-adj.) Lexus replacement shocks but, frankly, it didn't seem like he had much, if any, experience with that. He did say he thought using non-adj replacements would give a softer (mushier?) ride.

So, any information would be appreciated— including whether certain non-adj. replacements might give a ride with better feel and less mush than others. Or, if there are replacements that can be adjusted from under the car, prior to or, preferably, after installation. I will not be doing this myself as I am not the kind of mechanic or aficianado that many on this forum are.

Thanks

Steve

[Kauz]

I think Tokico makes struts for the ES. Check on Ebay. Not sure about adjustable shock absorbers but if you decide to go with non-adjustables and prefer a sportier suspension, then you probably have to go with stiffer springs as well.