Big Iron

Thanks, that's what I figured. I'll get a second opinion. Really appreciate the advice on the rear window as well.

I had my headlights restored at one of the local shops and while I was there I asked about window tint. The guy told me these cars are difficult to tint because of the way they're assembled, and that they had to take quite a bit of interior trim apart in order to do it. I think the quote was $300-$400 for a decent 35% tint. I've owned quite a few vehicles and I've never heard this before. Any truth to it?

Thanks for the tip, but I prefer sticking with Toyota OEM. I believe their OEM quality is a large part of the reason my FJ80 is still going strong after 245k (my LS400 is only at 180k) :)

So I dropped it off at the local Toyota dealership for an early oil change, with which they said they'd take a look at no additional cost. The tech confirmed the noise and lubed everything up, but the noise persisted. They're recommending replacement calipers at an additional cost of $1,000, so it looks like I'll be tackling this issue in-house (doing it myself :D). Looks like the caliper rebuild it part number is 04479-50091, which includes everything to rebuild both front calipers. This job is a PITA which I'd rather hire out for, anyone know a source for OEM rebuilds at a decent price? I can do the R&R.

That's the way I saw it :) Remember that this is happening when the vehicle is in park (not moving).

I'm looking at purchasing a set of wheels for my 99 LS400, and these caught my eye. The ad states that they were a dealer option, but I can't seem to confirm it or find any other information. They're 19x8.5 all around. I'd also like to know if I'd have any issues with fitment on my stock height (but with 200k on the suspension) LS400.

Thanks for the tips guys, lots of good suggestions and information. My intuition leads me to believe it's likely a lubrication issue. The odd thing is that both sides make the noise. Just for fun, I figured I'd call the Toyota dealer before I ordered the parts. I was surprised when they quoted $280 for the front brake job (OEM pads, resurfacing of rotors). The shop where I do my work is over an hour away and I'm short on time right now, so I'm going to have them do it.

Thanks for the reply. My first guess was a lubrication issue as well, as it sounds like a metal spring losing shape. I've never looked at the brakes on these, so I have no idea what might be flexing in there to make the creaking sound. Can you think of anything I might check or lubricate, before a front brake job? Any idea what the OEM components for a front brake job run?

The front brakes of my 1999 LS400 have begun making a creaking sound, similar to an old garage door spring, when I depress the pedal. With the vehicle parked but running I had someone depress the pedal, and I was able to confirm it's coming from the caliper area on both sides. The sound is much fainter with the engine off. The vehicle stops the same as it always has. The dealership measured the front brake lining as being 6mm or greater 4,000 miles ago. Any ideas? I appreciate the help!

I'm looking for a set of either 18 or 19 inch wheels and tires for my black/tan 1999 LS400. I have a budget of around $1000-$1500, though I'd like to stay at the lower end of the range. Living in the Pacific Northwest, but liking to get on it once in a while, I need a performance tire which will do well in the rain. Which tire/wheel combo would you go with?

I'm just not sure I want to run a sidewall that small. Sounds like I might have to stick with 18's

Thanks for the reply, that's similar to what I'm thinking. How stiff are the Eibach springs? How do they compare to the Tanabes? What series tire are you running?

Hey that's fine with me! I'm definitely closer to the stock crowd than the slammed negative camber crowd :D

Thanks for the link. I've been going through there, as I've had time. I was hoping I could connect with a minority group on here with the same goals :)

I just bought a 1999 LS400 to replace my 11MPG FJ80 as a daily driver. While I get caught up on the maintenance, I’m beginning to think about how I’d like the car to look and perform. I know these cars are known for their affinity to the VIP style, coilovers, and negative camber, and that’s generally what I’m seeing when searching for ideas. I’m looking to do something I’d consider a bit classier and easier to live with on a day to day basis, yet somewhat unique. I’d also like to do my best to improve the handling performance, while maintaining a comfortable ride. This will mean running enough tire on whichever wheels I choose, and I’ve read the 45 ratio is pretty decent. I’d like to see some photos of UCF20/21’s which are lowered less than 1.5” (stock is fine too), but which have been modified. I’d also like to hear from anyone else who shares my goals. Thanks guys!