lkn

I want to thank both "1990LS400" and "erg1948" for their posts. The information and diagrams were exactlly what I needed. Will plan to pull the box this weekend.

Thanks again guys!

You mean the top part with the nav screen (if your car is so equipped)? I believe there are 2 additional #10 bolts underneath the driver and passenger AC temp switches. You have to carefully pry them out; depending on how much other stuff you've removed you might be able to push them out from behind; but I would invest in a plastic pry tool to pop them out. They are apparently a real PITA.

Good luck..

Does anyone have experience in removing the top/Lid from the center console of an LS430?

I have located the (4) #10 bolts under the A/C vent as well as the two in the bottom of the center glove box, but still the unit will not slip out.

Thanks in advance!

Sorry if I confused anyone, I am asking about the glove box between the two front seats. The compartment where you can throw cds, power cords, stuff in. I am trying to remove this "glove box" assembly.

Does anyone have experience in removing the top/Lid from the center console of an LS430?

I have located the (4) #10 bolts under the A/C vent as well as the two in the bottom of the center glove box, but still the unit will not slip out.

Thanks in advance!

Hi

I am new to this form and need some help. I own a 2001 LS430 with the Ultra Luxury package. There is a minor crack on the front windshield. Is there any difference between the quality and construction of a lexus OEM windshield and an aftermarkrt windshield.

Also does anyone know of any Lexus dealers that discount OEM parts vis the internet.

I just had our LS430 '04 windshield replaced. The insurance company refused to replace it with a Lexus brand. If I had insisited on Lexus I would have to pay $1200 "difference" I went with the after market. Safelite was the glass supplier and installer.

The windshield was replaced in less than 2 hours, great job, and sensor works fine!

I am trying to remove the lid from the center console of my 430. I have located the 4 #10 bolts under the A/C vent and the two bolts on the bottom of the glove box, but no luck in slipping this out.

Thanks for your input.

I am wondering if anyone has located an independent Lexus reapir shop in the Charlotte area? I need to get a few items done and the pricing from the dealership is quite high (as usual). If you have any suggestions or recommendation within a 50 mile radius I would appreciate it.

I have had to replace two windshields on my '95 LS400 due to rocks from the Interstate. In both cases I used the glass company the insurance company suggested (Surelite). You have to make sure the tint is the correct one, seems they don't pay much attention. No problems with either one.

With regard to tires.... Well I have had many different brands over the years with my cars. I like performance and durability (although these attributes tend to fight each other generally). My cars have been performance and luxury. The brands include Toyo, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Dunlop, Michelin, Goodyear. I have come to several conclusions that I think are worth sharing.

First, tires vary in performance and durability within the brand. The compounding of the rubber and tread design can make one "model" really good on dry roads, yet dangerous on wet roads. While another "model" in the same brand may be excellent on wet and dry roads. So the point here is; you need to consider what kind of conditions you plan to operate in and pick a tire that gives you the best of those. Frankly, All the tires I have named above make good products, however, tires within those brands perform quite different depending on the use.

Secondly, I have learned that some brands/models don't seem to wear well with a particular car. I.E. they seem noisy, get lousy wear mileage, or seem to be mushy with regard to steering. I'm sure there are many more examples, but you get the idea. I tend to stay away from certain tires on certain models only because through expereince I have learned which tires I like on those models. For example I have run Michelin MXV4 tires on my 95 LS400 and they were great in many respects. When I put new ones on I put the MXV4+ tires on and it was noisy. The last set I ran was Michelin Pilot and was pleased.

I should point out picking the "best" tire is highly subjective and everyone will have their own favorite. I think that is fine, in fact those individuals have probably figured this out through trial and error. I wish there was a better way, but....

For what it's worth; I found Michelin Pilots were a good all round set for my 95 LS400. Low noise, responsive handling and good wet weather traction. When the car was totaled, had 45k and looked like I could have safely gone another 20+k Cost about $125 each.

Hopefully this helps someone.

I am new to the group and may not be replying properly, if so please excuse me.

I have recently purchased a '98 LS400 and have a hard disk problem in the nav system. I was wondering if I could swap out the ECN (trunk unit) form a 2001-2003 nav system and use the existing head. It appears that you or someone has done this. Could you please provide your thoughts on this?

Thanks

Rusty

Thanks for your repliy. I frequently visit Vancouver BC for weekend gataways. Whenever I drive there, I feel like I am lost since my nav just simply display nothing...

I will check my nearest Lexus dealer to see if any updates including Canada is available for my LS. But I am still hoping that Navigation display from GS430 can fit to my LS. Please take a look at these images.

This one is from a 02 GS430 that has wide-screen and it's DVD based system.

http://www.luxurycarsdirect.net/cars/20009818-29sm.jpg

This one is from LS400 that screen is in traditional aspect ratio.

http://www.cars.com/features/2000overview/...ion_270x192.jpg

Don't you think both look similar? So I still suspect both are interchangable at least in size and shape... If they were swap-able anyway, I know I would have to work on not only swapping display unit, but also wiring loom, brain, etc etc to make the system work:)

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You need to get the 2003 version Hard drive.

Nothing happend as yet.

I haven't had any time to look at it.

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I just bought a 98 LS400 with Nav and it is DVD based. It has been upgraded once by a previous owner because it says the version is current as of 2000. I too am looking into upgrading the DVD so any info anyone gets would be most appreciated. I will be calling the dealer to get specifics so I can see if the DVDs on ebay are compatible.

I am curious as to know if you actually have a DVD based system, or the "Hard Disk" based system standard in 1998 nav systems.