99lsguy

NM, I don't know about aftermarket bushings or where to get.... :( Sounds like you've got a fair mechanic to do this...which is great. My guess is even if you find the bushings for , say, $35 each, it will cost another $35 (each) in labor to press them in/out and such....... I'd get the ones from the dealer. Keep the old ones for later.......... Those strut rod bushings really take a beating I suppose, they've always bit the dust on every Gen of LS made. Maybe that's why the rides sooooooooooo good when their good Let us know what happens.........

I'd definately pass this one up too.................. ;) Keep looking Charles, and be picky & do your research; you'll find a good one if you are :D

Call: 800-622-2033 Toyota publlications........... My 99LS manual cost me about $95 (this is for Vol 2, engine, tranny, etc..) The fact that your friend wants to know the torque specs is a very good sign to me - sounds like he knows what to do and wants to be thorough. This is a full day task. new water pump, t belt tensioner, l/r ignition rotors, etc - lots of things to check and replace while you've got it apart. You will need those specs..IMO

usually you: hold down the button in your Lexus for 30+ seconds.. it will start to blink differently. then, while still holding the button in your car, move your garage opener to withing 1-2 inches of the Lexus button and depress the garage door opener and hold for 2+ seconds. Your lexus will now flash differently (again) Let go of lexus button and then you should be able to use it as the opener... If you have "rolling code" technology on your garage opener...........there is a different procedure. I'll have to look that one up!!

Agree with StevieJ on the Garmins.......... Garmin iQue 5600 (or something like that) is $500 retail....... PDA, MP3, streetmaps, millions of POI.........neat rig! That's the way to go IMHO.

No problem jzz :D I know................. you know your stuff!!!

wmOH, you are absolutely correct!!!

OK - good news!! thanks VMF!!!

and here's the inspection.......... Your right - grease fittings would REALLY be nice ;) insp.pdf

Denny, I bet your right on the money with this bushing too........ I mean - it's gotta be the way its made at the factory....press the bushing in - right??! Here's the removal....... remo.pdf

Here's the install of the new bushings........... Denny - I'm getting to the upper control arm next :D repl.pdf

Here's the removal.......... remo.pdf

gshawns, Our LS400's have this little "solenoid screen" - which has gotten a lot of press lately and could be an instigator of these leaks. It's located on the steering rack as it heads up into the steering column. It will have some electrical connection to it. Anyway, the solenoid can be removed to access this screen. Since your going to get it worked on anyway, I highly suggest taking a look at this screen.....if it is full of gunk, this "back pressure" could help cause the leak. Look up "solenoid screen" or similar on the search engine - a discussion is on the LS400 board.

The reason I said you could push out the old bushings is because it's right in my 1999 Lexus repair manual on how to do it................

I'd find out what the repair estimate was..................deduct it from the $4K........and go from there. An ECM could be costly if it's whacked out...... My last advice......keep shopping ;)

ucf3, are those rotors the same diameter/size as the OEM rotors? and.... are the new calipers/pads bigger too?.......... Very Nice :D

I think you can :D Hey, start out at $53,500 :D You probably have two+ dealers in the area to work on the price............ I'm going to look up that "modern luxury package" What a car!!!!!!

Blake, I got a coupon from local Lexus dealer for $69 wheel alignment. Since I keep on thinking I need tires, I would go to the dealer for this price - although I"d probably call my local Indep. Lexus shop first and see if they'd match the price. This being said, they (indep shop) probably would match the $$, so I'd take it there because they'll let me watch and ask questions. I don't like to miss an opportunity to chat to a mechanic while my Lexus is up on the rack My coupon is good thru 6/30/04.........so now if I'll just bit the bullet and get some new treads

wmOH, where & what brand of rotors did you get? HOw much for all four?

You absolutely should get a better deal for two!!! Right off the lot and towards the end of the month are the best times. What is the MSRP & invoice price amounts??

Just added it to my "favorites"........... thanks VMF :D

I would not even consider having the dealer do this.... agree with others - absolutely ridiculous

My guess is your pointing to the strut bar that connects (@ 90 degree) with the lower suspension arm. This strut bar does have a large bushing that can be pressed out and replaced - although I imagine a new strut bar is much easier... this strut bar bushing is attached to caster adjust cam & bracket; then ties into the lower suspension arm with two bolts. Is this what your talking about?

Always premix 50/50 first using toyota long life coolant and distilled water. You'll need about 2 gallons of each.... You may be able to fill the block thru coolant filler plug located on or around the throttle body. Then top off radiator and reservoir. Start car and let idle for a bit, then maintain 2000-2500 rpm for a few more; until warm with heater ON FULL for 5-10 minutes total. top off reservoir with 50/50 mix coolant

I know what your saying SWO............ I just logically access it this way : The LS is designed to hold 5 people and up to (about) 5200 lbs gross weight. Which means about 1200 lbs of passenger/luggage. So - the hitch may weigh 100 lbs plus a few bikes @ 25 lbs each. No problems. To me, this is just like a "packed" trunk :D Just do the math and calculate what you can/can't add weight-wise.... ;) I wouldn't pull a "true trailer" with a couple thousand lbs + either...........