Complete suspension overhaul finally complete. I love this car!

Posted by zozzy24@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 13 comments

1996 Lexus ES300. 233k miles on the dash and runs like a champ. First time I’ve gotten to drive it since September today!

Only the 4 knuckles and the front sway bar are original. Looking back, I’d like to avoid doing another set of press in bearings or a rack and pinion but learning how to do both of those things was sweet.

Fought me the entire way through and through, especially that rear crossmember job. This sub really keeps me going.

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TheDunk67@reddit

You need to start with cut/fab/weld before throwing away time and money bolting new parts on that rotted out econobox.

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MechMeister@reddit

If you think that struts or control arms are expensive and time consuming, then you might be poor and slow lol

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Lrrr-RulerOfOmicron@reddit

I did this on a Camry. The sub was all that was really rotten.

Also, why are you judging. Somebody building high end cars probably thinks your projects are a waste of time.

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mr_j_12@reddit

I thought the same thing. A lot of work for a glorified camry.

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MechMeister@reddit

I have seen those go over 300,000 mi with nothing but suspension or work and fluid changes.

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trucks_guns_n_beer@reddit

how did the bolts come out, for the rear subframe? specifically the frame mounting bolts.

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zozzy24@reddit (OP)

There’s 4 studs that hold the rear crossmember in place. They’re dual threaded with a nut that holds each of the 4 corners and subframe bushings in place - Stud Bolt Pic

You can kind of see them in the first photo.

In order to get that out, I had to remove the trailing arms and the 4 rear control arms.

There is an 8” bolt running through the back of the knuckle that holds those in place. This does the bulk of holding the rear subframe and suspension in place.

I needed a torch, a 30” breaker bar, and a shit load of patience to wiggle that bolt back and forth to help clean the threads enough to get it out.

I cleaned and re-used that hardware. I also kept the original frame mounting studs as they were in good shape.

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DaveCootchie@reddit

Ooo that's crusty sees Minnesota plate ah. Makes sense.

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69with_Mydad@reddit

Hell yeah!! How’s the difference?

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zozzy24@reddit (OP)

Feels great now! For as rough as it was before I started, it wasn’t making any noise from the suspension. Ride is completely different though.

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