Shock Absorbers for Dynamic Handling Pack (DHP)

[Swan55]

We have a 1998 LS400 with approx 177k miles, that we've enjoyed for the last 12 years. According to the documentation it was originally specified with the Dynamic Handling Pack (DHP) option.

Does anybody have any experience with sourcing replacement shock absorbers for the front. (the springs are ok).

Our mechanic has tried fitting the normal non-dhp absorbers but they do not fit  (not long enough at the top).

All advice appreciated.

many thanks

Swan

 

[Malc1]

Nigel hi.  You have a very rare sought after car 👍

enjoyed 12 years of sublime motoring I’m sure and someone is bound to pop along soon with useful advice 

Malc 

[Malc1]

🤔  maybe you could ask. Steve2006    on here for his thoughts 

Malc 

[BigBoomer]

You may need to replace the top mount as well to be able to use standard shock absorbers.
The DHP top mount will be a different shape from the standard one.
Nobody seems to have documented exactly how the DHP shocks differed from the standard ones.

[rich1068]

And as far as I'm aware they're as rare as rocking horse poop.

[Swan55]

Thank you all,

 

Malcolm: I suspect that I have miscalculated, and actually had the car 14 years !   using it as my daily driver.  It has been a lovely experience, albeit frustrating at times.   As you suggested, I have sent Steve a message.

George: I suspect that you are correct about a different shaped top mount.  Our mechanic and us kept trying to use the 'normal' model absorbers, forgetting the DHP complication, only to turn away bewildered and convinced that our suppliers 'must' have sent the wrong parts or otherwise the parts had been mislabelled !  duuh = our bad.

Unfortunately, neither of us had the sense to just double check what the part number was on the absorbers coming off - as we could then have probably just ordered a straight replacement.   Oh it's so easy with hindsight.  Our (14 years) mechanic is away at the moment so we cannot get underneath the car for a while, to perform this so-obvious check.

Richard: I didn't know what "DHP" was when I bought the car, but I would have bought it anyway.  During all these years, I have only seen 2 other LS400's in our area  (north of Swansea) and 1 LS430  (and zero LS460 etc).  And haven't seen the 2 other 400's for quite a few years (5-6 years).   In fact, there are 2 Aston Martins in this locality = how common !

 

kind regards,

Nigel

[rich1068]

Good luck with your search Nigel. Your car is the rarest of the rare! But I fear eBay may be the only source for the correct shock absorbers and then you're taking a chance on condition.

Another avenue might be Paul Frost at Lexus Spares Direct 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trkparms=folent%3Alexussparesdirect|folenttp%3A1&_trksid=p3542580.m47492.l71970&_ssn=lexussparesdirect

There's a phone number on the page.

[Malc1]

Nigel I fear ( or I'm pleased to say ) we have been long insulated from the vagaries and hideous expenses of running " ordinary " cars for a very long time .............  thankfully

This issue will get sorted out soon I'm sure and then you'll revert to your usual sublime relaxation of running your Ls400 ..  with the odd hiccup here and there ..  for at least another 14 years 👍

Malc

[Razor61]

On 11/22/2024 at 9:53 AM, BigBoomer said:

Nobody seems to have documented exactly how the DHP shocks differed from the standard ones.

Found the info below on a forum about the LS400 DHP and the story behind it. According to this the dampers/shocks were standard, if this is true then the top mounts should/would be standard as well I would think. I can't really see that the top mounts would be different to be honest.
You could have a look at the front top mounts in the engine bay and compare them to the pictures attached for a standard 98 LS400.

But the story goes like this...
The Chief Honcho at Lexus UK is obliged to drive the top Lexus available at all times. The man on top during the introduction of the VVTi LS400 actually wanted something of a drivers car and found the over plush ride lacking for use on our English country lanes. So he got a chassis expert in to take a look what could be done. Settled on 10% uprated spring weight, 10mm lower front and rear, standard dampers, and a 1mm thicker rear anti roll bar (sway bar - this to IMPROVE RESPONSE AND AID TURN IN) and special 17" alloys with 245-50-17 tyres. So impressed were the other dealers that got to drive it, that it was available as a special dealer option throughout the UK.

[rich1068]

19 minutes ago, Razor61 said:

Found the info below on a forum about the LS400 DHP and the story behind it. According to this the dampers/shocks were standard, if this is true then the top mounts should/would be standard as well I would think. I can't really see that the top mounts would be different to be honest.
You could have a look at the front top mounts in the engine bay and compare them to the pictures attached for a standard 98 LS400.

Knew you'd know!

And tbh I thought the different top mount thing was odd too. Can't see dealers doing that much engineering.

So if they are standard dampers...

https://lexuspartsdirect.co.uk/product/lexus-ls-phase-2-front-shock-absorber/ Ouch

https://lexuspartsdirect.co.uk/product/lexus-ls-phase-2-rear-shock-absorber/ More ouch

But at least gives the part numbers for searching elsewhere.

[Razor61]

I paid approx £250 for each shock last year from Lexus Bolton, they matched the LPD prices at the time, so they have gone up by £50 per shock...........................shocking state of affairs🤣
I originally fitted KYB shocks but replaced them with original Lexus OE shocks, which caused a whole different story/issue on the front. One of the 'new' shocks was knackered but was replaced no problem.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, after that experience and knowing what I now know, I would have stuck with the KYB shocks.
KYB shocks are newly manufactured, genuine OE Lexus/Toyota shocks maybe 'new old stock', something I didn't consider, so are not guaranteed to be newly manufactured.
Yes, the KYB shocks have inferior bushes but they are around £320 for a full set and improve the handling quite a lot.

KYB equivalents