I don't know anything about the LS400's, but why can't I use the '97 LS400 hood struts on the '98, correct me if I'm wrong, but they are the "same" body. Thanks.

I faced the same problem Canada. The dealer wanted $400.00 each!
I found that intermittent checks of ebay motors showed availability about once a month.
I just ordered a pair from ebay (buy it now price was $48.00/pr) and had them shipped up.
I installed them yesterday, and although they were noticeably slimmer than the OEM, they perform as required, come with detailed instructions (including what size wrench to use), and only cost a fraction of the dealer price.

Below is the contact information for the vendor I ordered mine from.

Dan McCarthy
949-705-8240
USA

eBay User: momoscaraposa

7995692925
Lexus LS400 Hood Struts/Shocks Lift Supports 1998-2000
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7995692925

hi my name is mike owner of 1991 lexus ls 400 i bought them of 50 dollar a pieace i took them off and went to pep boys and got either the same or similar i put them on and its perfect no problem

me personally i would just buy a small pair of vice grips and lock the hood up by attaching the vise grips to one of the hood strut piston rods at the full open position. i work for lexus and there are a number of cars that come in with blown hood struts. its just easier to pull out a pair of locks to hold the hoods up.

ORIGINAL: leap1

me personally i would just buy a small pair of vice grips and lock the hood up by attaching the vise grips to one of the hood strut piston rods at the full open position. i work for lexus and there are a number of cars that come in with blown hood struts. its just easier to pull out a pair of locks to hold the hoods up.

Great idea, would look better than the old broom handle I use on my 92 LS. Caution on an adapted hood support, if it is too "strong" you may tweak your hood trying to close it. Jeez, 400 bucks forstruts, that is Lexus for you.