I have to put new struts in the wagon (02 wrx wagon). Right rear is leaking and the others are proly not far behind. The suspension is stock and as far as I know all the bits and bobs are original to this car. I am leaning pretty heavily toward the Tokico D-Specs. As the title states, I am wondering if the tophats or springs are likely to be worn out, too. Is there a way to tell if the springs are done (what kind of measurements should the wagon be at as far as wheel gap or such)? I don't really want to give up any clearance and most aftermarket springs seem aimed at lowering the car. Tophats I am more willing to change if I can swing the cash. I am thinking to do Group N's. Is there anything to be gained by Group N's, especially in the rear? For rear camber adjustment I would still need bolts, right? I'd love to upgrade some bushings at the same time, but that's not likely to be in the budget. Anyway, experience/thoughts/feedback is appreciated. Thanks!
Group N stuff is harder material, I upgraded shocks and top hats at the same time so I couldn't tell you what difference the top hats made by themselves. I can tell you the Group N motor and tranny mounts were a huge difference. If your thinking Tokico you will need new Top Hats due to the fact the shocks are made for Sedans not Wagons and you will need spacers from Turn In Concepts or washers for the rear. Good Luck you will like it very much, there are also other options out there AGX and Koni. Check out NASIOC for more information. Mike
Thanks, Mike. I was thinking that I would only need the washers/spacers if it was not an 02-03. Guess I have a little more research to do. I don't want the hassle of the Koni Inserts and both the AGX and D-Spec's seem to be good choices. The Tokico's are getting good reviews so that's why I have been looking at them. Out of curiosity, what struts and springs are you running now? Thanks!
The group n top hats are quite a bit stiffer. I have heard mized reviews about if you can really feel a differnce. pretty much if its just a DD you wont notice, if you autox or race you will feel the differnce. Top hats seem to last a pretty long time. I would say it a safe guess that 7-8 years would be doable. Mine are pushing 13 years right now and they are shot, they are all cracked and bouncy. I am also curious about spring life I have thought about this before but never seen an answer
the fronts will sag before the rears, due to more stress under cornering and the fact they carry much more weight consistently... but if you are doing all 4 struts may as well replace all four springs with some nice ones...
i am also thinking about the Tokico D specs but using them with my H&R springs. I haven't decided what to do with top hats. Since my project car is in "long term" status, I will be auto-x'n the wrx this year. Keep us posted on what you do.
