I need to figure out exactly what to do with my suspension on my '04 STi and how to go about doing it. I have sways, endlinks, strut tower bars, and have a set of H&R sport spring that I am waiting to install. I wish to get everything nailed down in one shot and not need to worry about it for a long time. I may do an autocross or track day at some point, but it is mostly my DD. Here are my ?'s... 1. Is my setup essentially the same as any WRX aside from the fact that I have inverted struts? 2. Does this mean '05-'07 struts are useless to me since I have different hubs? 3. Should I shoot for slightly used STI struts or can I throw KYB AGX's for a WRX on there? (I think I heard that this works) 4. The car has almost 57k on it, should I pretty much assume that the struts are just about done for? It is stiffer, but doesn't feel as 'grounded' as my friend's '06 WRX. I have had a Honda with struts that are blown, so I would know what that feels like. :ugh: 5. Upper mounts... from what I see, for my purposes, my stock mounts should be fine. Are the group N worth it if I am not Auto-Xing regularly? 6. I believe my springs will lower me 1.3-1.4in. Will I be able to get an alignment that will allow me to not chew up tires, or do I need to get camber bolts and/or plates? I am also not incredibly wealthy, so please don't tell me to get a set of $1000 Ohlins please. I am working with a budget that my wife is paying attention to. Thanks peeps! -Matt
Didn't the 04's come with pinks? 2) Yes. on the other hand it's much easier for you to get cheaper replacements... Key if it's a DD 3) 57K is a lot of miles. I'd bet you'd notice the difference if you slapped fresh struts on it. How much of a difference and if it was worth it yet is another story. 5) From what I've read the group Ns are nice for sure. Not needed for a DD but if you're taking it all out anyway and think you might want them in the future why not do it now? 6) Stock bolts should be fine.
I am pretty sure I am going to look for a new or lightly used set of struts. What are my options without spending an arm and a leg? Also, who runs the group N mounts? Anyone know if 57k will really trash the stock STi mounts?
I'm pretty sure 57k is a blink of an eye to the mounts.. there's probably some little ol' granny out there with 300k on her 93 impreza fwd wagon and stock everything, and it hasn't fallen apart. I would say its more of a time thing (10 yrs? 20? dunno..), unless you drive really hard (and I mean like, racetrack / autox / rallyx hard). The main reason people swap to the GpN's is because they're stiffer, so its one less (or, smaller) undamped vibration in the suspension. Stock mounts are kinda squishy, and the older they get, the squishier
Cheap?! Hahaha, good luck. http://www.turninconcepts.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_9_11_259_42_132_794&products_id=523 I know, you said cheap... That just isn't meant to be on a STi. Here is 'STi cheap'... http://www.turninconcepts.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_9_11_259_42_132_794&products_id=555
So, in other words, I should just be hunting NASIOC and ebay for a low mileage set of '04 STi struts. Hmmm...
problem is you said cheap.. os if you want opinions like Zak's he is gonna tell you to not replace junk with junk.... you buy some cheap used ones, unless they are take offs with less then 10K on them what's the point... unless you just want fresh suspension not any performance upgrade over stock... maybe wait a little longer and let your wife's budget grow
I would be okay with just some freshness in there, I want to get er done at the same time my springs go on if possible. I found someone with uber-low mileage ones, but he isn't getting back to me. I am really thinking about just getting BC coilovers and parting out my stuff for what it's worth. arghhhh
From what I hear the stock mounts have a lot of play in them even new. The group N mounts are supposed to really firm things up. Do you need that for a DD? That's up to you. I've got 16k on my 06 and I'm replacing the rears with Ns and the fronts with RCE lowering camber plates. Guess I'll know soon enough if there's too much added NVH. Most seem to say there isn't.
From what I understand, the rear struts from an '05 will bolt up and I should be able to swap '05 front cartridges into my '04 strut housings. Also, is there any difference between prodrive springs for an '04 and '05 STI?
