Hey guys so I already have springs and sense I'm doing that, I might as well do the rest so I'm wondering if I get these http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=KYB&model=GR-2/Excel-G Strut&group=GR-2/Excel-G&partNum=339122&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Impreza WRX Wagon&autoYear=2006&autoModClar= What else I will need? I see on the tire rack website there is also kyb top hats http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=KYB&model=Strut & Shock Mount&group=Strut & Shock Mount&partNum=SM5422&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Impreza WRX Wagon&autoYear=2006&autoModClar=And strut boots http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=KYB&model=Strut Boot&group=Strut Boot&partNum=SB102&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Impreza WRX Wagon&autoYear=2006&autoModClar= Do I need to get the boots and the top hats? Or can I use/ is there stock top hats, and would I be able to just use the stock strut boot or whatever you want to call that? Thanks in advance for any and all help! Ps. I should probably say that I don't really have any plans to do any sort of racing just yet.
You can reuse your stock hats, boots, and bumpstops if they are in good shape. That said, I have first-hand experience that the GR2/Excel-g struts will not last long if you use lowering springs (rates different than stock). Use AGX struts instead if you want to stick with KYB.
Yes, you should buy those Tokicos. What springs do you have? You want to make sure your spring rates match the struts.
O RLY? No. Ryan - the Tokico D-specs are an adjustable strut, meaning to can fine tune them to a variety of different types of springs out there. I have ran the D-specs with both RCE Yellows (stiffer than the blacks) and those Epics that you now have. I was very satisfied with most setups. The D-specs really are tough to beat, but Koni inserts are another good choice. I have my d-specs sitting in my garage...they have been "spoken" for, but not AHEM paid for. PS - you can reuse your stock stop hats and rubber spring insulators assuming that they are in good condition and the rubber is not cracked. You can also reuse the dust boots, washers and front metal spring tops without an issue. Unless you want to leave your stock struts/springs fully assembled...then you would need to buy all of the "hardware" (top hats, spring tops, conical washers, spring isolators, dust boots, etc). The advantage of leaving the stock stuff all assembled it that it makes it much easier to swap suspension for winter (I however ran the epics in the winter and had plenty of clearance). I priced all of the "hardware" at the dealer (everything besides the actual struts and springs) and it came out to over $100, with the discount. I tried finding the individual hardware used, but that was tough. Best bet would be to buy lower mileage fully assembled stock springs/struts, take off what you need, and then sell the struts and springs. PPS - I also had a set of the Excel-G's for a short period of time, and I found the ride a bit more harsh than stock. I can't comment on longevity though. Due to the D-specs adjustability, you can basically go from softer than stock to almost coilover stiff yo.
Just because a shock is adjustable doesn't mean you will meet the critical damping coefficient with a particular spring. The rce wagons (designed for the wagon) are designed to be run with d-specs, As are the rce yellows and rce blacks. All springs will work, some will yield a significantly better quality of ride because they're critically dampened. If it's not critically dampened, you will have a bouncy ride. I can't speak for the epic springs personally.
http://www.racecompengineering.com/...s/racecomp-engineering-wrx-wagon-springs.html RCE Wagons were designed for a variety: "Designed for use with standard STi inverted struts, Koni Inserts, Tokico D-Spec struts or Ohlins Fixed Perch Replacement struts" So you're right ...but the Epic springs will still work well
You know, those D-Specs on Nasioc I'm assuming are for the poster's 2002 WRX. According to your TireRack link, you have a 2006, right?. 02-03 and 04-07 have different rear spring/tophat requirements, FYI. I don't recall if the strut perches are the same across 02-07, but the rear springs and hats are different 04-07. Perhaps someone else (with more knowledge than I) can chime in to help you avoid buying mismatched parts.
D-specs have the same fitment as the old GR-2's and 02-03 wrx sedan struts: And for differences between sedan and wagon struts: I do have a set of the whiteline Com C front top hats for sale that would fix your loss of camber issue in the front with the D-specs ;-) http://mnsubaru.com/threads/fs-wint...-whiteline-com-c-wagaon-cover-and-more.45487/
So correct me if I'm wrong here, but I could just get koni inserts, pop those in and call it a day? Or would I need the front top hats?
Koni inserts would be cheaper. All you would need is the spacers and new front tophats to make the Tokicos work.
Yes. And by "pop-in", I'm sure you understand that means: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1219607 I haven't installed Koni's personally, but I don't think its too bad. And for comparison's sake (please note the the price on D-specs has jumped since this thread, and they are about the same as the Koni's): http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1545516
Anyone know where to get the koni inserts other than tire rack? That's the cheapest I've found so far and don't know where else to look
