I need help getting the correct suspension for my car

[kPATm]

Hello Im thinking of replacing the shocks on my car but I really havnt got a clue about what kind I need and how much I should pay.I would really appreciate any advise.

[Yamazaki]

It would probably help to say where you're located and what kind of car (year/model/trim) you have.

[kPATm]

Sorry I forgot.Ok my car is a 2001 Legacy GX 2.5l and Im in the UK

[jey]

Also, what are you looking for? Better ride or better handling performance?

[kPATm]

A better ride would be prefered.I think I would be happy with replacing the suspension with whats already on the car unless I can get better for a good price.

[mike-tracy]

KYB GR2 suspension would be a good way to get back to stock or slightly better than stock suspension. pretty reasonable prices.

Also if you can find suspension off a sporty turbo Legacy (with the same multi-link rear as your legacy has), that would probably be your cheapest option.

[Robbks]

Also if you can find suspension off a sporty turbo Legacy (with the same multi-link rear as your legacy has), that would probably be your cheapest option.

Bilsteins from a JDM Legacy GTB
check out YamazakiSubaru's parts thread

[kPATm]

The KYB's look my best bet.Does anyone know of anywhere I can get them in the UK.Sorry for being thick but what type do I need exactly Iv read about coil overs and struts etc. and Im just confused?

[d1giPhux]

First.. you need to tell us WHAT you are trying to do with the car?

Are you trying to just keep it stock.. but need new struts because yours are worn?

Are you trying to keep a stock setup but go with 'performance' struts?

Coil overs allow you to adjust the ride height of your car without swapping out to different sets of springs and such. They come assembled with a spring and strut together all as one package.. and allow you to adjust the height of your car accordingly (very simplified description of what they let you do).

Struts are what your stock car currently has one it. Its a Strut / spring combination. Your springs determine the height of the car, while the struts dampen road vibrations / pot holes.. etc (also very simple description).

Basically.. if you just need new struts because yours are worn.. you can get stock ones, or performance ones. Most people on here go with either KYB GR-2's, or KYB AGX (adjustable dampening system). The GR-2's will probably be fine in your instance, and cost effective.

You still have not told us much about your car either. By doing a google search I have assumed that your UK spec car is in fact a WAGON. The KYB GR-2 Legacy GT Wagon struts will work with it.


Here are the part numbers for KYB GR-2 Struts:

Front Right: 334273

Front Left: 334274

Rear (both the same apparently): 341275

If you want to go with an even BETTER strut setup.. you could spend the extra cash and get bilstein HD's.. which from what i heard are amazing.


Here are the bilstein part numbers you need:

Front Left: F4-VE3-A168-M1

Front Right: F4-VE3-A169-M1

Rear: F4-BE5-A170-M1


If you want some more info.. check out tirerack, or follow this link:

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/Susp ... &brand=all (http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/Susptabl.jsp?autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Legacy+GT+Wagon&autoYear=2001&autoModClar=&brand=all)

You probably don't want to go with a coil over setup.. unless you like a very HARSH feeling suspension. Sure.. they are stiff and nice for performance track cars.. but if your not taking your car to the track every day.. its a waste of money, and it will ride like its riding on bricks.

[kPATm]

Basically it looks like the rear passenger side strut is leaking but since the car is almost 10 years old I suppose it would be reasonable to replace all the suspension.As I have said I would just like to keep the ride stock.And my car is a 2001 GX 2.5l SALOON.Thanks for all the info people.

P.S
So if buy struts I do not need the coils as the struts are a coil damper combination.I ask because in the page linked above the struts are not pictured with springs?

[d1giPhux]

By coil.. I'm going to assume you mean springs?

With your setup.. you do not need to buy new springs unless yours are damaged or you want to buy new springs as well.

When you get the new struts.. you will need to dis-assemble your current spring / strut setup and put the springs and all the other little pieces onto the new struts.

You will need a spring compressor to do this.. its like a $50 tool.. or you can rent one for free from a place like autozone, pepboys.. etc.

Just so you know.. most people on here are from the US. We don't have 'SALOONS' here.. I'm assuming that's a 'Sedan' and opposed to a 'wagon'?

If so.. here are the part numbers you will need for the saloon (sedan) struts:

--------------------------------------------
KYB GR-2 Sedan Strut Part Numbers:

Front Left: 334274

Front Right: 334273

Rear: 341275
--------------------------------------------
If you want to get the Bilstein setup.. here are the part numbers for the sedan:

Front Left: F4-VE3-A168-M1

Front Right: F4-VE3-A169-M1

Rear: F4-BE5-A170-M1
---------------------------------------------------
Here is more info about the different types of suspension pieces you are wondering about:

Coilover Suspension:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coilover

The shock absorber and spring are assembled as a unit prior to installation, and are replaced as a unit when the shock absorber has leaked. This provides for optimal damping without torsional loads. Some coilovers allow adjustment of ride height and stiffness, using a simple threaded spring perch similar to a nut.

----------------

MacPherson strut (im pretty sure this is the 'technical' term for what you have on the stock subarus):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacPherson_strut
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-suspension4.htm

So basically the difference between your stock suspension on your car, and a coilover setup is that coilover setups usually come pre-assembled with both SPRING and STRUT.. whereas yours will be SPRING and STRUT which you will need to put together. Basically its a bit more complex then that.. but thats the basics of it. Coilover setups are usually sold for performance cars who want a suspension that they can change a lot of settings on.. such as height, stiffness, rebound.. etc.

[kPATm]

Ok thanks for the info mate.

[d1giPhux]

No prob.. hopefully i dont confuse the hell out of you. Basically you just need to get new struts.. and if your car is a sedan / wagon.. i posted the part numbers up there! If you want to find a good deal on KYB GR-2s.. search on ebay using the part number i gave you.. or search for '2001 Subaru Legacy GT Sedan KYB' or something along those lines and you will find em. Good luck!

[Matty2Hotty]

Now what about the front and rear mounts. Do those need to be replaced when you do shocks and struts? I know KYB makes them and am sure work great with their shocks and struts... But they run about 100 for a pair i seen. Are these really needed?

[ouch1011]

The mounts are replaced "as needed." Since you have a 3rd gen (no more than 10 yrs old) and don't live in an area where they salt the roads (rust) then odds are they won't need to be replaced.

You may consider replacing the strut mount bearings on the front struts though. These sit between the strut mount and the upper spring seat and allow the strut to turn with the steering without moving the whole mount. They are in a spot where they get sprayed with road debris and water, and they are under a pretty fair amount of load all the time, plus they aren't that expensive, so....might as well since it is all apart.