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View Full Version : WRX/STi suspension - struts and springs - HELP PLEASE



parkcityboyx
03-24-2010, 08:42 PM
will 05 sti struts and springs bolt up to my 96 legacy? and without much extra work/fabrication?

97scoob
03-24-2010, 11:02 PM
no. they bolt up to hub differently because the sti has 114.3 hubs, so i beleive the bolt holes on the strut are too far apart to bolt up to our hub. i beleive a member on here just elongated the holes to fit, but i am not sure.

ouch1011
03-25-2010, 01:27 AM
Yeah the only sti struts that fit our cars are 04, just like the wheels.

WRX stuff should fit up to 07.

parkcityboyx
03-25-2010, 08:44 AM
Damn, you guys helped me out a lot! haha thank you

parkcityboyx
03-25-2010, 08:55 AM
im going to go to NASIOC and look for strictly 04 struts and springs

parkcityboyx
03-25-2010, 08:59 AM
Yeah the only sti struts that fit our cars are 04, just like the wheels.

WRX stuff should fit up to 07.

i would need to get the top hats as well right? or no? from 04 sti's

parkcityboyx
03-25-2010, 09:04 AM
i have this guy on nasioc telling me that 04 and 05 sti struts are exactly the same. im so confused :smt013

klix
03-25-2010, 08:19 PM
i have this guy on nasioc telling me that 04 and 05 sti struts are exactly the same. im so confused :smt013
NO, he just wants to unload em

I have 05 STI on the rear, but the fronts will not fit without modification...which I would not recommend unless sleeving... in which case, whats the point?

parkcityboyx
03-25-2010, 10:33 PM
so what years fit our cars? an 04 sti? or does an 04 sti NOT fit. because i have like a few chances right now to purchase 04 sti struts and prings so i just really want to have as straight of an answer as possible. haha. :smt021

legacy98gt
03-25-2010, 10:58 PM
04 sti fit thats the only year sti that fit, wrx fit from up to 07 or something like that sti and wrx are different there not the same car

klix
03-25-2010, 10:59 PM
YES, if the 04 STI spring and struts are still fully assembled with the top hats and all. They will bolt right in.
...otherwise you'll be searching for upper perches and garbage.

legacy98gt
03-25-2010, 11:04 PM
like he said make sure you get the struts and everything otherwise you will need a bunch of parts and a spring compresses and all that junk

parkcityboyx
03-25-2010, 11:16 PM
ALRIGHT!! THANK YOU!!! :grin:

im stoked because i have 04 takeoffs(fully assembled with tophats and all) ready to buy!!!

haha, i dont know if anyone else is thinking this, but i gotta say its a bit weird that 04 sti are the only sti struts that bolt up to our cars, when the 05 sti is the exact same model and car as the 04. am i the only one that finds that odd? :smt009

legacy98gt
03-25-2010, 11:52 PM
yeah it is weird, are you getting sti or wrx stuff?

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 12:08 AM
^04 sti struts & springs :grin:

legacy98gt
03-26-2010, 12:13 AM
nice, i heardn those r the best for our cars, i just got 04 wrx struts with tein stech springs and its way to low

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 12:17 AM
nice, i heardn those r the best for our cars, i just got 04 wrx struts with tein stech springs and its way to low


dude, all i know, is now im even more confused then i was before. I just pm'd reason, who is a pretty wise guy when it comes to our cars, and he is saying that these 04 sti struts will not fit. OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGOSH :smt030 kill me now PLEASE. hahaha

i honestly dont even want anything anymore. lol jk. but seriously i dont know what the hell to do

03-26-2010, 12:24 AM
wait, is there a specific reason to you getting this setup? or is it just a good price?

i think you may be the only one who has tried this yet

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 12:30 AM
killer price, and i just thought that it would be a good set up. if anyone else can find struts and springs together less then 300, i will shut up and stop talking about 04 sti struts!!!! hahaha

if im the one of the first people to think about doing this setup, where is all of your info coming from

mike-tracy
03-26-2010, 12:35 AM
wait, is there a specific reason to you getting this setup? or is it just a good price?
i think you may be the only one who has tried this yet

No, Ten80 put 05+ sti struts on his GT after "slotting" the front strut's lower bolt holes. Jamal did aswell by using 04 strut bodies with newer pistons.

Jamal briefly mentioning it:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13158 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13158)

The point is, complete 04 STI suspension is plug and play with 2nd gen legacys. Out of the hundreds to swap in STI suspension (myself included) there's only a handful mentioning retrofitting the 05+ struts to fit. Must be a good reason for that.

03-26-2010, 12:39 AM
where is all of your info coming from


i gave no info, this is the first ive heard of the 05+ retrofit

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 12:43 AM
[quote="Zues Marine":29gui8fr]wait, is there a specific reason to you getting this setup? or is it just a good price?
i think you may be the only one who has tried this yet

No, Ten80 put 05+ sti struts on his GT after "slotting" the front strut's lower bolt holes. Jamal did aswell by using 04 strut bodies with newer pistons.

Jamal briefly mentioning it:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13158

The point is, complete 04 STI suspension is plug and play with 2nd gen legacys. Out of the hundreds to swap in STI suspension (myself included) there's only a handful mentioning retrofitting the 05+ struts to fit. Must be a good reason for that.[/quote:29gui8fr]


confused yet again. but so let me get this straight. Mike you are saying that for sure fully assembled 04 sti struts ARE hassel free bolt plug and play? or was reason right when he told me that 04 sti struts do NOT fit?

mike-tracy
03-26-2010, 12:47 AM
Park city, I had 04 STI complete suspension on my 96 Legacy at one point, Yes, it was plug and play. I have a bad back so I swapped them out for a couple other setups, and now I have WRX suspension all around - a good mix of sportiness and also comfort.

Reason is thinking about 05+ STI suspension, where only the rears fit.

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 12:55 AM
Park city, I had 04 STI complete suspension on my 96 Legacy at one point, Yes, it was plug and play. I have a bad back so I swapped them out for a couple other setups, and now I have WRX suspension all around - a good mix of sportiness and also comfort.

Reason is thinking about 05+ STI suspension, where only the rears fit.

MIke, i really appreciate the help. And i gotta say im extremely happy that YOU have EXPERIENCE with these struts and springs and know first hand what fits my 96 legacy and what doesnt.

I have some good options on NASIOC, but unfortunately i lost the opportunity for the 04 sti struts i was lookin at, took too long to let him know.

BUT, there is another guy that has a 04 sti set, and another guy that has 04 wrx set up with progress drop springs. Mike, which one of these two would you go after?

Reason
03-26-2010, 01:00 AM
ALRIGHT!! THANK YOU!!! :grin:

im stoked because i have 04 takeoffs(fully assembled with tophats and all) ready to buy!!!

haha, i dont know if anyone else is thinking this, but i gotta say its a bit weird that 04 sti are the only sti struts that bolt up to our cars, when the 05 sti is the exact same model and car as the 04. am i the only one that finds that odd? :smt009


It's not weird, because the 04 and 05 sti has different suspensions. I THINK the 04 sti is the same as the 02-03 wrx. But I know theychanged the suspension in 05.

Why so hard up on an sti suspension anyway??

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 01:03 AM
It's not weird, because the 04 and 05 sti has different suspensions. I THINK the 04 sti is the same as the 02-03 wrx. But I know theychanged the suspension in 05.

Why so hard up on an sti suspension anyway??[/quote]



killer price, heard they were good for our cars. just really needed some cheap, and these were the way to go with my budget. do you have anything else in mind that i can get under $275?

03-26-2010, 01:19 AM
probably not for that price,
but you get what you pay for

mike-tracy
03-26-2010, 01:22 AM
^^ Both of those sound like good options. I would pick the WRX w/ lowering springs due to my back and the fact I don't track/autox my car. With my current setup I added a strut bar and the car now handles nearly about as good as the STI suspension in my opinion.

Either way you go, it will be a gigantic improvement in your handling. When I pulled my original suspension after 160k miles, the rear struts were blown.

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 01:29 AM
^^ Both of those sound like good options. I would pick the WRX w/ lowering springs due to my back and the fact I don't track/autox my car. With my current setup I added a strut bar and the car now handles nearly about as good as the STI suspension in my opinion.

Either way you go, it will be a gigantic improvement in your handling. When I pulled my original suspension after 160k miles, the rear struts were blown.


ya my rear struts are starting to just give out! and my front right is done for as well. but my left front is brand new stock, i just got it replaced because of an accident. so if anyone needs a stock front left replacement, i GOT it. haha

but ya, i cant decide which set up i would for sure get. it really depends honestly on what is going to be cheaper. but what are the PROS and CONS of both?

klix
03-26-2010, 07:10 AM
...I have experience too! Trust me, 04 STI works. I only have 05 rears because they came with the springs I bought and they had lower miles over the 04's. It is only the 05 STI FRONTS that are drastically different primarily in regard to how they bolt to the spindles. The only thing aside from slapping them in and getting an alignment is that you may want a pair of camber bolts for the rear as the strut is pitched slightly different which will eliminate some of your room for camber adjustment. In the brake lines do not attach exactly the same, so be sure you have some large zip-ties around just to loop around the strut and brake line to pull the line in away from moving parts... problem will go away entirely if you upgrade brake lines (I will at some point)

02-03 is slightly different from memory, WILL bolt up, but there will be a spacer (not the saggy but one) that you need in order to interchange with later models

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 08:50 AM
alright well im thinking i might go with the 04 WRX struts and springs. but is 60-70k ok?

i dont want to buy too old of struts. you guys tell me, i have experience with engines, but not with suspension. and what would be a good offer to make him?

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 10:28 AM
just need to figure what is better in other peoples experience???

between:

-04 wrx struts w/ progress lowering springs ; 60-70k miles ; around $300
and
-04 sti struts and springs ; 50-60k ; $350


both assembled tophats and all, ready to go

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 02:16 PM
anyone?

legacy98gt
03-26-2010, 02:32 PM
look on craigslist i found people selling stock 06 wrx springs n struts for 150 with 50k miles

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 02:36 PM
look on craigslist i found people selling stock 06 wrx springs n struts for 150 with 50k miles

ive looked on craigslist in my area. nothing. :-?

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 06:36 PM
just need to figure what is better in other peoples experience???

between:

-04 wrx struts w/ progress lowering springs ; 60-70k miles ; around $300
and
-04 sti struts and springs ; 50-60k ; $350


both assembled tophats and all, ready to go

Reason
03-26-2010, 06:58 PM
Why not spend another $200 or so on brand new legacy specific parts?

parkcityboyx
03-26-2010, 08:48 PM
dont have $200. wish i did

03-26-2010, 08:55 PM
why not save up for a bit?

imo, getting leggy specific parts as opposed to retrofitting is a better idea

Lone_legacy
03-27-2010, 01:25 AM
^^ Both of those sound like good options. I would pick the WRX w/ lowering springs due to my back and the fact I don't track/autox my car. With my current setup I added a strut bar and the car now handles nearly about as good as the STI suspension in my opinion.

Either way you go, it will be a gigantic improvement in your handling. When I pulled my original suspension after 160k miles, the rear struts were blown.


ya my rear struts are starting to just give out! and my front right is done for as well. but my left front is brand new stock, i just got it replaced because of an accident. so if anyone needs a stock front left replacement, i GOT it. haha

but ya, i cant decide which set up i would for sure get. it really depends honestly on what is going to be cheaper. but what are the PROS and CONS of both?


I just installed wrx struts on tanabe gf210 springs and the difference is night and day. You can pick up wrx stuff for a lot less as well. I would recommend spacers in the rear though, to remedy the saggy butt. This is what my stance looks like:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/03/DSCN16570001-1.jpg

httrdd
03-27-2010, 08:46 AM
I am about to install my 02 wrx struts and whiteline springs this or next week, so I will get you some pics if that helps you any. The 02 and 04 struts should be the same.

parkcityboyx
03-29-2010, 10:57 PM
if i have a set of 04 wrx struts in line to purchase, but they do not include the tophats, will my tophats work with them???? will this work. because its a steal of a price

klix
03-29-2010, 11:10 PM
if i have a set of 04 wrx struts in line to purchase, but they do not include the tophats, will my tophats work with them???? will this work. because its a steal of a price
I think you need em... the WRX/STI springs are slightly different on the top. Just can't recall by how much.

...besides, be a little cautious when someone isn't selling the top. It suggests to me that they are just selling their worn out old ones they just replaced.

Lone_legacy
03-29-2010, 11:14 PM
if i have a set of 04 wrx struts in line to purchase, but they do not include the tophats, will my tophats work with them???? will this work. because its a steal of a price

Your top hats will work. You do need the wrx spring perches though.

parkcityboyx
03-29-2010, 11:20 PM
if i have a set of 04 wrx struts in line to purchase, but they do not include the tophats, will my tophats work with them???? will this work. because its a steal of a price
I think you need em... the WRX/STI springs are slightly different on the top. Just can't recall by how much.

...besides, be a little cautious when someone isn't selling the top. It suggests to me that they are just selling their worn out old ones they just replaced.


he said he just installed STi struts and lowering springs

parkcityboyx
03-30-2010, 12:32 AM
Here are the strut-mount/tophats options for our cars, listed with proof. IF anyone still has question after seeing this posting...

Our Cars 1995-
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 873k951479 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1269873&parttype=7600&a=FRc1269873k951479)

2002-2003 WRX
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 8773k61361 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1378773&parttype=7600&a=FRc1378773k61361)

2004-2005 WRX
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 91k1313621 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1428791&parttype=7600&a=FRc1428791k1313621)

2006-2007 WRX
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 97k1313621 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1432597&parttype=7600&a=FRc1432597k1313621)

2004 STi
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 91k1033357 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1428791&parttype=7600&a=FRc1428791k1033357)

Lone_legacy
03-30-2010, 12:46 AM
Here are the strut-mount/tophats options for our cars, listed with proof. IF anyone still has question after seeing this posting...

Our Cars 1995-
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 873k951479 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1269873&parttype=7600&a=FRc1269873k951479)

2002-2003 WRX
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 8773k61361 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1378773&parttype=7600&a=FRc1378773k61361)

2004-2005 WRX
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 91k1313621 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1428791&parttype=7600&a=FRc1428791k1313621)

2006-2007 WRX
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 97k1313621 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1432597&parttype=7600&a=FRc1432597k1313621)

2004 STi
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 91k1033357 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1428791&parttype=7600&a=FRc1428791k1033357)


I thought it was you who had the questions about fitment?

parkcityboyx
03-30-2010, 12:50 AM
Here are the strut-mount/tophats options for our cars, listed with proof. IF anyone still has question after seeing this posting...

Our Cars 1995-
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 873k951479 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1269873&parttype=7600&a=FRc1269873k951479)

2002-2003 WRX
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 8773k61361 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1378773&parttype=7600&a=FRc1378773k61361)

2004-2005 WRX
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 91k1313621 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1428791&parttype=7600&a=FRc1428791k1313621)

2006-2007 WRX
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 97k1313621 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1432597&parttype=7600&a=FRc1432597k1313621)

2004 STi
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... 91k1033357 (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1428791&parttype=7600&a=FRc1428791k1033357)


I thought it was you who had the questions about fitment?

and now i found these. and showing proof of what fits and what doesnt. and also for people to look at and maybe see if i made a mistake on these things that i listed to fit :grin: :smt023

i do still have a question on what would need to be done if i were to buy struts from a 2002 or 2004 wrx and i dont have the tophats, i want to know for sure if i would have to find specific 2002 or 2004 wrx tophats, or if my 96 legacy tophats would work in installing the new struts?

Robbks
03-30-2010, 01:18 AM
i do still have a question on what would need to be done if i were to buy struts from a 2002 or 2004 wrx and i dont have the tophats, i want to know for sure if i would have to find specific 2002 or 2004 wrx tophats, or if my 96 legacy tophats would work in installing the new struts?

BD/BG Tophats are to suit the non-tapered rear spring design
which is the same design (although different heights) as both ALL GC/GF WRX and GDA (MY01-02, Bugeye) WRX and STi.
WRX and STi from MY03-07 Went to the tapered rear spring design
and as said before MY05+ STi front struts require modifications

Also, SF Forester share the same design top-hat as BD/BG Legacy (non-tapered rear spring and same stud spacing)
SG Forester shares the 03+ WRX/STi top-hat design (tapered rear spring and same stud spacing)

My JDM BG5 GT Wagon has a full set of 04STi (struts, springs, top-hats) front and rear.

I have also previously had 02STi rear springs on the 04 struts with BG5 Top-hats
the BG5 Top hats appear to be slightly thinner (shorter?) than the STi ones, and such the back end sits lower than optimal height

parkcityboyx
03-30-2010, 01:25 AM
i do still have a question on what would need to be done if i were to buy struts from a 2002 or 2004 wrx and i dont have the tophats, i want to know for sure if i would have to find specific 2002 or 2004 wrx tophats, or if my 96 legacy tophats would work in installing the new struts?

BD/BG Tophats are to suit the non-tapered rear spring design
which is the same design (although different heights) as both ALL GC/GF WRX and GDA (MY01-02, Bugeye) WRX and STi.
WRX and STi from MY03-07 Went to the tapered rear spring design
and as said before MY05+ STi front struts require modifications

Also, SF Forester share the same design top-hat as BD/BG Legacy (non-tapered rear spring and same stud spacing)
SG Forester shares the 03+ WRX/STi top-hat design (tapered rear spring and same stud spacing)

My JDM BG5 GT Wagon has a full set of 04STi (struts, springs, top-hats) front and rear.

I have also previously had 02STi rear springs on the 04 struts with BG5 Top-hats
the BG5 Top hats appear to be slightly thinner (shorter?) than the STi ones, and such the back end sits lower than optimal height

so when it comes to these 2002 wrx struts that i have an option of buying without tophats and springs, are you recommending that i purchase specific 2002 wrx tophats?

klix
03-30-2010, 08:17 PM
i do still have a question on what would need to be done if i were to buy struts from a 2002 or 2004 wrx and i dont have the tophats, i want to know for sure if i would have to find specific 2002 or 2004 wrx tophats, or if my 96 legacy tophats would work in installing the new struts?

BD/BG Tophats are to suit the non-tapered rear spring design
which is the same design (although different heights) as both ALL GC/GF WRX and GDA (MY01-02, Bugeye) WRX and STi.
WRX and STi from MY03-07 Went to the tapered rear spring design
and as said before MY05+ STi front struts require modifications

Also, SF Forester share the same design top-hat as BD/BG Legacy (non-tapered rear spring and same stud spacing)
SG Forester shares the 03+ WRX/STi top-hat design (tapered rear spring and same stud spacing)

My JDM BG5 GT Wagon has a full set of 04STi (struts, springs, top-hats) front and rear.

I have also previously had 02STi rear springs on the 04 struts with BG5 Top-hats
the BG5 Top hats appear to be slightly thinner (shorter?) than the STi ones, and such the back end sits lower than optimal height

so when it comes to these 2002 wrx struts that i have an option of buying without tophats and springs, are you recommending that i purchase specific 2002 wrx tophats?

I think it would be a good idea.
...I forgot that I had this pic I took while both were out of the car, take a look to see the basic difference that Rob is talking about. Stocker BD on the left (blown) and 05 STI with COBBs on the right:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2010/03/reardifference-1.jpg

parkcityboyx
04-01-2010, 12:56 AM
wagon and sedan struts/springs/tophats are the same right?

Lone_legacy
04-01-2010, 01:43 AM
wagon and sedan struts/springs/tophats are the same right?

I am almost certain that they are different.

mike-tracy
04-01-2010, 03:45 AM
wagon and sedan struts/springs/tophats are the same right?

They fit the same. I remember reading somewhere that if you have a choice get the wagon ones - something about rear camber. Jamal would be the one to ask.

parkcityboyx
04-01-2010, 09:29 AM
wagon and sedan struts/springs/tophats are the same right?

They fit the same. I remember reading somewhere that if you have a choice get the wagon ones - something about rear camber. Jamal would be the one to ask.


so if the struts that i am getting are sedan, what is my next step? or what do i need to get extra

klix
04-02-2010, 11:31 PM
wagon and sedan struts/springs/tophats are the same right?

They fit the same. I remember reading somewhere that if you have a choice get the wagon ones - something about rear camber. Jamal would be the one to ask.


so if the struts that i am getting are sedan, what is my next step? or what do i need to get extra
A pair of camber bolts :smt023

)2edline
04-02-2010, 11:59 PM
I can't believe i didn't see this topic before.

04 STi takeoffs work magically without any need to modification.

Onto a Legacy Sedan or Wagon, they will go on no problem, but I suggest running Paranoid fabrications Saggy Butt Spacers

Saggy Butt Spacer - 04-07 HDPE Impreza 3/8' (http://www.camotoy.com/products/saggybutt/index.php)

I'm running this setup, no spacer, slight slight buttsag, with camber bolts and rolled fenders to avoid rub.

parkcityboyx
04-03-2010, 12:35 AM
well i officially purchased 03 wrx suspension today 40k miles. pretty stoked on installing!!!

im going to get the 3/8" butt spacers for sure.


im trying to decide now wether or not i want to buy lowering springs or not :smt017

ouch1011
04-03-2010, 11:14 PM
Keep in mind that the STI rear struts are notorious for clunking/binding. Has something to do with the inverted design causing a lack of lubrication to one of the bushings at the top of the strut body. My friends 04 STI does this. It doesn't affect the strut function or reliability from what I hear, but it is annoying as hell. If you look on NASIOC, there is a huge thread about it.

parkcityboyx
04-04-2010, 10:33 AM
Keep in mind that the STI rear struts are notorious for clunking/binding. Has something to do with the inverted design causing a lack of lubrication to one of the bushings at the top of the strut body. My friends 04 STI does this. It doesn't affect the strut function or reliability from what I hear, but it is annoying as hell. If you look on NASIOC, there is a huge thread about it.

so even if its just WRX suspension, it still has the potential to do that? is there any difference between WRX suspension and STi susp?

njdriver04
05-21-2010, 10:26 AM
bit of a thread jack sorry, up to 07 wrx suspension is a direct fit, do wrx wagons come with slightly longer springs in the back to make up for the weight of the wagon?

Robbks
05-23-2010, 07:54 PM
the WRX wagons have a higher spring rate to cope with the weight.
some aftermarket springs are longer as opposed to being stiffer to make them sit right

nasioc
02-24-2011, 05:37 PM
good info!

parkcityboyx
12-10-2011, 04:07 PM
these will fit our 95-97 legacy's right??

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GSP-COILOVER-DA ... es&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/GSP-COILOVER-DAMPER-SUSPENSION-KIT-TYPE-RS-IMPREZA-WRX-GDA-GGA-16way-adjustable-/400257243580?hash=item5d3130d9bc&item=400257243580&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr)

im thinking about upgrading again but to these aftermarkets

98legwag
02-06-2012, 12:11 AM
Couple of newb questions. How much would stock wrx struts/springs lower my BK? Also any chance my 17x7.5 wheels with 205/45/17s would rub?

geckoboy86
02-06-2012, 12:22 AM
WRX would only lower you about 1/2 an inch but getting it opens up a new world (market for parts) when it comes to looking for lowering springs. Make sure you get a WRX wagon suspension to avoid sagging issues.

98legwag
02-06-2012, 08:03 AM
I was looking at my car when I got to work today and it looks like my rear struts have had it. I cannot even get my fist between the wheel and body. Also, Gecko, you said the mounts for the brake lines are different on the wrx struts. How hard was it to make that work?

geckoboy86
02-06-2012, 09:56 AM
It wasn't, if I remember correctly, I kinda did it all at once over a week. But if your gonna swap, swap the full suspension from a wagon WRX (springs, struts, top hats, etc) and full brakes (calipers, pads, brackets, front rotors, brake lines) over from a WRX. Brakes dont matter from what year or body style but I do recomend 02-03 due to the ease of the rear h6 brake upgrade. I can't confirm that still but that's what I am told.

EDIT: You asked earlier about how the difference is in height...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/09/IMG_2369JPG-1.jpg (https://picasaweb.google.com/106161421971697297020/MeetUps#5654157747178511426)

98legwag
02-10-2012, 04:02 PM
Just picked it up today. I do have a question since it was not assembled. Are the taller springs the front or rear springs? Thanks for the help guys.

EDIT- I figured it out. Front springs taper down at the top. Diameters are front 148 mm at the bottom and 125 mm at the top. Rear 130mm bottom and top.

geckoboy86
02-10-2012, 06:24 PM
Cant wait to see it 98legwag! You did get WRX wagon ones, right?

You doing the brakes too?

98legwag
02-10-2012, 06:54 PM
Cant wait to see it 98legwag! You did get WRX wagon ones, right?

You doing the brakes too?

Yeah. The struts springs are off a 02 but the rear struts happened to be gr2s when I got there. He didn't have the front upper spring seats so I ordered them from my local dealership. Tomorrow I am going to meet a guy parting out a 04 wrx to probably get the brakes.

geckoboy86
02-10-2012, 07:56 PM
Awesome.