1997 L Wagon New Strut Time

[Cooper197]

Alright so this may seem like a stupid question, but I'm learning here so I'm asking anyway!

I have a 1997 Subaru Legacy L Wagon, it needs new struts. I'm not looking to change the ride height much...in fact I'm having a little issue with the rear tires rubbing as they are 215/17's. I'm really just trying to get input on the different brands of struts and what would be best for me and my car.
First off I live in Central Oregon, this means it snows here. This is my daily driver and I hate how studs tear up my driveway so I simply refuse to use them. If there is a type of strut that is going to make winter driving suck, I want to stay away from it.
Otherwise when the roads are nice and dry I like to go spend some time on curvy mountain roads!

So anything I should really look into/stay away from? I'm looking to spend no more than $400 on the parts, and I'll be installing myself.

Thanks!

[r3v_v3ng3]

You should get the KYB AGX struts. They are adjustable so you'll be able to stiffen up the struts if you have to haul something. Also try rolling your panel to get rid of the rubbing

[98legwag]

I have KYB GR2/Excel G struts. Granted mine are from a WRX. GR2s are supposed to be about 10% stiffer than the stock strut. I believe this is the kit you would need. Double check the part #s to make sure they arent for an Outback or a FWD car. It comes to $277 for all 4 struts.

http://www.justsuspension.com/catalog/p ... ategory/9/ (http://www.justsuspension.com/catalog/product/view/id/29161/s/excel-g-shock-strut-suspension-kit-for-subaru-legacy-1995-1999/category/9/)

[Huffer]

KYB GR2.

When they're installed, spray them down with a good vegetable oil to reduce corrosion from salt etc.

If you buy them from ebay, look for a seller named "jdmwerks13" (I think). He sells a ton of KYB gear, and I think shipped you'll pay around $280 for a full set.

[d1giPhux]

+2 on the KYB GR2 aka newly renamed EXCEL-G struts. They call them EXCEL-G now, but they are still the great KYB GR2 quality. These struts are like OEM, but last longer and may be a TINY hair stiffer.. but not really. Basically they are the best replacements.

If you want to go up in height, you could get a set of spacers from subtle-solutions. Do a google search for them. I actually just picked up a 1" lift to run with my lowered springs and it ROCKS. Puts the body of the car up 1" so you have more clearance for tires, or in my case.. hitting the ground!

Best price for these I've seen is on ebay. Usually they run $275 shipped. You will WANT to make sure you either get outback ones (if you want to go higher) or at least the AWD / GT struts (excel makes diff versions of the same strut. Some for GT, some for L, AWD, OUTBACK, etc).

Good luck man. Pretty easy to replace them yourself, just need some patience, some friends, and some spring compressors! Just pulled my stuff this last week. Seem to do it about 1 time a year just for fun!

[Huffer]

You should get the KYB AGX struts. They are adjustable so you'll be able to stiffen up the struts if you have to haul something. Also try rolling your panel to get rid of the rubbing

AGX are crap for adjustability. They are NOT shock matched so 4 struts will have widely differing levels of dampening, even at the same "adjustment".

[Dead91silvia]

You should get the KYB AGX struts. They are adjustable so you'll be able to stiffen up the struts if you have to haul something. Also try rolling your panel to get rid of the rubbing

AGX are crap for adjustability. They are NOT shock matched so 4 struts will have widely differing levels of dampening, even at the same "adjustment".
I have heard this as well. GR2's are great, but the AGX's are not so much. This is from a friend that builds race cars. I was told if it was possible to get Tokico adjustable's. Last I looked, they didnt make adjustable's for Subaru, but that was about a year ago, so they might by now.

I had Tokico 5 ways on my Silvia and they worked excellent!

[d1giPhux]

Yeah.. i would stay away from the AGX. Had them once on a honda and hated them.

[Cooper197]

Thanks guys! I'll have to do some more research on the AGX. Honestly the adjustable part isn't all that appealing, I don't like the idea of having to think about it and adjust it in order to put something in my car. A guy at the local trusted Subaru shop recommended a set of struts for an Outback Sport. He said they would be a bit longer and slightly stiffer and showed me some pictures of his old Legacy that he lifted for offroad use, it looks like it would solve the problem. All new to me though.

[Cooper197]

KYB GR2.

When they're installed, spray them down with a good vegetable oil to reduce corrosion from salt etc.

If you buy them from ebay, look for a seller named "jdmwerks13" (I think). He sells a ton of KYB gear, and I think shipped you'll pay around $280 for a full set.

Thanks! I'm assuming these are also made for Outback Sport? I've been told that that will give me a little extra height which I would really like to have. Lots of dirt roads and harsh cinder in the winter.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Duplicate threads merged. Try not to hit "Submit" twice if the page seems nonresponsive - it usually goes through twice.

[Cooper197]

Duplicate threads merged. Try not to hit "Submit" twice if the page seems nonresponsive - it usually goes through twice.

Thanks Mark.