Rear strut replacement options / suggestions

[Navig8r]

I have a '98 BD sedan, 2.5 GT, 5-speed.
I had a carload of people w/ me today for a couple hundred miles. Near the end of the trip, I was hearing a clunking noise from the rear over bumps. Thought it might just be a bushing, but from the oil on the strut/surrounding suspension, I guess I blew a strut out. It is the rear drivers side.
My question: Any thoughts or experience on brand / type for replacement? I enjoy driving this car, and intend to keep it for a while. I dnot want to spend a ton of $$, but want to know my options before proceeding.
Thanks in advance for any input, it is much appreciated!

[Huffer]

KYB GR2 - best value for money.

You might as well replace all four at the same time.

Seller "jdmwerks" on ebay has complete sets for under $280 shipped IIRC.

[Jedi Taxi]

huffer's right on the money. GR2s are the way to go for a cheap replacment and upgrade from stock.

[Navig8r]

OK... found set of 4 struts on E-Bay, NEW for $240.00 + 40.00 Shipping... KYB's
Gonna do that with new mounts/boots.

Thinkin about a new swaybar while there. Found a new 21MM with poly mount bushings for $160.00 shipped on E-Bay...
Anybody just used a junkyard Outback bar?

Any other suggestions?

I dont need a total performance ride, so I am leaving the springs alone. I just want to tighten things up a bit.

[Huffer]

junkyard outback bar will take you to 18mm rear sway... good upgrade for under $100.

[Jedi Taxi]

that and a 20mm outback sway bar make a good combination. basically, cheap performance upgrades that yield + in performance = pure win in my book.

[Navig8r]

Got the KYB GR2's installed Saturday.... Nice ride. I've had the car for about 10k miles (148K on it now) . Even when I first got it, it wasnt even close to this tight.... nice!!
Very happy with these struts so far... gonna upgrade the rear sway, and put some new shoes on it soon to compliment the new struts.

[AJM]

Putting a 21mm rear sway bar would sevrely bias your car to the rear, meaning it would handle very much like a rear wheel drive car. Even getting the outback 18mm sway bar will bias you to the rear, but not nearly as much as 21mm.

I have personally done the outback swap.

What you have
19mm front
16mm back

What outback is
20mm front
18 rear


This is an excelent upgrade for the $$. I got the both of mine for a combined $30 at a u-pull-it place.