Suspension Upgrade Checklist

[warrior]

My strusts/springs are shot on all 4 corners.. how lovely!

So far, this is my checklist:

KYB GR-2
Front: 334111/334112
Rear: 334115/334116

Whiteline Control Springs
Front: 70198
Rear: 70381

Those are the basics.. now I've been reading about STi top hats and any bushings that I might need to replace while I have everything out of the way?

I'm planning the swap sometime in spring as I have my brake upgrade to do still.. so why not do everything at once right? :twisted:

[sharky nrk]

upgraded top hats are great but not completly necessary based upon your setup. I have RCE plates up front and GrpNs onthe rear of the WRX and it was a huge improvement. But I am also running STi RA dampers and springs which are quite a bit stiffer than GR2s and whiteline springs so I cannot comment on your exact setup.

As far as replacement parts, struts should come with new top nuts, and everything else can be reused if in good condition. I would lube up everything really well with a high quality grease inlcuding spring seats for quite operation.

[sharky nrk]

On the bushing front, I have replaced numerous bushings as well, but again depending on what your wanting out of the car some may be unnecessary or give alot of NHV back to you. Is it strictly DD, or DD/autox/ or DD/autox/track ect ect

[warrior]

It's daily driver.. no auto-x or track.. I just want the clunking noise to go away.. haha!

[warrior]

Someone please let me know about top hats? I've searched and can't really find anything specific :(

I'd like to replace them while everything is out.. but not sure which ones will fit into a BD?

Thanks!

[deadlydave]

If you're using BD springs, use BD tophats. I have a set of rears, not being used, but I can only find 1 front.

[warrior]

If you're using BD springs, use BD tophats. I have a set of rears, not being used, but I can only find 1 front.

I'm using Whiteline Control springs with GR-2s.. after much reading on Nasioc.. I think I've come to the conclusion that I don't really need STi top hats.. but does that mean I should still replace mine or can I keep the ones I have??

[d1giPhux]

Just wondering.. did you ever replace yours.. or did you keep your old top hats? I'm going to be doing this soon.. and debating the same thing.. if i want to blow another $150 on stock top hats! :(

[WinterKnoll]

Just wondering.. did you ever replace yours.. or did you keep your old top hats? I'm going to be doing this soon.. and debating the same thing.. if i want to blow another $150 on stock top hats! :(

I'm gonna second that.

[LunchBox04V]

Mr. I, Are you still looking for STi top hats? Sorry I have been unable to post, my smart phone can't post here for some reason. I have STi top hats front fitment for the BC/BF/BD/BG/BK. I think they even work for the BE/BH. They are new and in the box. I only opened then to make sure that they were the right parts. PM me if you get a chance. I am finally on a trip where I can get some free WiFi!

[99gtlimited]

do you still have these?? what is the part #?

[MyogiNightKid]

Bumping this yet again. About to slap on some GR-2s, may add in some whitline springs if TiC comes through with a GB.

Should I invest in new top hats?

[Huffer]

^^ yes.

[MyogiNightKid]

^^ yes.

Thank you for the reply :smile:

What would give me the best bang for my buck? Ill obviously get stock hats if I'm going to stick with stock springs. But what should I use if I go with the Whiteline springs?

Where would you recommend purchasing stock hats or aftermarket?

[Huffer]

Group N or STi top hats for a GC8 will work with the fronts, I believe WRX 02-03 rears will work for the rear. You need to retain your stock spring perches if you get Legacy specific springs.

Frankly, unless I was building a trackspecific vehicle I would just stick with new OEM mounts. But then I would probably have coilovers and wouldn't need to worry about it anyway.