My suspension options (98 GT wagon).

[daisyGT]

I have searched threads and researched, and I have to tell you, the only thing I've realized is I am confused. :eek:

I want to lower my wagon. I'd love to go with an adjustable set-up, but realize cost may be prohibitive. I've also read that some of the Subaru stuff is interchangeable (Impreza, WRX, Legacy, etc).

So - what exactly are my options? Who all makes coilovers for these cars? What exactly is interchangeable?

[Huffer]

To Lower:

Replacement Struts = KYB GR2
Replacement Springs = Whiteline Control, iON, Intrax Springs, Eibach (discontinued), H&R (saggy rear due to hatch weight), King Springs (imported from Australia)
(see the Group Buy started by MyogiNightKid for a good deal on Whiteline Controls)

Coilover: Anything from 1995 thru 2004 Impreza or WRX will bolt on - the highest setting will still be a little lower than stock, but the ride will be harsher. You might be ok on the roads near you, but I would kill my kidneys if I went with coilovers.

Bottom Line - do you need the adjustability and potential hassle of coilovers? If not, simply replace your struts, springs and front top-hats (strut mounts) with new items and get an alignment.

[daisyGT]

Do I "need" coilovers? :lol: Of course not. I like the versatility of them though. My husband has them on his Civic (of course, it's also a dedicated roadrace car) but I like the fact I can adjust them as needed.

It also helps that the same guy who he bought his coilovers from makes them for the WRX, too, hence my curiousity about how interchangeable everything is.

http://picperformance.com/store/scripts ... roduct=198 (http://picperformance.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idProduct=198)

Those are his coilovers for the WRX. Can I make them work on my wagon?

[jg09]

I'm a walking Subaru Accessory add, so I'll contribute $0.02:

STi offers lowering struts by KYB and STi springs by Eibach (they're the bright pink ones). While you're at it, I'd do anti-sway bar(s), too, if it were me. Don't need them for lowering, but it'll be nice to have them.

[Huffer]

Those fit 02-06 WRX, they'll work - they won't be perfect as there won't be the same rebound/travel as a set made specifically for the Legacy... however you have a nice selection of spring rates.

$1400 is a heck of a lot to pay for suspension that you will probably never utilize 50% of it's capability...better to spend $500 on some new springs + struts, and the other $500 on some good tires, and the other $500 on some nice 17x7 wheels. :)

[daisyGT]

Those fit 02-06 WRX, they'll work - they won't be perfect as there won't be the same rebound/travel as a set made specifically for the Legacy... however you have a nice selection of spring rates.Yeah, he has a nice selection, so choosing a good spring rate should help with the rebound issues.


$1400 is a heck of a lot to pay for suspension that you will probably never utilize 50% of it's capability...better to spend $500 on some new springs + struts, and the other $500 on some good tires, and the other $500 on some nice 17x7 wheels. :)Yeah, we're kind of good friends with him, so I wouldn't be paying retail :lol: I just recently invested $300 in a set of Hankooks, and although not top of the line they definitely make me wish for a tauter suspension. I also think I would like to keep my stock wheels.

[Huffer]

well if you're not paying retail, go for it if the price is good enough. I would say that an outfit like his should be able to get you a nice price on some KYB struts, then maybe you could consider going in on the Whiteline group buy.

Honestly, unless you really see yourself raising and lowering a lot (which entails alignments) I just don't see the point of a $1400 RRP coilover.

You could slide those nice 'kooks onto a sweet set of 16" RS wheels or some MB Motorsports wheels... ;)

Aaahhh... I just love spending other people's money.

[daisyGT]

well if you're not paying retail, go for it if the price is good enough. I would say that an outfit like his should be able to get you a nice price on some KYB struts, then maybe you could consider going in on the Whiteline group buy.

Honestly, unless you really see yourself raising and lowering a lot (which entails alignments) I just don't see the point of a $1400 RRP coilover.

You could slide those nice 'kooks onto a sweet set of 16" RS wheels or some MB Motorsports wheels... ;)

Aaahhh... I just love spending other people's money.Amen. I wish I had more to spend on myself :lol:

I'm waiting for him to sign online so I can pick his brain about pricing. I know I'm not going to get a huge discount, but he does owe my husband a set for his Civic (his are the original prototype) so maybe I can get his freebies :lol: So if I do go with his coilovers, what else will I need? Do you have a suggestion on spring rates?

[Huffer]

So if I do go with his coilovers, what else will I need? Do you have a suggestion on spring rates?

Coilovers are self-contained - you just un-bolt and reinstall the coilover. It completely replaces your strut & spring.

I have no idea what spring rates you should choose, but based on the non-race status of the car I would opt for the lightest spring rates.

[2.5GT]

If your wagon is daily driven and just want the simple drop, then go with springs/strut combo. Those listed above are a good choice, most members here will vouch on how good they are. They aren't anywhere as harsh as coilovers. The ride is bumpy and you can feel all the little imperfections on the road. But ofcourse, It eliminates the "boat like" feel when you take corners :eek:

I have coilovers on as of tonight, and they are rough...but I don't care, It feels like the car is fastar!! :lol:

[Brockley]

you cant use Camber plates on regular Strut/springs combo's can you?

If you use AGX's and Whiteline control springs, you couldnt use camber plates, right?

Im asking about a BK setup for reference...

[Reason]

I can't see why not.

[Huffer]

Camber plates reference the mount point at the top of the strut - so yes you can use a camber plate. I have a set of RCE camber plates from Pat Olsen that I'm contemplating using, they're pretty beat up though (no idea how camber plates get beat!).

[Reason]

If you are looking for coilovers I can get them far cheaper than those prices.

[daisyGT]

So if I do go with his coilovers, what else will I need? Do you have a suggestion on spring rates?

Coilovers are self-contained - you just un-bolt and reinstall the coilover. It completely replaces your strut & spring.I was more referring to the tophats I keep seeing everyone mentioning replacing. :smile:

[Huffer]

I was more referring to the tophats I keep seeing everyone mentioning replacing. :smile:

You won't need those. Your coilovers come with tophats as part of the assembly.

[Brockley]

i was just wondering if the spring would actually mount correctly with them since they are all designed for coilovers. I have Cusco Rear Camber Plates here, and im looking for fronts currently... but you guys think that would work with say AGX's and Controls?

[Brockley]

anyone kno for sure if that would work?