KYB GR2's plus aftermkt springs = expected lifespan? 60k+?

[Markus]

Hello everyone -

In general I'm wondering - if you have KYB GR2's with aftermarket stiffer springs on your Subaru currently:
a) How many miles are on them?
b) How many miles do you think they will last?
c) (bonus) What is your opinion on valving (I have heard 10-20% stiffer than stock)?

This is kind of a spinoff of another which was BE specific, but I figure that the KYB's are probably fairly consistent so I'm interested in how long they have lasted on any year Legacy.
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=13296&start=30 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=13296&start=30)

USDM Bilstein HD's would be the first choice for my car, but at $600/set they are about 2x as expensive as the KYB's. Aftermarket springs in question are Whiteline's, I already have a used set ready to go.

Thanks!

- Mark

[BigLooga1]

Hey,

I have a set of GR2 with Whiteline Control springs in the back, i've got them for about 10k km and they are just fine. My initial choice was to go for the Bilstein as they seem a bit more aggressive and designed for the car but i couldn't get my hand on them.

[Huffer]

In general I'm wondering - if you have KYB GR2's with aftermarket stiffer springs on your Subaru currently:
a) How many miles are on them?
b) How many miles do you think they will last?
c) (bonus) What is your opinion on valving (I have heard 10-20% stiffer than stock)?


a) 0 so far, install is this spring
b) 30-40k or so, with moderate driving and no auto-x before they lose their effectiveness. If you roll on really bad roads or track the car, I would reduce that estimate by 25%. My in-laws blew a set of KYB GR2s from jdmwerks13 (ebay) in 2 years doing 15k on Ohio roads.
c) they will be slightly stiffer than stock, but it's the springs that make the most difference.

End of the day, my car has 103k on it and I'm pretty certain I have stock struts and springs. It rides fine for the highway but a lower speeds I can definitely feel a rattling just entering and exiting driveways. Not cool.

[99gtlimited]

Hello everyone -

In general I'm wondering - if you have KYB GR2's with aftermarket stiffer springs on your Subaru currently:
a) How many miles are on them?
b) How many miles do you think they will last?
c) (bonus) What is your opinion on valving (I have heard 10-20% stiffer than stock)?



I have KYB Gr-2's with h&r lowering springs

a) ~ 10k miles since install

b) this depends on loading and your driving style and the condition of the roads, but i'd say the struts are probably good for 60K +. keep in mind that lowering springs will accelerate strut wear due to the excess compression they will always be under due to the lowered right height

c) to be honest i really can't tell the difference in the struts it's just the springs i feel with stiffer rebound and less travel.

[Markus]

b) 30-40k or so, with moderate driving and no auto-x before they lose their effectiveness. If you roll on really bad roads or track the car, I would reduce that estimate by 25%. My in-laws blew a set of KYB GR2s from jdmwerks13 (ebay) in 2 years doing 15k on Ohio roads.


I guess based on this comment and to help others out in the future -
1) What is the warranty on these?
2) How good is KYB at handling warranty issues?

- Mark

[patrickscycleshop]

Buy kyb agx, they are adjustable for damping, and they have a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. I hopefully will be putting a set with tein springs on my 95 legacy L (bk) wagon soon, just waiting for parts to get here. ill post results on my account asap http://s686.photobucket.com/albums/vv22 ... cycleshop/ (http://s686.photobucket.com/albums/vv227/patrickscycleshop/) there is a pic of my wagon after wheels /before lowering