Hello guys.
My 2.5i car reached 150K miles and I have to take care of the suspension, since I got sick of the boat feeling with the OEM suspension setup. What I did 2 years ago is to upgrade the rear sway bar with 20 mm one and also added 13/14 springs on the back only. This improved the suspension, but I think there is more to be desired.
Since It is only a daily driver I am debating with myself if I should go with new KYB or with new Koni option. Before do that I need to educate myself a bit, therefore I’m using the opportunity to ask the devoted LGT community here.
Take into account that the car is driven in Europe last 3 years and is PITA to find the correct cross-reference part number there. Even is the parts look identical, no one is able to guarantee me if they fit. Luckily, I am here in US for some time now and will try to buy some parts and take them back with me upon my return (4 struts in my baggage will definitely trigger the customs’ screening interest). That’s why I would require your support.
I read enough to be convinced that the new KYB strut variant will solve the problem for a guy like me. Still, I want to explore the Koni variant as well and have an informed decision at the end. For that reason I am posting here and not creating a new topic.
Either for KYB or Koni variant, the correct parts order that needed to be acquired is:
v.1 (New KYB/Koni inserts) – (13-14 OEM springs front 20330AJ10A and rears 20380AJ10A) - (old Upper spring seats) – (new Top hats)
or v.2 (same parts, but with the old Top hats, if they are in good shape after 150K miles )
Did I skip some parts that need to be purchased in addition so far?
1. If I go with the new KYB struts and 2013/14 springs option, should I buy 2010/12 KYB struts or 2013/14 KYB struts for my 2010 car? The part numbers in KYB website are different for 10/12 and 13/14 models:
1.1. 2010/12 KYB front left 339223/ right 339222 / rears 340026 and top hats/mounts front SM5361/ rears SM5764
1.2 2012/14 KYB front left 3340107/ right 3340106 / rears 340043 and top hats/mounts front SM5361/ rears SM5765
Probably the struts listed above are identical, but still they don’t share the same part number.
2. For Koni option and 2013/14 springs, what else should I buy in addition :
2.1. New top hats/mounts for the 2010/12 model or use the old ones from the existing suspension?
2.2. Which Koni inserts for the front - 8610-1447S or 8610-1453S?
Thanks a lot for your attention.