Vetteman Posted April 25, 2015 Share Posted April 25, 2015 Apologies in advance if this has been answered before. Did a lot of searching but could not find the exact answer. It's time to replace the struts, on the 2005 LGT Wagon, which IMO has always been a bit bouncy from new. I'm thinking of Bilstein HD's. I know I need new front top hats, but what I want to know is what front springs are there that would maintain the stock ride height? We have too much snow on the roads here in winter to have reduced ground clearance. I want to end up with something that is better tied down than stock, but not harsh. Use could best be described as fast road, lots of nice back roads to enjoy nearby. Thanks..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 Why dont you just get Konis instead? you wont have to buy top hats and they will perform better than the HD's and they are great with the stock springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vetteman Posted April 27, 2015 Author Share Posted April 27, 2015 Thanks for the input. Konis may be a better answer - especially if they are better than the HD's. I've always thought of them and Bilstein as being pretty much on a par. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted April 27, 2015 Share Posted April 27, 2015 they arent too far apart, but konis are better, and its nice to be able to adjust rebound to dial it in alittle. cant do that with the bils Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oncesir Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 Another big thumbs up to Koni's. I've got them on my wagon and love em. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineSubi Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 Would you guys suggest the inserts or the kits? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 the kit is just the inserts that also come with springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discojon Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 I will say, I have the Bilstein HD's and JDM wagon pinks on my wagon, and it is very firm, very similar to riding in an STI. Almost too firm for a DD. (showing my age here) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 ^if you changed your springs to stock spec B springs, it would ride better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discojon Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 ^if you changed your springs to stock spec B springs, it would ride better 2 questions. 1. Will the stock Spec B springs work with the JDM top hats? 2. Being a wagon, will it set level with Speb B springs.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 1. yes. 2. you will need to research this, but the rear spring for the spec.b and GT are the same. so if you use rear GT wagon springs, it should, in theory sit level. So Spec B front springs, and rear GT wagon springs. it will be stock ride height, not lowered like the pinks you have now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discojon Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 1. yes. 2. you will need to research this, but the rear spring for the spec.b and GT are the same. so if you use rear GT wagon springs, it should, in theory sit level. So Spec B front springs, and rear GT wagon springs. it will be stock ride height, not lowered like the pinks you have now. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineSubi Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 ^if you changed your springs to stock spec B springs, it would ride better Great info! I think I've decided on bilstein hd's with stock spec b. springs. Best place to snag those springs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 ^you are better off using your OEM GT springs with Konis it will cost you less, and ride better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineSubi Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 I don't have the luxury of modding the struts myself, I realize it is a few easy cuts/some drilling but the lack of a garage/extra front struts and the time makes it very difficult to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 its very easy to do. if you can install the struts, it only takes about 1hr longer to do the insert install with a cordless drill and hack saw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineSubi Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 I plan on having a mechanic install my struts. I would need to get a set of front struts and mod them myself. But ordering new seems like a waste just to cut them up. and tracking down some used fronts hasn't proven successful. I also am not very interested in having to tune my struts until they are "matched" but really want the stock ride height with added firmness. I appreciate the support as always! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oncesir Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 I plan on having a mechanic install my struts. I would need to get a set of front struts and mod them myself. But ordering new seems like a waste just to cut them up. and tracking down some used fronts hasn't proven successful. I also am not very interested in having to tune my struts until they are "matched" but really want the stock ride height with added firmness. I appreciate the support as always! I found my used stock front shocks on ebay. I paid less than $100 shipped for both fronts. They were a click away and cheaper than most ppl were asking for their used shocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineSubi Posted May 6, 2015 Share Posted May 6, 2015 I found my used stock front shocks on ebay. I paid less than $100 shipped for both fronts. They were a click away and cheaper than most ppl were asking for their used shocks. That is an avenue I haven't explored, thanks for the tip. Adding ebay to my watch list for used front struts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike07LGT Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 That is an avenue I haven't explored, thanks for the tip. Adding ebay to my watch list for used front struts. Struts are a tough gamble used... id stay away from them unless they are "like new". 03 WRB WRX (RIP) 04 JBP STI (sold) 07 DGM Legacy GT (RIP) 12 OBP STI (DD) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 the fact that they are used does not matter if he going to cut them open to put new Koni inserts in them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vetteman Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 the fact that they are used does not matter if he going to cut them open to put new Koni inserts in them. Unless they are bent/damaged. I think I will go the Koni route per your advice, but will cut/mod my own struts as I know they have never been damaged in any way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 the part that bends in the strut is the shaft, and that all gets cut out when doing the konis. the housing is very hard to damage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineSubi Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 So I haven't been able to track down any reasonable used front struts to do the insert swap myself. From what everyone has said the Konis are the way to go with stock springs, as I want similar ride height but improved handling. Are the Konis still worth it if I were to buy new kyb fronts to hack up? Also have recieved mix info regarding the wear on my current springs. @ 150K they must be exceeded their cycle life right? Especially up here in Maine. Meaning I'll need KYb fronts, konis, and new stock springs. Sounds like I could afford coilovers for all that. As always, much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted June 8, 2015 Share Posted June 8, 2015 you can get any used front shock from a 05-09 legacy GT or 2.5i I find i hard to believe that you can find a set of used front shocks to hack up. I may have a source for you, but i can't post it publicly. PM me if you want it. Springs dont really have a life cycle per se. If they are sagging, then they will need to be replaced, but if not, dont worry about it. unless you spend $1800+, coilovers are not worth it IMO, because most of the stuff that sells for less is absolute crap and the actual shock quality will be worse than Konis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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