GTEASER Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 (edited) This is what I hope to determine. Thanks to the commitment of da Roo here in the 6th Gen section, he has sent me the funds to purchase a 6th Gen front strut from a 2016 2.5i Premium to cut open to verify whether or not an 8610-1453S or 8610-1447S Koni insert will fit. My understanding is that the Limited model 6th Gens have a Stablex strut system that has a little beefier strut tube. This is why I ordered the 20310AL03A left front strut. If someone can verify for me that this is NOT a Stablex strut, I would appreciate it. The Koni front inserts require that the strut tube of the donor strut be cut at a particular length and the internals of the OEM shock to be removed and discarded, leaving the open strut tube for the insert to be installed. Additionally, the Koni front inserts require a particular internal diameter on the donor strut tubes for them to fit properly. They bolt in from the bottom utilizing a hole that is drilled in the bottom of the strut body. And nubs at the top of the Koni insert's tube are meant to engage the top of the strut tube, deforming it slightly when it is sucked down into the donors strut tube during the process of bolting it from the bottom. As you can see here, the fluting at the top of the 6th Gen strut is troubling. All of the WRX and Legacy struts that I have installed Koni inserts into have been a constant diameter from the top of the strut tube to the bottom. Edited October 22, 2017 by GTEASER GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted October 22, 2017 Author Share Posted October 22, 2017 (edited) I have a 2012 WRX front strut sitting in the garage to compare the 6th Gen strut to. Essentially, with some minor differences in perch height and the attachment tabs for the wheel speed sensor and brake line, it is the same as the 4th Gen and 5th Gen front struts. I measured from the bottom of the strut, up to the place where I would need to make the cut (long horizontal silver line) and measured the outside diameter of the strut tubes to compare. As you can see, the OD of the entire WRX strut tube is 2.00 inches, as is the top of the 6th Gen strut tube. But, below the fluting, the 6th Gen strut tube is wider, 2.12". The question is....is this just a thicker tubing section? Or does the fluting of the OD appear on the ID as well? I will have to cut it up to truly know. Cutting it will be a challenge because the cut needs to be made in the middle of the fluting as you can see from my silver mark. I usually use a pipe cutter, but in this case I will need to use a hack saw. Edited October 22, 2017 by GTEASER GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fullah Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Awesome thread. I see you're saying the 12 wrx strut is similar to the 4th and 5th gen legacy but what makes it different from the 6th gen strut? Aside from the attachment point for the end link? Are you able to tell us if minus this end link attachment the 12 wrx strut would bolt up to our car? Are the strut mounting holes the same distance apart and the opening in the strut mounting bracket are the same? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Roo Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 (edited) Fullah - notice the OD in the 6th gen strut to the '12 wrx (last pic of first post). It is initially the same at 2' towards the top but as you look lower on the pic it bulges outward slightly to 2.12'. Until GT cuts the strut open I don't think you'll get further info on the similarities/differences. Sent from my LG-H871 using Tapatalk Edited October 23, 2017 by Da Roo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Roo Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 All of my google searches for the part number have contained a part description stating "Legacy, without stablex susp. Legacy, Outback. Left. 2.5l. Sedan. With eyesight package." I think this should confirm but it might be worth a quick call to the subaru parts dept for absolute assurance. Sent from my LG-H871 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fullah Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Fullah - notice the OD in the 6th gen strut to the '12 wrx. It is initially the same at 2' towards the top but as you look lower on the pic it bulges outward slightly to 2.12'. Until GT cuts the strut open I don't think you'll get further info on the similarities/differences. Sent from my LG-H871 using Tapatalk I know he is intending on doing the koni inserts and seeing if they will work but my question was more about the physical dimensions of the strut mounting between the two rather than the internals. Basically what I was trying to figure out is if a coilover made for a 2012 wrx would physically bolts up to the 6th gen. It seems like based on what he posted about it being similar to the 4th and 5th gen that this may be a possibility on those model years. I was trying to understand why it's different for the 6th gen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share Posted October 23, 2017 (edited) I know he is intending on doing the koni inserts and seeing if they will work but my question was more about the physical dimensions of the strut mounting between the two rather than the internals. Basically what I was trying to figure out is if a coilover made for a 2012 wrx would physically bolts up to the 6th gen. It seems like based on what he posted about it being similar to the 4th and 5th gen that this may be a possibility on those model years. I was trying to understand why it's different for the 6th gen.Nope. It won't work. The 6th Gen uses an STi style 5x114 knuckle. The 4th and 5th Gen Legacys and WRXs use a 5x100 knuckle. The strut lower mount bolts are spaced farther apart, and the knuckle arm that the strut bolts to is thicker on the 5x114 knuckle. See the pics below, 6th Gen on the right. Edited October 23, 2017 by GTEASER GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fullah Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 That's exactly what I was asking! Thanks for clarifying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted October 29, 2017 Author Share Posted October 29, 2017 So in order to make a reasonable guess as to whether or not the Legacy strut's tube is made from a thicker wall tubing, i decided that comparing weigh would give me some clues. The WRX strut weighed 10.1 pounds. The Legacy strut weighed 11.2 pounds. It would seem that the increased weight IS a result of a thicker tubing section. I will proceed to cutting it open to know for sure. Fingers crossed that the ID is consistent down the entire strut tube length. GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Roo Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Bump. Need to get my xmas list together. [emoji51] Sent from my LG-H871 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 Bump. Need to get my xmas list together. [emoji51] Sent from my LG-H871 using TapatalkSince I can't use the pipe cutter because the cut needs to be made on the fluted section, I have to finally buy myself a good sized bench vise. Gonna need to use the reciprocating saw to cut this baby open. Give me a few days more and we will have some answers. GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Roo Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Since I can't use the pipe cutter because the cut needs to be made on the fluted section, I have to finally buy myself a good sized bench vise. Gonna need to use the reciprocating saw to cut this baby open. Give me a few days more and we will have some answers.No rush. Just keeping the thread at the top [emoji41] Sent from my LG-H871 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Roo Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Bump Sent from my LG-H871 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted November 25, 2017 Author Share Posted November 25, 2017 (edited) Good news gents! I believe that Koni inserts WILL work in the 6th gen front donor struts! Today I cut open a 6th gen strut, and found that the taper on the outside of the strut follows the same tapered profile on the inside as well, so my initial reaction was disappointment because that meant that the strut tube was too large for the Koni. However.... This little sleeve has been included with every insert that I have ever bolted into a Subaru strut, and I never used it, because all those struts had a 45mm ID strut tube. But....look at this pic of the little instruction sheet that came with the Koni....the sleeve is to be used with a 48mm ID strut. And sure enough....the 6th Gen strut tube ID measures 1.890", or 48.006mm! Bingo! So....I just need to clean up the cut I made on the strut, determine the optimal length to bring the strut tube to so that the sleeve sits all the way inside the tube and the Koni's nubs get pulled about 1/4" into the sleeve, and bolt a Koni in. Edited November 25, 2017 by GTEASER GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgoodhue Posted November 25, 2017 Share Posted November 25, 2017 As a 5th gen Owner with a Koni's front Inserts & rear shocks, the 6th Gen owners are should be really happy with this news. The Koni's will allow you adjust desirable ride softness and stiffness to match the different available lower springs for your Legacys. They great work with a variety of progressive rate springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted November 26, 2017 Author Share Posted November 26, 2017 (edited) Okay, so I cleaned up the top of the tube on the belt sander and the optimal inside dimension from the bottom of the tube to the top is 11-7/8", just like the 5th Gen. Bottom is drilled and the sleeve is inserted and fits nicely. Time to buy and cut the right side strut and actually bolt some Konis in and get them on a 6th Gen. Edited April 12, 2018 by GTEASER GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRu17 Posted November 27, 2017 Share Posted November 27, 2017 Yes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diesel4982 Posted November 27, 2017 Share Posted November 27, 2017 Which insert model number did you use..and will this work on the limited models with the stablex suspension? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Roo Posted November 27, 2017 Share Posted November 27, 2017 Which insert model number did you use..and will this work on the limited models with the stablex suspension?8610-1453S Koni We tested the strut w/o stablex so you would need 2 premium struts Sent from my LG-H871 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRu17 Posted November 27, 2017 Share Posted November 27, 2017 What about rears? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted November 27, 2017 Author Share Posted November 27, 2017 What about rears?Koni 8010-1055S shocks will bolt right in to the rear of the 6th Gen Legacy, as they do the 5th Gen Legacy, 08-14 WRX, and lowered 09-17 Foresters and 10-17 Outbacks. GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted November 27, 2017 Author Share Posted November 27, 2017 8610-1453S Koni We tested the strut w/o stablex so you would need 2 premium struts Sent from my LG-H871 using TapatalkTechnically I haven't bolted the Koni in yet since its my Koni and your strut. But it will work for sure. I just need you to send me 2 Koni inserts (probably 8610-1447S because that is what Koni specs for 05-14 Legacys because the valving is slightly stiffer than the 8610-1453S) and a right side donor strut, and they can be installed in your car. Correct, the Stablex struts would be removed and premium standard struts used for donors for the Koni inserts. GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diesel4982 Posted November 28, 2017 Share Posted November 28, 2017 So I found this about the stablex... STABLEX-Ride has been employed for premium grade models. New valves and larger diameter front strut cylinders have improved damping response at low pistonspeeds and permit damping suppression at high piston speeds, resulting in even more stable steering stability and comfortable ride quality. Does this mean that the filler ring you inserted into the strut tube wouldn't fill the extra space, because it's a larger diameter, or does the extra space not matter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted November 28, 2017 Author Share Posted November 28, 2017 So I found this about the stablex... STABLEX-Ride has been employed for premium grade models. New valves and larger diameter front strut cylinders have improved damping response at low pistonspeeds and permit damping suppression at high piston speeds, resulting in even more stable steering stability and comfortable ride quality. Does this mean that the filler ring you inserted into the strut tube wouldn't fill the extra space, because it's a larger diameter, or does the extra space not matter?I'd have to have both the strut model that I already cut open, and a Stablex strut in front of me to determine the strut tube differences and how that applies to Koni fitment. I chose the strut that I did, knowing that the Konis would likely not fit the Stablex struts based on the information I knew about them, which is the same info you provided above. GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorCal1657615595 Posted November 30, 2017 Share Posted November 30, 2017 Hey Joe, It's been awhile! Thank you for testing out the 6th gen struts. Definitely interested in this. Do you know if this would work with the 17 outback struts? If I remember correctly they're the same as the legacy, except for the perch is welded a bit higher. Also the Subaru part site shows the rear shocks are different part numbers between the OB and Legacy. I'm looking into purchasing the new Rs-r springs that came out for the OB and the Konis would be perfect for them. Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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