New Struts

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Apr 29, 2004 | 05:00 AM

96 Flat Four

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New Struts

own a 1996 AWD Impreza Outback. The car is in need of shocks on all 4 corners and I am wondering what my best replacement option is. The only suspension mod I have made is switching to an 18 mm sway bar on the rear. I am looking at installing KYB GR2s, but I notice that KYB's catalog list a different rear strut for the Impreza Outback than for all other Imprezas. My question is, how does the 1996 Impreza Outback Sport differ from the other Imprezas? Could I switch to the GR2 or even the AGX shocks listed for all non-Outback Imprezas. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks

Apr 29, 2004 | 09:17 AM

wagon christ

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Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 44

Do you want to lower it, keep the same ride height, want it stiffer? What are you looking for, direct replacement or some sort of upgrade?

Apr 29, 2004 | 01:03 PM

96 Flat Four

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I am looking for slightly better than stock handling without to great a sacrafice in ride quality. I am not going to lower the car or change the springs. My real question is how the OBS's rear suspension differs from all other Impreza's and what impact that difference has on the ability to run the rear struts listed for non-OBS Imprezas on an OBS.

Apr 30, 2004 | 03:29 AM

wagon christ

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Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 44

I answered this for you over on that other board as you were getting more attention over there

May 3, 2004 | 05:10 PM

scoobsport98

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Posts: 1,661

From: location location

Car Info: 98 Impreza Outback Sport

Well, others (me) may like to see the answer to his question also

. I have been asking this question in different ways for months and have gotten no replies. What's the difference? Are just the rear struts different on the wagon? Are they longer? Stiffer? I gave up on the AGX's because nobody could tell me the sedan ones would work for sure, and they don't make AGX's for rear wagon application. So, I ended up ordering and installing GR2's (which are wagon specific). Overall, I'm very happy with my new susp. and it's breaking in nicely- so I probably saved myself some $$$ by not getting the AGX's

here are some pics of my install:
https://www.i-club.com/forums/showth...threadid=56854

May 3, 2004 | 08:41 PM

i2()N!N

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Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 452

From: Canaan, NH

Car Info: 98'RS

i went with the gr2's also.they are a good strut for cheap money.
i got the spt springs and they are great.
the only problem is my steel rims..eeeek.

May 3, 2004 | 09:38 PM

wagon christ

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Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 44

Quote:

Originally posted by scoobsport98
Well, others (me) may like to see the answer to his question also Are just the rear struts different on the wagon?

Sorry, wasn't trying to close the thread or anything!

No, afaict the oldskool sedan and wagon struts are all interchangeable. The springs are different, and the OBS has a different rear strut (iirc) up to '96. '97 and on the OBS and RS share the same struts. I have sti (sedan) take-offs on my wagon. With lower springs it took a little work to get -1* rear camber, just a few minutes with the die grinder on a bolt hole.