SnatchedHatch Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 I was browsing Rockauto for a full timing component kit, as I want my subie to last, but there are over a dozen choices. What do you look out for? Also looking to replace the rear shocks as they are quite soft, Rock doesn't specify Impreza as the OBS wagon (which has at the least taller springs), what are my options in general for that? I'll be throwing the car on a lift soon to see what exactly it needs. Looking to do it all DIY, so I'd like to use some of my savings on quality parts. Thanks, Sam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 Gates kits on Amazon are only $100 and are good. theimportexpert kits on Ebay are good as well - check them and see what brand they sell - i forget. GMB components are good - and may be what comes in theimportexpert kits i think? check other sources - like ebay, Subaru, google etc and you can usually find out if impreza and OBS struts are the same or different and get part numbers/different that way. don't put blinders on by only relying on rockauto - i've seen enough discrepancies in their online database that i generally don't trust it without crossreferencing to another site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 5, 2014 Author Share Posted October 5, 2014 KYB was recommended a number of times on the forum, while checking it out, I noticed there are ABS and non-ABS versions. I did some searching and couldn't tell if the OBS has ABS standard nor how to check the VIN for it. Haven't noticed ABS-braking while driving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 1998 OBS has ABS. you can check by looking for the sensor on the front hubs. It's really obvious. ABS equipped vehicles have a wire running down the strut (usually bolted to a bracket on the strut) and running into the knuckle/hub. ***this bracket is probably why there's a difference in struts:you can install ABS struts on non-ABS cars since they don't need the bracket it just wont' be used. but installing non-ABS struts on ABS vehicles will leave you without a bracket to bolt to otherwise i bet they're the same. Non-ABS vehicles don't have that. look at yours - behind the wheel - on the strut - you'll see a wire i'm almost positive that it's ABS equipped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 i've gotten KYB's for mine and they seem well enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 5, 2014 Author Share Posted October 5, 2014 Sounds good, I saw the orange/red "performance" versions for a little more. Only details I saw were they are adjustable (for stiffness I think). Lol would you recommend for the OBS? Close to 90% of my driving is in town/highway. I'll take a look at all of this tomorrow, LONG day driving to Michigan to pick up some tires and enjoy the local feature attractions. Thanks Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 Stock KYB's will be great. - Want more lift, install all 4 Forester Struts and springs. - www.nasonic.com has lots of Impreza info. I have stock STI struts on my 98 OBS, requires some modification to the mount but it rides great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 5, 2014 Share Posted October 5, 2014 i generally stick with stock unless there's a compelling practical reason to upgrade. if they're original or really tired or were used on gravel/rough roads - i'd probably replace the springs rather than get beefier struts. (coming from the guy who replaced his struts and had a spring fail a few months later - and had to disassemble them again LOL) you'll get 90% improvement by just replacing the old warn out stuff. if trying something else is worth another 5% to you - go for it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 (edited) Hmm.. well the way I see it, if I can get Forester shox vs. OEM ones for the same price, and if I only want to work on them once: now's my chance to muck about with awesome upgrades. I was wondering what the difference would be on the KYB 'PERFORMANCE' *echo* shox. I'll be leaving the the suspension alone for sometime, unless my stock ones prove to be inadequate for our winter months. Got to get on ordering that timing kit and taking care of it asap EDIT: brake shoes too, picking up the brake cylinders tomorrow in case I need them, the braking force is practically nilch on the rear i generally stick with stock unless there's a compelling practical reason to upgrade. if they're original or really tired or were used on gravel/rough roads - i'd probably replace the springs rather than get beefier struts. (coming from the guy who replaced his struts and had a spring fail a few months later - and had to disassemble them again LOL) you'll get 90% improvement by just replacing the old warn out stuff. if trying something else is worth another 5% to you - go for it! Edited October 7, 2014 by SnatchedHatch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 7, 2014 Author Share Posted October 7, 2014 (edited) I was taking a look at kits, and saw that I could get a kit comprising of mostly GMB components for as little as $130 OTD, vs $184 for an identical kit except for a replacement AISIN water pump (instead of the GMB W.P.) It says AISIN is OEM Toyota and Lexus brand, will I really notice the difference? Thanks, anyone... looking to order tonight Update: Went with a GMB kit with AISIN water pump for about $175 free S&H Now I wait... so how about sticking some Forester shocks in, bolt on or fab+fit? Gates kits on Amazon are only $100 and are good. theimportexpert kits on Ebay are good as well - check them and see what brand they sell - i forget. GMB components are good - and may be what comes in theimportexpert kits i think? check other sources - like ebay, Subaru, google etc and you can usually find out if impreza and OBS struts are the same or different and get part numbers/different that way. don't put blinders on by only relying on rockauto - i've seen enough discrepancies in their online database that i generally don't trust it without crossreferencing to another site. Edited October 7, 2014 by SnatchedHatch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 7, 2014 Share Posted October 7, 2014 Pretty much bolt in. You will need the trailing arm to body bracket from the Forester or Legacy Outback so the wheel goes aft about 1/2" and is centered in the cutout. Also grab the lower aft trailing arm to hub bolt and use it for the top strut to hub bolt. The smaller dia, allows you to correct the camber by tilting the tire in all the way. You may need to change the top mount over from your old strut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnatchedHatch Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 (edited) Thanks Imdew! I'll keep that in mind.. could have come in handy today. Today I learned the hard way that the stock 6.5" clearance is likely long gone... (saggy shocks -Sam Edited October 8, 2014 by SnatchedHatch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now