complete strut/coil spring assemblies?

[lewisd]

99 legacy brighton wagon automatic, I'm replacing original struts and associated parts (300,000 miles today!) and would prefer to do it with complete strut/coil spring assemblies and only see some by FCS Automotive on parts geek. Has anyone heard of these and their quality?  There aren't many complete package options out there for these.  

 

I'm also considering going with Outback struts and have read all the other posts. so either outback or forester. Thanks.

Edited December 29, 2014 by lewisd

[climbing4life]

There is a ton of information in off road section if you want bigger struts.

Here is my first hand:

After researching a lot, I went with 06 Forester strut assemblies for my 97 Legacy L.

It was mainly because all four assemblies were in a great condition and dirt cheap

from a wrecked donor car at a local boneyard. I also got trailing arm brackets from

a 96-99 Outback. It's not enough for the right geometry, and I also now need top spacers for the rear,

adjustable rear lateral links, and rear camber bolts. It's another $350!

I like the new ride height, though!

If you want possibly the best strut assemblies ever, you can get them from get-primitive.com

as KYB GR-2 struts, King Springs, and Group N Top Mounts. It won't be cheap as every component is expensive.

[keith3267]

The advantage to Quick Struts is that you have a complete, brand new assembly.  That restores everything, spring rates, rebound bumpers, rubber bellows, upper mounts etc.

 

The downside is they are expensive (if all those other parts on your car now are good) and only a few companies make them.  Monroe is the leader in this field and a lot of people do not care much for the quality of Monroe struts, but a lot of people are very happy with them as well.  KYB announced that they were going to start making them too but I haven't seen any on the market yet.  If you can find KYB quick struts, I would recommend them as KYB makes very good struts.

 

Check rockauto.com and autopartswarehouse.com

 

Note: I am only speaking of OEM replacements.  There are "coil overs" that are made for high performance replacements that will raise/lower the vehicle and provide much stiffer rates and the ability to adjust the camber.

[lewisd]

yeah I've searched and read those. salvage yard parts are hard to come by here and I don't want the unknown on my doorstep. Since these are all original suspension parts (300,000 miles today!) I'm good with all new parts. Figure I may as well invest in a slight lift that the outback or forester would bring. Just hoping to get the complete plug and play assembly. the 2003 forester package looks good, just have never heard of the FCS Automotive brand/label on it and they only have the rear.  Don't really need high end performance items.

 

this can be moved to off-road if webmaster prefers.  Thanks for the great advise on here to!

Edited December 29, 2014 by lewisd

[heartless]

cant say I have ever heard of the FCS brand so no idea on quality.

 

For whatever reason, complete, new strut/spring/top mount setups are very hard to come by for a Subaru - most buy the individual components, then assemble and install.

That is what I did on my 95.

 

KYB is one of the best for replacement struts for Subaru, you can go either OEM springs or King springs, and KYB top mounts are a great investment as well.

There are some rubber spring pads, and beveled spacer washers on the fronts that would have to be purchased as well if you decide to go that route.

 

I think I spent around $450 for all the parts necessary to replace my old, worn out strut assemblies (all 4)

Edited December 30, 2014 by heartless