Replacing Shock Absorber

Sarge98

Sarge98

Forum Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2013
Messages
282
Location
Perth Hills
Car Year
2001
Car Model
Forester Limited
Transmission
Auto
So after reading many threads on here about suspension and in particular replacing shock absorbers, I'm just after some clarification.
I have a 2001 Limited SF and the rear has saggy suspension, no thanks to the offroading I have put it through. I am concerned about the rear lefthandside though, as it looks like the shock absorber is bent?

I have read about the various suspension mods people have done on here to gain lift, and have settled on just going with the Dobinson Coils – 25mm Front, 30mm Rear, with no blocks or anything. However, I am after some help about replacing the shocks. As you read above, the left hand side looks like it’s bent and on a recent trip, it felt and sounded like it was bottoming out whenever I went over a bump on the road. The car was fully loaded though.

So what are some options in replacing the shock absorbers to go with the Donbinson Coils? I have read about KYB shocks but not sure how expensive they are. I don’t know a lot about this subject but I will do my best to follow. Also, do I need to replace both front and rear? I am after one which will allow moderate offroading but is relatively cheap still...

Here is a picture of the lefthandside suspension - does it look right?
suspensionforester.jpg


Cheers Guys,
Tim
 
Hard to say, the dust boot isn't sitting right so makes it look funny. Yours wouldn't be the first to bend though.

When/if you do replace them put SG in the back for extra tyre clearance.
 
Thanks Stilson. When I did try to push that boot back, it wouldn't shift so I am guessing it is bent...

What is an SG by the way? :rolleyes:
 
So how much extra clearance would that give?

Also, where would I get them replaced?
 
stilson said:
When/if you do replace them put SG in the back for extra tyre clearance.
Click to expand...

+1.

I regret not getting SG rear struts when I did mine (also called Gen 2). Not sure but I think it gives about an extra 10mm or so clearance between the wheel & the spring perch. I believe it also gives a (slightly) higher rear position.

I'd hate to think how much genuine struts (still KYB) are but the aftermarket KYB are ~$200 per corner! :eek:

There are other options like monroe but I'm not sure they would last as long as the KYB.

Dobinsons are stiffer than Kings which are stiffer than standard. Stiffer means higher (raised) but also reduced wheel travel esp droop. Both raise the suspension by around 35mm. Some complain that they give a harsh ride but I havent found that, just firmer with much better handling. At the expense of offroad ability though....

I reckon a better way to go now is standard height Kings (which are still a little firmer than OEM) plus a 2" strut lift. That way you still get your better ground clearance but with better wheel travel than raised springs & its not too bad on the CVs. Only thing is its a little more expensive.

A lot to consider.... :confused:

NOTE: if you get raised springs or a strut lift at the front, you need to loosen the end bolt of the front control arm rear bush to allow it to seat with the proper alignment, then retighten the bolt (with the car on the ground). Failure to do this might cause the bush to start leaking & eventually fail. I didnt do this & both of mine are now leaking badly & totally wrecked. You wouldnt believe how loose they are...the whole wheel/control arm assembly wobbles!! :shake:
 
Thanks for the tip on the control arm bolt!!

Changing over to a set of Ironman springs in the next couple of weeks ( when I get a chance to change them) and can't wait to see the difference. Also changing the front shocks for some very good used SG ones, so hoping the foz will handle a whole lot better.
 
NachaLuva said:
I'd hate to think how much genuine struts (still KYB)
Click to expand...

OEM are still Tokico are they not? Some of us who tend to bend struts are going back to Tokico as they have thicker walls.
 
Kevin said:
OEM are still Tokico are they not? Some of us who tend to bend struts are going back to Tokico as they have thicker walls.
Click to expand...

Really? I thought they were KYB. Good to know...

I knew OEM had thicker walls. Are they oil or gas?
 
Gee, just as a I thought I had my mind made up! :ebiggrin:

NachaLuva said:
Dobinsons are stiffer than Kings which are stiffer than standard. Stiffer means higher (raised) but also reduced wheel travel esp droop. Both raise the suspension by around 35mm. Some complain that they give a harsh ride but I havent found that, just firmer with much better handling. At the expense of offroad ability though....
Click to expand...

Didn't know they were that much stiffer, sounds like Kings might be the way to go if the Dobinsons are going to reduce the wheel travel - would like to keep as much offroad ability as possible.

NachaLuva said:
I reckon a better way to go now is standard height Kings (which are still a little firmer than OEM) plus a 2" strut lift. That way you still get your better ground clearance but with better wheel travel than raised springs & its not too bad on the CVs. Only thing is its a little more expensive.
Click to expand...

So overall, how much would this cost - ie. Standard Kings + 2" Strut Lift. Would I also need to replace the struts with the SG model?

Thanks for your help, appreciate it!
 
Everyone's different. Taza has Dobinsons & I think he likes them. I have Kings & love em for around town as they stiffen up the handling & reduce body roll. Offroad they're not so good as I get very little droop. I'll have to measure it for you...

IIRC, the Kings were ~$150 pair, the killer is the struts...KYBs were ~$200 each! I did some ringing around & haggled a deal for about $900 the lot.

I'm sure the Kings were the same price for raised or standard.

Cant remember what Crossbred Performance charges for a strut lift, I think around $400 or so. I paid $810 plus post for my body lift kit.

If you want to go new struts, springs & strut top blocks, you'd be looking at around $1300-1500 plus installation (not too hard to do yourself if you're mechanically minded, esp with help). Whichever path you go, also add in a wheel alignment.

What are your front struts like? If its only the rears that are stuffed you can save a lot by keeping the fronts.

Speak to Taza, I'm sure he can help you out with more advice. Remember, everyone's requirements are different, you just have to find what suits you best... ;)
 
If you go KYB's I'd source them through Covs. Makes warranty a lot easier and they tend to be cheaper than sourcing them through suspension shops.

Tazas Dobinsons have been very good however the ride is extremely harsh. Kings are sort of the middle ground. If you want a bit more wheel travel and softer ride I'd go kings, if you expect to be loading up your Foz with a LOT of weight I'd go Dobinsons.
 
Davidov said:
if you expect to be loading up your Foz with a LOT of weight I'd go Dobinsons.
Click to expand...

Good point, something they talk about on the 4WD shows a bit. The heavier you load the car the stiffer your springs need to be to stay the same height.

I wouldnt go through a suspension shop either, just call the high volume stores like Supercheap, Autobarn, Bursons, Repco, etc. Havent heard of Covs but call them too. I got mine through AutoBarn. Dont stop at just calling one store either, different stores even in the same chain often will give very different prices. Not wanting to be a snob but the stores in more working class suburbs will usually give better prices than rich snobby suburbs (this goes for petrol prices too!). Play them against each other & haggle haggle haggle :lildevil:
 
NachaLuva said:
Dobinsons are stiffer than Kings which are stiffer than standard. Stiffer means higher (raised) but also reduced wheel travel esp droop. Both raise the suspension by around 35mm. Some complain that they give a harsh ride but I havent found that, just firmer with much better handling.
Click to expand...
Thats what I achieved with my kings. It was about 35mm higher.
I'm happy with the firmer ride too. And as NachaLuva says & I agree, it's not too harsh, but that just my opinion & how I feel about them :)

NachaLuva said:
I have Kings & love em for around town as they stiffen up the handling & reduce body roll. Offroad they're not so good as I get very little droop.
Click to expand...
I too prefer the kings compared to the stock ones, especially when it comes to everyday driving.
Cornering is now fantastic, as there is much less body roll :ebiggrin:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Kevin said:
OEM are still Tokico are they not? Some of us who tend to bend struts are going back to Tokico as they have thicker walls.
Click to expand...

Kevin: Sourcing the struts as OEM from Subaru, or directly from Tokico?

NachaLuva said:
I knew OEM had thicker walls. Are they oil or gas?
Click to expand...

That's what I would like to figure out too, NachaLuva. At some point I will likely ditch the self-leveling struts (SLS) I have in the rear. Want to make the right choice since this will be one-time acquisition. From what I recall, KYB are gas, whereas the OEM struts (Tokico it appears) are gas. Can anybody confirm?

Also relevant to question in OP: What are the pros and cons of gas v. oil struts?
 
Escher said:
From what I recall, KYB are gas, whereas the OEM struts (Tokico it appears) are gas. Can anybody confirm?
Click to expand...

Kevin said:
They make both:
https://www.tokico.biz/
Click to expand...

KYB replacements are definitely gas

Also relevant to question in OP: What are the pros and cons of gas v. oil struts?
Click to expand...

The general consensus is gas performs better but doesnt last as long, esp on corrugated roads. I'd guess the oil might be a little softer too...

Kevin said:
I'd get a price comparision for both OEM and a Tokico dealer. My Tokico are heavily modified and were originally for a '99 Liberty: https://www.offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?t=953
Click to expand...

+1

Do lots of research & work out exactly what requirements you have, ie, more onroad or offroad, soft or firm ride, budget, etc
 
and - if you're not going to get into real heavy stuff then take taza up on his offer! :iconwink:

taza said:
Um I can get KYB's for $120 a corner through work through COV's. Happy to show you my setup sometime if your keen??
Click to expand...
 
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