SG Shock Help???

[Lilldoofdoof]

I just had my 03 XS serviced and was informed that the drivers side rear shock had a leak, after looking into it further I found out that I have auto leveling shocks in the rear (never knew I had them) and because of that its going to cost around $400 for the shock from subaru... ouch

called supercheap and they said they cant help, then spoke to pedders and they informed me that they cant do the auto leveling but they can replace it with a normal set up (shocks and coils all need replacing then).

got a couple of questions now:

1. do I need to replace both left and right shocks or can I do one then the other?

2. should I convert it to a normal set up?

3. whats the pros & cons of the auto leveling system? (I dont tow alot, a boat evey now and then but boot is always full of gear)

Any help and info is much apperciated

 

[Ratbag]

Gidday LDD

I had much the same problem with the SLS on my 2006 Forester - see here:

https://www.offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?t=5435

I went for Pedders variable rate spring/strut replacements. According to Pedders, these are about 17% heavier duty than standard, and are not SLS. They come as a complete unit - swap out/in.

All up, with wheel alignment and fitting, cost was around $800.

There are cheaper solutions. However, if one of your struts is shagged, chances are the other is not far behind it.

I am very happy with the outcome. Handling and ride are better.

Lucas (at Lucas Automotive) advised me against going for the Pedders heavy duty units. He said that I would love them while towing my camper trailer, and hate them the rest of the time.

Later on, I might fit 1" PE lift blocks at the rear.

Hope this helps.

 

[idw]

The debates out on whether to replace both or not, Im in the replace them in pairs argument. You should be able to get replacement kyb non sls units from Supercheap for $400 a pair delivered, shouldn't be more than 2 hours labour installed, easy job to do yourself if you've got spring comps. You probably won't notice a difference ditching the sls for standard units, they're still a good strut option with standard height springs.

 

[stilson]

Always in pairs.

 

[Ratbag]

^ I totally agree, ST & Id.

For good reason too. Nothing will bugger up the handling and safety like mismatched shocks/springs. Even two knackered ones would be better than one good one and one not so good one ... .