Replacement front struts (SG)

[Liberty Valance]

KYB have a different part number for front struts on XT model Forester’s compared to non-turbo cars.

Does anyone know why this is?

 

[havachat]

KYB make three different front struts for the SG.
2002-2005 X & XS
2005-2008 X & XS and
2003-2008 XT
I have the first series SG. When I replaced my struts I discovered the spring perch on the KYB front sits lower than on the OEM strut and on the KYB strut for the series 2 SG. The KYB for the series 2 the perch height appears the be the same as the OEM strut.
I have been trying to borrow an OEM front from the series 2 to compare with my OEM front to see if there is any real difference.
The only issue I have is I struggle to fit snow chains on the 65 series AT's and have to revert back to my standard 60 series road tyres It also means the largest tyre I can fit is also restricted to 215-65-16.
I know Frug who is on ORS sold his XT last year (?) changed his suspension to KYB struts and raised Kings and ran 215-70-16 BFG AT's.
So hopefully that will not be a problem for you.

 

[Liberty Valance]

Thanks, I am currently running 215/70r16 BFG’s on both my XT’s. One has aftermarket KYB struts and other has OEM KYB struts and the clearance is same on both.

The problem is I have bent a KYB and I just can’t remember which of their model front struts I am running as I originally bought them to lift a Liberty.
I’ll have to back to the smash repairs workshop as see if they’ll give me access to my car to get a part number.


I posted on OzFoz and a member there suggested the X,XS and XT front struts have different rate dampening valves which is why KYB offer two different part numbers.

 

[havachat]

I originally bought them to lift a Liberty.

That kind of makes it a bit more tricky !