Forester SG series 2 strut and spring question

[El_Freddo]

My MIL’s SG series 1 auto needs some attention in the suspension department. It’s got somewhere north of 370,000km on what I think is the stock suspension.

It handles like a boat and has that typical McPherson strut worn out knocking up front.

It’s just a daily road hugger and I’m thinking a set of gas KYB struts and standard height king springs would be the go for replacements, maybe even a higher spring because we can if this is still the done thing. I don’t think my MIL is looking for lift but can ask her, in which case I’ll hit up Nachaluva for some strut top lift.

Thoughts on the aftermarket KYBs and the king springs? Is there a better bang for buck alternative I haven’t heard about?

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Kevin]

I think KYB and Kings is a good combination (except when loaded to the hilt and hit a rut when crossing the Simpson)

 

[NachaLuva]

King springs are a bit firm, she may not like the firm ride on rough roads & speed humps. Pedders is a bit more supple and is popular too

 

[ateday]

I agree with NachaLuva, having had both Kings and Peddders. Kings for lift and load carrying capacity. Pedders for a smoother ride.

 

[Ratbag]

I have Pedders progressive heavy duty struts/springs on the rear of my SG series II.
The SLS shat itself.

Handles better. No sag when loaded/towing. Comfortable. Highly recommended.

I have original OEM struts/springs at the front

 

[El_Freddo]

Thanks all for the advice. I’ll look into the pedders springs. The progressive springs sound like the go @Ratbag!

It’ll be a slow burn on this one. I’ll update with which way I go on this as there could be replacement suspension bushes needed too with 370,000km on the clock…

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Kevin]

BTW Kings are also progressive

 

[El_Freddo]

BTW Kings are also progressive

Honestly I haven’t looked into it yet!

I do like kings. Ruby Scoo has a set up front and both our Pajeros run lifted HD Kings front and rear. Fronts are linear, rears are progressive. Awesome ride compared to the old worn out springs!

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Hugh]

I ended up with KYB and Kings in the back and stock in the front! The extra bit of stiffness in back helped balance when loaded up.

Sorry to dig a thread

 

[El_Freddo]

Not quite a month old, I wouldn’t call this a thread dig!
I’m glad you found a setup that works for you!

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Tannin]

Good move Hugh! I did the same as you - ages ago that was. I originally put aftermarket springs in front and rear but the ride was dreadful and I took the fronts out and replaced them with standard ones. (Which I had to bloody buy - mine had gone to the scrap metal depot a week previously, damnit!) So now I run a 1 inch lift all round and heavy duty rear springs (which give a slight extra lift - a full inch empty but hardly any with a full load). Standard Subaru shockers all round work well.

When I swapped the 300k+ red car & cash for the 100k+ green car, I got the mechanics to swap the suspensions over - tyres, shockers, springs, the lot. That gave me the off-road setup I like and the other lady the picking-the-kids-up-from-school setup she liked. Everyone happy.