Struts for 9-2x/Impreza Wagon?

I have an 05 9-2x Linear, which has about 62k miles on it, and will soon be in need of new struts. I've been reading for hours at NASIOC and saab92x.com, but I'm still confused. Are there any direct replacements struts for this car that don't require modification? I just want a KYB GR-2 type strut, as my warranty does not expire for another 2 years / 100k miles. (If not for the warranty I would get AGX's and do the necessary mods to the rear struts). Thanks!

Forget the warranty, the only part of your warranty that would be void is what happens if you break something on the suspension. Honestly talk to the service people at your local subaru dealer's service dept. You might find that they won't really care to void your warranty over struts. Just my .02.

Replacement struts aren't going to void your warranty unless you happen to break something that was directly as a result of the strut swap (suspension hardware, trim pieces removed during the job, etc.). When the hood emblem loses it's blue and red accents, they'll still warranty that just the same, strut swap or not.

Read here for details on putting "off the shelf" parts on your car if you really want to swap the struts. IMO, going to something like a GR-2 will hardly be noticeable.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18688737&postcount=3

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=563382

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=971805

Short version: Buy the aftermarket struts you want for an '02-'03 WRX Wagon (Wagon specific!!!) and use these spacers:

http://www.turninconcepts.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=1&products_id=234&osCsid=d9

It looks like GR-2s are your only decent choice if you want a direct replacement. From rockauto.com it's about $380 shipped with a 5% coupon code.

Bryce

I'd go for Konis. I had the GR2s and they're ok, but not great.

I just know how some service managers can be when it comes to "mods" and I'd rather not have to deal with it. I can see one of them telling me that the Scooby921 spacers caused my diff. to gernade or something stupid like that.

Let's say, hypothetically, I was going to run it in HS. What's the best option for struts then?

$380 for KYB GR-2's is highway robbery. GR-2s for a miata sell for less than $200, and AGX's sell for $380.

Stargazer wrote: I just know how some service managers can be when it comes to "mods" and I'd rather not have to deal with it. I can see one of them telling me that the Scooby921 spacers caused my diff. to gernade or something stupid like that. Let's say, hypothetically, I was going to run it in HS. What's the best option for struts then? $380 for KYB GR-2's is highway robbery. GR-2s for a miata sell for less than $200, and AGX's sell for $380.

I thought you were looking for Saabaru struts...what's the price of Miata parts got to do with anything? Supply and demand!!!

If your service manager can spot the ~5mm machined spacers as an aftermarket modification during an unrelated warranty claim, I'll buy you a cheeseburger. I've never seen a service manager that attentive to detail. I only recommended the GR-2 plus spacer because it's the closest you can get to bolt-on stock off the shelf stuff. If you start using other non-wagon parts, you've also got to use camber bolts at minimum (in addition to spacers) and possibly change your top hats depending on what path you take. Personally, I don't think that's a big deal, but if you're concerned about a spacer on the strut then you definitely don't want camber bolts either.

Bryce

Understood, I'm just having a tough time accepting that nobody makes aftermarket struts for a car as popular as a impreza/WRX wagon. $380 for basically OE replacement struts seems like a lot to me; only reason why I mentioned the miata parts.

Heh heh heh.....

Just be glad your strut mounts aren't $50 apiece... or are they?

You don't want to know what I paid for Koni sports for my 20+year old Porsch. $380 is not so bad!!! You have to pay to play I guess.