KYB GR-2 + Tanabe GF210... opinions?

[mfarnham]

I am looking into lowering my wagon. I like the idea of KYB GR-2 struts and Tanabe GF210 lowering springs. Basically I want to lower my ride a little and take care of that horrible front wheel gap. I don't want anything too aggressive or stiff, because I have kids to drive around and the roads are horrible where I live.

What do you guys think? Sound like a good setup?

[mosc]

Those springs are junk. Their only purpose is to lower and they will destroy your ride quality and handling. If you want something with that springrate try to track down some 04 STi springs. You should be able to get some easy for $50-$100 in pretty good shape. If you want something stiffer (about as stiff as those struts can handle), I'd look at STi pink springs or maybe RCE blacks though that would kind of be pushing it. All of the springs I just listed are substantially taller than the GF210's.

[basco]

The RCE wagon specific springs are also a good option

[mosc]

Forgot about those. That's your best option.

[brfatal]

RCE Blacks would MURDER GR2s. My JDM V7 Pinks killed all 4 of my old GR2s in 20k miles (they had another 10k on them when I got them) on decent roads. I'd probably go with the wagon RCE springs as well.

Just a warning, GR2s are known to increase your ride height. When I went from stock struts to GR2s, it did lift the car a noticeable amount.

[pzr2874]

^^ Did the same on my wifes' Murano. Raised it 1"

[mfarnham]

Originally Posted by basco

The RCE wagon specific springs are also a good option

What kind of drop will I get with the RCE wagon springs?

[mfarnham]

Originally Posted by brfatal

Just a warning, GR2s are known to increase your ride height. When I went from stock struts to GR2s, it did lift the car a noticeable amount.

Should I get AGX's instead?

[mosc]

How much are you concerned about drop vs maintaining ride quality and handling? Would you accept a degradation in handing and ride quality if it meant visually your car was lower?

The "wheel gap" you refer to is intended and designed into your car. Removing it without other modifications seriously hampers the capabilities of the suspension.

[c2bcoolwrx]

Due to you having an '02 your stock parts are pretty high mileage any various suspension components sould be replaced. Here is what I would do:

KYB GR2 Struts (Wagon Specific Version)
STi Wagon Pinks - https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/p...roducts_id=627
New Top Hats Front/Rear - Group N ('04-07 WRX style top hats)
New Shorter Bump Stops (TiC sells them), Tie Rods, Ball Joints (maybe WL RCA Kit for the ball joints/tie rods)

Keep in mind that due to having a wagon sedan struts and springs will work, however the sedan rear struts and springs are shorter than the wagon. Thus, if you use sedan struts and/or springs on a wagon you will probably have a saggy rear and will need saggy butt spacers.

Also you should really read this thread:

02/03 Impreza Refresh

Lastly, I highly recommend you contact Tony or Clint of TIC as they VERY knowledgable about suspension and have really helped me along w/my setup.

www.turninconcepts.com

[mfarnham]

Originally Posted by mosc

How much are you concerned about drop vs maintaining ride quality and handling? Would you accept a degradation in handing and ride quality if it meant visually your car was lower?

I am mostly concerned with visuals. I wont be racing so handling doesnt matter. I just dont want something wicked stiff because I have kids.

Originally Posted by c2bcoolwrx

Due to you having an '02 your stock parts are pretty high mileage any various suspension components sould be replaced. Here is what I would do:

KYB GR2 Struts (Wagon Specific Version)
STi Wagon Pinks - https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/p...roducts_id=627
New Top Hats Front/Rear - Group N ('04-07 WRX style top hats)
New Shorter Bump Stops (TiC sells them), Tie Rods, Ball Joints (maybe WL RCA Kit for the ball joints/tie rods)

Keep in mind that due to having a wagon sedan struts and springs will work, however the sedan rear struts and springs are shorter than the wagon. Thus, if you use sedan struts and/or springs on a wagon you will probably have a saggy rear and will need saggy butt spacers.

Also you should really read this thread:

02/03 Impreza Refresh

Thanks for that article link. Its awesome.

I was planning on doing top hats too, but I see how the other things are going to need replacing too.

After googling those STI Pink wagon springs, I dont think they are going to give me the height drop I was looking for. How bad are the GF210's?

[mfarnham]

Im very much liking the drop of the RCE wagon springs. They dont make them anymore?

[basco]

not enough demand, you need to special order

[mfarnham]

Special order? So they will make a set for me?

[mfarnham]

Just looked on their website. I see it says call to special order. That is very exciting. Would I be best off pairing RCE wagon springs with Tokico d-specs?