wrxwhit

So first thing guys, DONT FORGET THE WASHER'S!!! I didn't realize how bad this was until after installing.

 

After initial install without washers, the springs were immediately binding as the top hat was unable to rotate properly on the spring seat. It did get slightly better after a day of driving but what a horrible experience. The car just would not steer ahead especially after making a turn and the steering wheel would dive left and right. Also steering was very inconsistent and more resisting.

 

Went at it again this am and removed both struts in 15 min, getting real good at it. Broke out the Amazon overnighted spring compressor as this was an urgent situation. Was hoping to not find any damage upon removal which there was not but mount bearing was scratched as well as top of spring seat, no big deal. Reinstalled with conical washer rounded side up sitting on mount bearing and flat side down laying flush on spring seat. Tightened down 19mm nut and could now spin the top mount with ease as before was difficult to spin. Reinstalled, torqued down wheels and ready to rip. Immediately noticed steering was 10x better just sitting in the garage moving freely with no chance of binding.

 

Ok onto first "official" test drive. First thought, I wish these were available in 2012 when I had installed the BC coils. The BC's were so bad towards the end I contemplated selling the car looking into Audi S models lol! As suggested, breaking in the KONIS on the softest setting then adjust to driving needs. These H&R springs perfectly compliment the KONI Sport's. Uneven surfaces are no problem and car stays planted straight down the road. Two streets away from my home there is a good size dip in the road and had to creep past it with the BC's or the car would feel like it was gonna take off into space. Excited to put the KONIS with H&R's to the test. Maintained 40mph speed and started gritting my teeth. Front end dipped into the dip of death and then the rear followed. Wow, the front and rear of the car worked very well together to keep the car planted and absorbed most of the dip. These KONIS have very impressive travel as Tease stated at least an 1" more than stock if I'm not mistaken. If I hit the dip of death at 40 with the BC's, the car would nose dive then the rear would catapult resulting in driver smashing head on ceiling, just horrible.

 

Couldn't really test it in the corners as Blizzak snows are installed but will get better driving impressions in the Spring. The KONI/H&R 3.6 option assembly's brought the car back to life again. It truly is amazing what good suspension can do and bring a smile back to your face. Thank you all for talking me into it and couldn't be happier. A perfect setup for Massachusetts and shitty roads in general.

 

Very exciting that KONI may make these exclusively for the 5th gens, but for now, the WRX with 3/8" spacer work perfect!!!

I've been done Tease, been busy around the house and gathering up kids at school. Will update soon, wow what a DIFFERENCE!!!!

I usually use a wall mounted one at work but in haste and as I wouldn't be able to drive the struts to work today I overnighted this one from Amazon, worked like a charm, very sturdy and secure

ABN MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SX5RSA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-gGKyb73MC17H

These guys going in today on Whit's Wed

Well, Whits We'd it is, Subaru had to order in washers for tomorrow so I'll have to wait till wed to remove struts from car and install washers. I took it very easy today driving to work taking wide corners to prevent binding which went quite well. I looked drunk but luckily not many on the road at 6am.

Hopefully Subaru has it in stock tomorrow and I'll have to make time to put in, feeling real stupid right now but hopefully get it sorted out asap so I can enjoy these beauties

I looked at the schematics the local dealer sent me via fax and wasn't too clear. I'll have to get the washers in asap, luckily I have a short drive to work. I wonder if loosening the 19mm nut on top of the strut might help to loosen some tension, prob not

Shit, I'm missing the washer, had no clue. Will order tomorrow. Thanks Tease, your a life saver for sure! Well, maybe there will be another Whit's Wed. Will give thoughts and impressions as all 4 corners have KONI love now.

Here we are

 

Before

 

 

After

 

 

Decided to sneak ABS wire in between upper camber bolt and a WRX oem location adapter and a secured but not tight yellow zip tie haha.

 

As seen here there is plenty of space between the lower strut perch and my winter tire setup:

 

245/40/18 on 18x8 +35.

 

As seen in pic there is about 1 1/4" of spacing

 

Almost forgot 3/8" spacer does not require longer studs

 

 

Sitting perfectly level and of course still needs to settle in the next month or so

 

One big issue though, horrible binding on initial test drive and have no idea why. When I get aligned tomorrow I'll get a better look on alignment plates. All went very smooth but at the end of the day the binding makes me sad.

I'm going at it, front KONIS going in today!! Pics and measurements to follow...

Yes TEASE, thank you!! Got them both ready to go in the car tomorrow or Whits Wed pending weather

Let me know what you have come up with for abs wire so I dont need to zip tie it haha!

This is just awesome news!!! It's been a dramatic couple weeks trying to sort this out but with the help of our master (TEASE) we have lift off. Cannot wait to get these in the car. Will post pics of spacing with my winter setup along with 3/8" spacer either requiring longer studs or not. Also placement of ABS wire also. Stay tuned for another episode of Whit's Wed!!

If your rear suspension was as horrible as mine you would want to get them in as fast as I did. As I'm realizing as of late that I'm actually not disliking the slight raise in the back, switching from a coil setup to these KONIS are a blessing. I can actually go over bumps where before I would fear for my life, so smooth. I just had to get something in the car to make it driveable. I can always change things up later but I'm getting older and being more practical :)

According to Patrick at Anderson Design Fab, even with a 3/8" spacer as needed to level out the car, extended studs should not be needed with oem top hats. He is sending me extended bolts anyways, super nice guy and businessman!

Only a couple episodes though lol! Taking a mod break, spent entirely way too much money on her. Keeping it simple and practical now until something breaks or makes noise...

 

Will be installing front assemblies asap once TEASE confirms they are good to go.

First, I'd like to thank GT for all his efforts in finding solutions to our 5th Gen platform. The shit we got to deal with and the mistakes company's make to screw us even further!! Halfway through installing the rears, GT PM's me to STOP lol!! I'm like ahhhhh, ummmm.... not good. He wanted to 100% make sure the new assemblies up front would work. I continued and finished installing both rears.

 

It was a nightmare removing nuts and bolts that were seized onto the control arm. Took a half hour just on the sway bar links. New England just kills cars!!

 

Took a before pic with rears blown out and pic with newly installed KONI's. Couldn't take pic outside with KONI's installed as it got dark.

About 2 fingers from fender to tire and will certainly settle a bit more over time.

 

First impression's and thoughts:

 

First thought was, wow, I'm running shitty ass BC's up front and pure sexy times KONI's in the rear. First test was hitting some bumps and first good size bump I naturally cringed right before the impact as I did with the BC's. It was so bad to the point of thinking of renting a car for a few days until fixed. After the impact, I grinned from ear to ear, felt little to nothing and car stayed level in the rear at least. I was skeptical that the car would roll more in the corners compared to the coils. Yeah I'm on snows, but no diff noticed, stayed planted and couldn't get the rear end squirrelly. Super happy so far, leagues above coilovers and will hopefully last forever.

 

So, looks like I will be purchasing the new updated full assemblies. With my wheel offset and width GT thinks they will fit with 3/8" spacers for matched height. As I am eager and ready to order I will be patient and wait for GT to test fit for better information. Will be researching best price for now. Oh, now I need to return the OEM KYB struts back to Rock Auto as they are useless as of now.

 

Let the adventures continue!!!!

Yes that too lol!!! GT is too smart

Keeps spring taught inside mount seat and from rotating which is unlikely as rears tires don't turn lol!

Yes, they are oem insulators sitting between spring and mount.

Thanks ZEE!!!!

Quick question. Do I have the springs right side up?? I assume so as writing is right side up?!

Whit's Wed in full effect today, but a little different this time: The wife knows about it lol!!! Driving to Subaru now to grab rear insulators and then go time on this beautiful 50 degree mid winter day

No front insert luck yet. Placed a last ditch order from a company that outsources parts called discountbandit.com and was redirected to rpmoutlet.com who supposedly is satisfying the order. I have no confidence though.

Just waiting on top rear spring insulators from local dealer to come in tomorrow and rears ready to go in! These things are gorgeous for sure.

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