AGXs or Subaru OEM shocks for 02 WRX Wagon

[drtofu]

Hi folks. So it's time to replace the shocks on my 2002 WRX wagon. Lots of clunking and creaking since the final FRX rallycross.

I'm considering AGX adjustable shocks (4-way adjustable, but really only 2 settings usable, apparently) or the OEM shocks and would love to hear your experience.

My thoughts:
- AGXs sound like they're pretty harsh on setting 2, but 'too soft' on setting 1.
- I'm keeping my stock springs.
- I rallycross lots but will do an occasional autocross
- Comfort is nice and I liked the ride on the old OEM shocks.
- The AGXs are probably not matched to the stock springs, the OEM shocks, of course, would be.

I'm wondering if there a significant benefit that makes it worth trying AGX - I think I'm looking at about $800-1000 installed for either option.

Thoughts? Anyone got AGXs with stock springs and are happy or unhappy with them? Any caveats I should be aware of? How are they on the dirt and track?

[albascoob]

We were just discussing this on our local SCCA forum.
Go with the AGXs, you won't regret it. We ran them on our WRX with stock springs for 3 years before it became a stage prep'd car so yes, we beat the snot out of them.
Rallycross, autocross, TSD and track days....I was never disappointed with the performance and range of adjustment.
At the time they were $400 a set so great value for money and with 5 nuts/bolts per corner you can install them easily and quickly, providing the lower bolts aren't seized!

Once you install them, you'll wonder why you didn't do it earlier.

If you want to go a step further, talk to Paul at teamilluminata.com about a Ground Control coilover conversion kit to go with them.

[xpdoggx]

snicker has agx's on his car with sti springs and i've driven and rode in that car and i think the ride is amazing the car handles very nicely and it goes exactally where you want it to my car came with koni adjustables i think im gonna switch over for sure.

[drtofu]

Good to hear about the adjustability and performance!

I should clarify my desire for comfort: this is a daily driver for me and my wife, who also has back problems, so softer shocks (setting 1) are better for her? Not quite clear on how this all works.

How's the ride with the AGXs compared to the stockers? More harsh?

[albascoob]

Good to hear about the adjustability and performance!

I should clarify my desire for comfort: this is a daily driver for me and my wife, who also has back problems, so softer shocks (setting 1) are better for her? Not quite clear on how this all works.

How's the ride with the AGXs compared to the stockers? More harsh?


I wouldn't say harsh, 'increased positivity' would be a good description.
It was may daily driver for 3 years driving on a variety of roads and conditions so, perfect for the application are describing.

[impreza_GC8]

KYB makes the OEM shocks for subarus so you might as well get the better of the two. Dont overlook KYB GR2s either. I have AGXs on my Impreza and GR2s on my Outback and I love them both.

[Rally OBXT]

I have AGX's and like them very much. That being said, you should also look into Tokico D-specs.

[carl]

tokico dspecs handsdown

[sniper1rfa]

I should clarify my desire for comfort: this is a daily driver for me and my wife, who also has back problems, so softer shocks (setting 1) are better for her?


Well, comfort is more a factor of spring rate and damping *profile*.

The actual damping rates are pretty much set-and-forget based on your spring rates. So whatever shocks you get will pretty much have one optimal setting which you need to stick with. This will, as a byproduct, probably be where they ride the best.


That said, last time i rode in a stock WRX wagon i was astonished by how harsh the ride was. I have a bad back, and sitting in the back seat of the thing on bad roads was intolerable. I would imagine any decent strut being better than the stockers.


I have d-specs with roughly STi spring rates and the ride is much better than the stock WRX was.

[Team Illuminata]

I think you'll be fine with the AGX. We have been using them on our RallyCross car for about 4 years to great effect.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_WSiJNJb2i8E/SYdNZawXMUI/AAAAAAAAFXU/LFnu35llJUA/s720/DSC_6693.JPG

and before that as a daily driver.

[drtofu]

Thanks, folks. If anyone has anything to add, I'd still love to hear it.

[I Like It Sideways]

I also have AGX's. Setting the fronts on 1 and rears at 2 is very close to stock damping rates. I have used mine for rallycross for 2 years, and they are still going strong. They would be fine matched to stock springs.

AGX's > Dspecs for price and ease of adjustability
Dspecs > AGX's for fine tuning and range of damping from what I've read.

[jbrady]

They will be a bit firm but thats what you want for pushing the car at all. Get the AGXs or Tockico D specs you will truely love them for the money gauranteed!!!

[Jard]

tokico dspecs handsdown
This.

AGXs do not hold up as well.

[Felginator]

Are the D-Specs a direct replacement for the wagon?

[em99sport]

Are the D-Specs a direct replacement for the wagon?

They directly replace the stock wagon struts, if that's what you're asking. They will, however, depending on spring choice, and whether or not you decide to use spacers, require camber bolts to achieve the desired ~.33 negative camber setting (or thereabouts).

FYI, with STi wagon Pinks and JR 1" spacers, the camber bolts were necessary to make less than one degree of POSITIVE camber up front. Much of this is obviously due to the lift kit, but nonetheless, be aware for your use.

[Felginator]

Ahh ok thanks, I forgot they messed with the camber. I just picked up a 1" lift and am looking to replace me struts also. Just need to figure out if I wanna use the Sti springs or the stockers.

[lminette]

Use your stockers cause STI springs are gonna lower you a bit which isn't optimal for off road fun!

[Newk_Rally]

Use your stickers cause STI springs are gonna lower you a bit which isn't optimal for off road fun!

When i put my Di stickkers on it lifted my car 6" :tongue:

[enginerd]

Good thread for what I'm trying to do right now. Need to replace OE shocks (over 140k DD miles, 20 RallyX events since I've owned the car, and a bunch off off-road driving).

My car is a 2002 WRX Wagon. Looking to get near OEM with maybe some damping adjsutablitiy. Want to stay near stock ride height so will keep OEM Springs. Having a problem finding WAGON Specific AGX's and D-specs. If I get the sedan specific struts for either of these brands will I need camber plates? I'm really trying to stay away from any miscellaneous suspension modifications due to strut replacement.

Where's the best price on Tokico D-specs or AGX's?

[Usher]

If you get the AGXs, you'll lose almost a degree of camber on each wheel. You can just put in an aftermarket camber bolt in each of the struts when you install them and you'll be able to get your camber back.

[em99sport]

You can just put in an aftermarket camber bolt in each of the struts when you install them and you'll be able to get your camber back.

You will be able to get back some camber, but I think a full degree is too optimistic. If you do you own install, keep in mind that the camber bolts replace the bottom strut bolts in the front, and not the top eccentric camber bolts.

My D-Specs were $540 from TiC, and I love them.

[Jard]

If you get the AGXs, you'll lose almost a degree of camber on each wheel. You can just put in an aftermarket camber bolt in each of the struts when you install them and you'll be able to get your camber back.
You shouldn't be losing it in the back with either AGXs or DSpecs. I run an aftermarket camber bolt in the top hole back there anyway just to get the adjustability.

If you want to be really hardcore, you can run sedan front control arms/axles on your wagon and get the camber back that way too. :devil:

[Usher]

You will be able to get back some camber, but I think a full degree is too optimistic.
I actually did this on my 2002 WRX wagon. I don't have the exact measurements with me right now, but I do know that in the rear, the camber bolts gave me back more camber than I lost. (Stock I was at -1.3º, after the AGX + camber bolt I set it to -1.5º). In the front I lost a bit more camber, but the camber bolt set to max negative put me back within 0.1-0.2º of where I started.

[enginerd]

So either usgin D-specs or Agx's will require camber bolts, which look like there fairly cheap and very easy to install.

$500 for AGX's or $540 for Tokico D-specs. The Tokicos have more adjustablity and just down right look MEANER.

I think I'll go with the D-specs from Turn In Concepts. Just talked to Clint at TiC and he new exaclty what I needed and was very personable. Gonna order these ASAP. Happy Birthday to ME and my Subie.:mrgreen:

I don't know how many cars I've had that I've actually wanted to tune the suspension. Now that I have to replace, I get to upgrade and tune. SAWEEEEEEETTTAAAHHH

EDIT....F'in ordered biatch. Be here within the week.