daily/rallyX suspension advice

[02rsaspen]

hey guys heres what I'm thinking. My struts are finally going after 132,000 miles on them so I'm going to replace the struts for sure, probably with KYB GR-2 but maybe the AGX depending on if i can get the funds. Right now Im running JDM V7 STI springs not the RA's though a little stiffer than stock not sure on the exact rates if someone knows them please say so. I was thinking about trying to get some 04 STi springs. So my question is should i stay with the springs I have now or get the 04 STi springs.

Thanks for any help Keith

[sniper1rfa]

I would definitely skip the gr-2's if you want decent performance from a higher rate springs. My opinion is to go right to tokico, since the AGX's are more adjustable around stock, rather than adjustable for performance springs.

[carl]

dspecs + oem sti springs = ftw

[I Like It Sideways]

Dspecs are a fantastic choice, but it sounds like the AGX's will be a better choice since they are a more budget friendly option. D-Specs are consistently about another $100 (~$540 compared to ~$420-$440 for AGX's).
D-Specs offer a wider range of adjustability, whereas the AGX's have the "clicks" (4 in the front, 8 in the rear).

A lot depends on how much time you really want to spend dialing them in. AGX's are easier to play with, since they have stops.

I will say though, D-Specs + USDM STi springs provide for an incredibly smooth and controllable ride over fairly rough terrain.

Regardless, USDM STi springs will match up great. They are 224lb front, 194 lb rear.

[Draco-REX]

I run d-specs and STI springs. I love the setup, very controllable.

Do the V7 STI springs use the bugeye's rear tophats? If so, you'll need to switch to the 04+ tophats to run 04+ springs.

If you do go the route of the D-specs, start at 6 turns front and 6.75 turns rear and go from there. After they break in, you'll probably stiffen them a bit. Now that my setup is broken in, I like to run 5 turns front and rear when I race, and 5.5 front and 6 rear for long rides. YMMV. You'll also want the adjuster extensions for the rear struts if you have a sedan. Go to TurnInConcepts.com for their Tic Tok kit and they'll set you up with everything you need for the d-specs.

Oh, and *ALWAYS* tighten the adjustments until snug, and then unwind from there. *NEVER* go past 7 turns, or run them at full hard. Believe me, 3-4 turns is plenty hard for anything you might want to do. *ouch*

[409industries]

hmmm $540 for D-specs? Thats not too bad. I need to replace my OEM struts and i already have 04 STi springs... :)

[sniper1rfa]

*NEVER* go past 7 turns


Going past 7 turns just takes the set screw out. The adjustment will simply stop.

This is direct from tokico.

[Draco-REX]

Going past 7 turns just takes the set screw out. The adjustment will simply stop.

This is direct from tokico.

Ok, that's good to know. I was told that it would drop some of the plates into the bottom of the strut if you unscrewed it completely.

[lorenkb]

hmmm $540 for D-specs? Thats not too bad. I need to replace my OEM struts and i already have 04 STi springs... :)

Dangerous thinking. Before you know it, you'll buy the D-specs, and then you'll want the JR/CRJ custom D-spec setup ('cause hey, you already have the D-specs...) :twisted:

[renegade]

I like my setup for DD/RX I use the AGX/GC setup but it seems people prefer the D-specs though. I'm only biased because this is the only setup I've used beside stock blown struts and stock springs.

[02rsaspen]

WOW sorry guys for not getting back to my thread sooner thanks for all the advice. Looks like im going to go with the KYB AGX just because they are a little cheaper. Over on NASIOC a guy just posted a thread for 04 STI springs and top tophats for $70 shipped, so im jumping all over that. Im pretty excited because right now my suspension is pretty stiff with the V7 STI springs and my struts are gone especially with the abuse i put on them :)

Do the V7 STI springs use the bugeye's rear tophats?

Yes you do use bug eye top hats with V7 springs.

Has anyone had problems with the KYB AGX?

thanks again for all the advice guys.

Keith

[renegade]

No problems here I've only had them on for almost 3 weeks now and 1 Rally X and 1 Auto X another Auto X is coming up on Sunday as well. I've been real busy.

[02rsaspen]

Sick glad to hear there holding up

[04trailsti]

to add to this I also want a set up for rallyx / dd. With a full STi drivetrain under a 97 OBS i will have to get the takico D specs for the correst year sti right? ill run take off springs.. and then just get OBS group n top hats. or would they not match. what set-up woud i need

[lorenkb]

to add to this I also want a set up for rallyx / dd. With a full STi drivetrain under a 97 OBS i will have to get the takico D specs for the correst year sti right? ill run take off springs.. and then just get OBS group n top hats. or would they not match. what set-up woud i need

Let me see if I remember this correctly... the D-Specs are made in only one model, originally for the 02/03 setup. To get everything to match up right with 04+ group N tophats you will need a pair of spacers for the rear struts. Washers or purpose made spacers (http://www.turninconcepts.com/product_info.php?products_id=234&osCsid=2f14f9f1cbdf829050bf9f36d6f6f323), either one will work. I have a set of the purpose made spacers that I can measure for you if you want to go the washer route and avoid guessing at the thickness.

If you are going to be buying new tophats either way you might want to check into just buying a set of rear 02/03 Group N tophats (not sure if they would work with an OBS?). The 04+ are more expensive to begin with.

[04trailsti]

but everythign will bolt up to the hub? correct the tophot/ spacer issue really doesnt bother me.