I'm new to the 02+ line of Subarus and Foresters.
Will wrx struts from all years (02+) fit an 04 Forester or just certain years?
Will wrx struts from all years (02+) fit an 04 Forester or just certain years?
Sounds like a good deal but I would be wary of struts this old. There's only one way to find out. The STi rear is a 20MM solid I think and will bolt in but you'll want the chassis mounts also. You can find them cheap new as well as used.Scoobyslack said:That's what I'm hoping for, found '02 suspension for less than $150 shipped.
What about rear sway bars?
changed in what way?NahdaDamdyke said:Well, they changed the rear strut top in 04 as well as the end of the rod. There are compatibility issues between years. If you have complete units it may not be an issue.
Isn't that why you would use WRX wagon takeoffs instead?NahdaDamdyke said:Well, they changed the rear strut top in 04 as well as the end of the rod. There are compatibility issues between years. If you have complete units it may not be an issue.
I used to recommend WRX struts as an alternative to STi takeoffs but I believe someone here had issues with the WRX rear spring rate being too soft for a Forester when loaded up.
I had been looking into this, and this link should provide some good reading regarding the 02/03 vs 04/05 compatibility concerns.Scoobyslack said:changed in what way?NahdaDamdyke said:Well, they changed the rear strut top in 04 as well as the end of the rod. There are compatibility issues between years. If you have complete units it may not be an issue.
different diameter? thickness of the 'tophat'?
Not sure if this info was compiled on the old site or not, but it should be here.
This is due to the wagon having a narrower track than the sedan resulting in the inability to get much negative camber.N10S said:Bottom line is the slight differential in bolt hole locations on the strut body of the WRX wagon struts may result in some odd camber issues when used on a WRX or Forester.
Hope this info helps, and just remember getting a good deal isn't always a good deal. :wink:
Jeff![]()
The threaded area on the end of the strut rod in 02-03 has a shank or shoulder below the threads. This is where the top hat sits on. In 04, the threads continued all the way down eliminating the shank portion allowing the hat to sit at the base of the threads. If you're using assemblies then you don't have to worry. It's when you start swapping top hats between years that the problems arise.Scoobyslack said:changed in what way?
different diameter? thickness of the 'tophat'?
Not sure if this info was compiled on the old site or not, but it should be here.
NahdaDamdyke, that was me. Issue was not struts but springs. However, I think if you use the WRX wagon springs on stock Forester strut you may be better off. The Forester struts are designed for loading more wieght. just my opinion.sirwilliam said:Isn't that why you would use WRX wagon takeoffs instead?NahdaDamdyke said:Well, they changed the rear strut top in 04 as well as the end of the rod. There are compatibility issues between years. If you have complete units it may not be an issue.
I used to recommend WRX struts as an alternative to STi takeoffs but I believe someone here had issues with the WRX rear spring rate being too soft for a Forester when loaded up.
I ordered a set yesterday. Should receive them early next week. I never heard of Swift either until I started researching for a set of aftermarkets springs with minimal drop and higher spring rates to replace my stock WRX wagon springs. Swift springs are made by Tohatsu Spring Corporation of Japan - a reputable name in the market.bland said:tre36 - Do you have a link for those springs. I've never heard or seen them before.
Bland...