Hi,

 

New to the forum. My 03 WRX wagon has never had shocks replaced.122K miles. Lots of body roll now. I would like to put in adjustable system so I can tighted for auto cross or canyon carving and then soften for wife's commute. I have never replaced a suspension and need guidance from you all that have done this stuff before. Not a master mechanic here. Looking for best value & hopefully not the most expensive solution. OR does all it need is shocks?

 

I looked and didn't find any threads to address this. I apologize if this question is redundant.

 

-bob

Check out www.nasioc.com you will find lots of used parts there after the WRX owners total thier cars.

 

Lots of stock takeoffs as well. Good information on upgrades and mods as well.

In regards to body roll, first make sure that none of the swaybar end links are broken.

KYB AGX or Tokico D spec struts will do what you want.

As stated, double-check or have a shop make sure nothing else is worn out.

 

I recommend new struts w/STi springs. Great combo: Firm but not pogo like full STi takesoffs. You can just grab some springs and struts off NASIOC, or get the struts new, take 'em to a shop to swap out for you if you don't want to deal w/the spring compressor, etc.

 

But these are not adjustable...you'll want to do some research b4 you pull the trigger if you want to consider coilovers, etc. for AutoX.

 

ENSURE you get the right strut for your year, as the '02-03 were different (and sedan is different from wagon) than the '04+, from my research. There is a great 'sticky' on NASIOC HERE.

 

Look online for 'how to installs' as this is not tough, but you'l want to see what you're getting into.

 

GL,

Td

Also, a fatter rear sway bar will do wonders for your WRX in handling.

Check out www.nasioc.com you will find lots of used parts there after the WRX owners total thier cars.

 

Lots of stock takeoffs as well. Good information on upgrades and mods as well.

 

 

Thanks. Joined there now. Looks like I have plenty of reading a head of me.

In regards to body roll, first make sure that none of the swaybar end links are broken.

 

OK - Car has never been abused and nothing feels broken - but if they can break does that mean they wear as well an may need replacing?

KYB AGX or Tokico D spec struts will do what you want.

 

Kool, thanks. Is it just a brand thing or is one of those brands superior quality to the rest? Does higher price corespond to value when it comes to these bad boys? I found Tokico set of 4 springs and shocks for under a grand. As most of these rigs lower the car - what should I be looking for in amount of lowering? I see 1" to 2.5" on some setups?

As stated, double-check or have a shop make sure nothing else is worn out.

 

I recommend new struts w/STi springs. Great combo: Firm but not pogo like full STi takesoffs. You can just grab some springs and struts off NASIOC, or get the struts new, take 'em to a shop to swap out for you if you don't want to deal w/the spring compressor, etc.

 

But these are not adjustable...you'll want to do some research b4 you pull the trigger if you want to consider coilovers, etc. for AutoX.

 

ENSURE you get the right strut for your year, as the '02-03 were different (and sedan is different from wagon) than the '04+, from my research. There is a great 'sticky' on NASIOC HERE.

 

Look online for 'how to installs' as this is not tough, but you'l want to see what you're getting into.

 

GL,

Td

 

Thanks! Great link to the post-it. My brain is beginning to hurt... Do want to have adjustable tho. What is difference in performance with coilovers versus the strut and spring?

Also, a fatter rear sway bar will do wonders for your WRX in handling.

 

Thanks. I like the idea of less sway, but I don't want it to be uncomfortable. Is there a happy 60/40 kind of solution. 60% on the stiffer side? Do you have any recommendations?

 

Thanks again to everyone for being so helpful. I'm still trying to learn enough to make a good decision without going broke.