I have an 87 GL 3 door turbo 4WD coupe that came equiped with rally suspension from the factory (ie. it has RX shocks). After 160,500 miles, my rear struts are shot. I loved the way the car handled and the stiffness of the suspension before the rear struts bit the dust. I need some help in locating new struts that perform as well and as stiff or better. I could just look for a pair of used rear RX shocks, but I rather try to find some new and better aftermarket replacements. I know almost nothing about this topic so please give me your opinions and educate me on the subject.

 

So far I looked at these threads:

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16296&highlight=coilover

http://www.xt6.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2063&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

 

And found the KYB GR-2 to be a good option. Are they as good as the RX struts? I have also been thinking of making them into adjustable coilovers like in the XT6.net thread. Are the old RX coils or springs okay to reuse with the new struts?

The shocks create the dampening. The springs are what controls the ride.

correct me if im wrong, but i believe the rx rear springs are that of the WAGON

correct me if im wrong, but i believe the rx rear springs are that of the WAGON

 

Nope. 179# on RX vs 196# on wagon.

 

I have an 87 GL 3 door turbo 4WD coupe that came equiped with rally suspension from the factory (ie. it has RX shocks). After 160,500 miles, my rear struts are shot. I loved the way the car handled and the stiffness of the suspension before the rear struts bit the dust. I need some help in locating new struts that perform as well and as stiff or better. I could just look for a pair of used rear RX shocks, but I rather try to find some new and better aftermarket replacements. I know almost nothing about this topic so please give me your opinions and educate me on the subject.

 

So far I looked at these threads:

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16296&highlight=coilover

http://www.xt6.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2063&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

 

And found the KYB GR-2 to be a good option. Are they as good as the RX struts? I have also been thinking of making them into adjustable coilovers like in the XT6.net thread. Are the old RX coils or springs okay to reuse with the new struts?

 

as you can see by the pic i posted...the RX dampeing is WAY higher than others. the GR2's are based off the 2WD stuff and are only 10% stiffer than the stock 2WD stuff....as KYB is under contract to NOT make the 4WD stuff publicly avalible...and they make it all for SUBARU internally for the old stuff.

 

PLEASE use these for the rear:

21007GA471

 

$36.27 EACH.

 

thats the latest PN for the RX rear damper....7 left in the country. I can get the absolute originals...but they will come from JAPAN at a wait of ~3 weeks at no additional charge.....and are the same price.

 

I would HIGHLY recommend getting the 21007GA771's and waiting the 3 weeks to get them...as those are the known REAL ones with no supercessions on them.