Well...first the front passenger went out. Then the front driver...then the rear passenger..I still have a good rear drivers LOL! So I need to replace all 4. 97 legacy 2.5GT sedan with ABS. Anyone have an idea if the KYB struts would be any good or should I look into replacing them with OEM?

KYB makes the OEM struts for these cars.

 

I can't say for sure for your model, but KYB confirmed to me in an email that their aftermarket struts for my 97 OB are about 10 to 15% stiffer than the OEM units. Personally, I didn't want that, so I bought OEM.

 

Commuter

Well...first the front passenger went out. Then the front driver...then the rear passenger..I still have a good rear drivers LOL! So I need to replace all 4. 97 legacy 2.5GT sedan with ABS. Anyone have an idea if the KYB struts would be any good or should I look into replacing them with OEM?

Here is my 2 cents:

 

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/Susptabl.jsp?category=Shocks&scat=Shocks&scat=BootMount&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Legacy+GT+Legacy+GT+Sedan&autoModClar=&autoYear=1997&brand=all&perfcat=premium&x=76&y=6

 

Good luck,

Greg

My opinion: KYB GR2s are awesome. There seems to be two levels of stiffness to these things...the initial shock is dampened at a stock like rate. It isn't until you lean into it that the secondary 15% stiffer than stock kicks in. So as a result, my wife, who drives the 1993 Legacy with the GR2s, loves that these shocks absorb bumps so well and not get to mushy in the turns. She's not into stiff suspension settings and has been very happy with the GR2s. Plus, the GR2s were cheaper than the dealer stock struts.

As long as you have it apart... I would go with the KYB adjustables and a spring upgrade as well. The legacy really comes alive when you tighten it up a bit.

Well I ordered a set of 4 KYB GR-2 today. I went with the GR-2 as money is a bit of an issue lately. Thanks for your input guys.

Well I ordered a set of 4 KYB GR-2 today. I went with the GR-2 as money is a bit of an issue lately. Thanks for your input guys.

 

Take a picture of how your car sits (space in the wheel well) before and after the shock install. I know the rears are toast in my 2.5 RS and I think it may cause the rear to sit lower. I need to do all 4 also... I think one of my fronts is toast, but I know both my rears are.

I need all four too. Are they easy to replace myself?

I need all four too. Are they easy to replace myself?

 

I need to replace all 4 on my 97 OB and I was wondering the same thing. Are they hard to install? Any info on tips or tricks to doing the job myself?

 

Thanks

 

RC

Take a picture of how your car sits (space in the wheel well) before and after the shock install. I know the rears are toast in my 2.5 RS and I think it may cause the rear to sit lower. I need to do all 4 also... I think one of my fronts is toast, but I know both my rears are.

Replacing the shocks won't change in any way the height of your car.....if you really want to know they're toast, make a visual inspection, if they leak, replace them....

2 go on each corner of your car and try to bounce it, and if it bounces, again they need replacement.

It's a one person job and not overly complex. I changed mine, one a night, over the course of a week. Maybe an hour and a half each. Mark all the alignment marks and put it back the same way. PT Balaster and a 1/2" drive set will be needed.

 

As I recall, the only trouble I had was getting the nut off the compressed strut. It just wanted to spin the whole shaft.

 

You will need a spring compressor. Autozone has a free loaner program. A compressed spring is dangerous. Some would recommend pulling the spring/strut assembly and having a garage do the actual strut change.

 

May want to consider new top strut bearings too if you have any squeaks.

I'm sure premium struts are good, mine were just the run of the mill Monroes and made a world of difference compared to the worn out ones.

PT Balaster and a 1/2" drive set will be needed.

 

 

Thanks for the info..what is a PT Balaster

 

Ray

Thanks for the info..what is a PT Balaster

PB Blaster maybe? That's a solvent/penetrating oil a lot of mechanics swear by. It's available at most car and hardware places in a spray can.

PB Blaster maybe? That's a solvent/penetrating oil a lot of mechanics swear by. It's available at most car and hardware places in a spray can.

Nope, sorry. He means one of these.

The miracle of Google...

Sorry, cnat spel after 3 Margrettias???? It' PT Blaster, a penetrating solvent. One of the best. Still can't spell.

 

One of our esteamed collegues board stated: "It's a poor speller that can only spell a word one way".

 

Time to get spell check on this board.

Sorry for any confusion.

Nope, sorry. He means one of these.

The miracle of Google...

 

I have a mechanics stool but that looks like it would work in it's place and my kid can use it after I'm done.

 

SevenSisters...thanks for the clarification and info. Appreciate it.

 

RC