I purchased some Monroe rear struts from my local FLAPS. When I picked them up they werent quite sure which ones were the correct part #'s. I ended up purchasing the 71608 amd 71609 because these were listed for a "sport wagen". The others 71445 and 71446 were the other choices and are speced the same so I figured what could be different. I Installed them and they seem to be just fine except they are close to rubbing on the tire ( within a 1/2 in. ). I then decided to contact monroe and found out that installed the wrong ones. The parts store has ordered the others but my question is does anyone know what the difference is between these and am I able to run the 71608? If I dont have to I really dont want to change these out again.

 

97 Impreza Outback Sport.

The bottom spring seat is most likely lower on the standard Impreza shocks by about an 1 or so.

 

Measure your old one and the new from the bottom of the strut to the spring seat. I bet you will see the difference.

 

If the tires are not rubbing at all, you should be able to run them. You may be able to get the parts store to change them since they sold you the wrong one.