I was wondering if anyone has the dimensions for the OEM springs(diameter & length) and also the diameter of the spring perches(on the strut) plus the strut mount for the older wagons? I need the info for both front and rear if anyone would be as so kind as to post the measurements. I have an idea brewing in my head(*sounds of squeeky gears turning) after a trip to one of the local performance shops. Thank You for any and all help.

 

-Patrick

Spring lengths will be different dependant on not only body style (sedan, wagon, whatever), but on drive train.

 

You want 4wd or 2wd wagon.

 

To make it more confusing, the spring length on the older 4wd wagons with adjustable struts is altogether different than the other spring lengths from non-adjustable applications :-p

 

I have a few different springs here. Hit me up on IM and we'll go over some numbers.

 

As suspension mods are playing a big part of my new build, I am interested to see what you have in mind. I also want to bend your ear about a couple other things.

Spring lengths will be different dependant on not only body style (sedan, wagon, whatever), but on drive train.

 

You want 4wd or 2wd wagon.

 

To make it more confusing, the spring length on the older 4wd wagons with adjustable struts is altogether different than the other spring lengths from non-adjustable applications :-p

 

Dang it Caleb, can't you make anything easy for me?

 

Well, I am looking at Wagon, 4WD, and preferably non-adjustable. I have some access(sort of) to some springs from a few different cars and am contemplating the possiblities of (what I hope to be) some successful retrofitting, not to mention maybe open a door to improved suspesion performance for those of us with old school Subes. I'll hit you up on IM later on.

So nobody knows, eh? Come on people, this isn't a competition. I am trying to do something to help all of us. Well, I am not one to be easily discouraged. Looks like it is time for a little trial and error then.

So nobody knows, eh? Come on people, this isn't a competition. I am trying to do something to help all of us. Well, I am not one to be easily discouraged. Looks like it is time for a little trial and error then.

 

 

Crapsicles.

 

Forgot to mention last night. I have a bunch of crap in the garage to measure for you.

 

I have:

 

EA82 Wagon Front struts and springs ( I think )

2WD XT front struts and springs

2002 LGT front struts

2004 WRX sedan front struts

 

I might have a set of stock rears as well, not sure. I also have a set of WRX sedan rear struts, but they are pretty useless as far as an EA82 is concerned.

 

Quick note: eBay coilovers are the exact right diameter for our rear strut perches.

Forgot to mention last night. I have a bunch of crap in the garage to measure for you.

 

Quick note: eBay coilovers are the exact right diameter for our rear strut perches.

 

Ahhh, it's okay. Like I said, I am just trying to find out if any of the springs(not struts and such) that are available here would fit our old subarus. Thanks for telling me about the eBay coilovers. If I can't find anything that will work, then I will just have to search out and buy a set.

Better yet, after doing some looking on eBay, I am wondering if any of the aftermarket WRX lowering springs will work(ex: Skunk 2, Espelir, Progress, etc.)? Basically I'm looking for something that will be stiffer, but won't be so stiff they rattle my teeth out of my head going over every bump. I am currently watching a set of OBX coilovers(for WRX) on eBay as I await the reply form the seller about the shipping. I am really considering going that route now because of the success that people have had with coilovers on the old gen wagons and such. I guess we'll see.

 

Caleb, any word on those measurements?

I just grabbed the only set I have detached from the strut. These are 2WD XT front springs.

 

They measured 11 1/2 x 5 5/8

 

 

You looking to do something like this?

 

I just grabbed the only set I have detached from the strut. These are 2WD XT front springs.

 

They measured 11 1/2 x 5 5/8

 

 

You looking to do something like this?

 

 

Thanks for the measurements. The springs that I looked at down at that performance shop, wouldn't even come close to fitting. Looks like the coilovers really are the way to go. So yeah, I think ultimately that is what I will wind up doing. Now that I have seen what the rear strut looks like decompressed, I can see(by eyeing it) that the springs that I was thinking about at first, will not fit. Is that one of the rears off of your wagon?

Is that one of the rears off of your wagon?

 

 

Yes sir, sure is.

 

And here's the front I used for test fitting. Its an XT6 strut from my pile of 5 lug stuff.

 

 

Funny thing is, I got those springs for a WRX IIRC - and I am not sure they will be able to fit the wrx struts I have waiting to go on the car

 

 

As it is, you have to grind a little bit if the strut to get them on the older type struts.

 

Not sure, but I think I might have had those last time you were over. Considering changing them out in the next few months - year.

How much grinding are we talking about? And where? I am just trying to get this all sorted out so I know what I need to do when I get back.

How much grinding are we talking about? And where? I am just trying to get this all sorted out so I know what I need to do when I get back.

 

 

Its a total of about 3 minutes worth of grinding on each front strut. Quick and easy, its just a little tab that stops the collars from sliding on.

Its a total of about 3 minutes worth of grinding on each front strut. Quick and easy, its just a little tab that stops the collars from sliding on.

 

Ahhh...cool! That sounds rather painless. Now if I can just get the seller of those coilovers to reply back about the shipping!

this help?

 

as mentioned...lengths vary drastically from model to model, so would make that list incredibly complex.....

 

BUT, that is a pretty good start.

 

beware, these numbers were gathered from different sources, and as a result, are not entirely accurate (for example, BE legacy springs are not the same upper diameter as EA82 ones, I believe the 78mm number comes from the outside of the springs on the EA82, and the inside of the BE ones....making the BE ones noticeably bigger.)

this help?

 

HOLY COW!!! Heck yeah that helps! You are awesome! Thanks a MILLION! :banana:

Now I just need to find the uncompressed lengths and everything will be good. Those numbers gave me a great platform to start from.