Topic: V7 JDM STI Wagon springs on 2006 WRX Sedan - Can it be done?

[Greystone]

Okay, gathering parts for store replacement, 160K on the stock car, one failed rear strut and suspect others to follow. Going with KYB GR2 replacements but considering STI springs for an improved feel.

Here is the big question, can the V7 JDM STI Wagon springs be used on the 06 struts with the 02/03 top hats in the rear? I believe the fronts are not a concern ie 02/03 springs on 06 struts and mounts.

Thanks

[Asstuna]

I don't have a direct answer, but threads like this exist on nasioc, amongst others

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1303381

[Greystone]

many ,many ideas, mostly relating to 02/03 struts with new hats for 2002/3 WRX mods.
Extensive searching prior to posting, head all messed up.... Had to ask direct question.

[Asstuna]

Fair enough, and that's how your original post sounded. Good luck with finding a direct answer. I've been there before and I feel your pain.

[Greystone]

Regarding the post link you shared earlier, the poster is very clear that 02/03 struts would be needed, on another thread is was very clear that the fronts are a non issue. The mix and match backwards seems to be manageable with inserts or washers on the rears...

Well I have the V7 JDM STI Wagon springs now and they are in really great shape. The KYB G2 Struts are on the way, the Monroe front hats are also on the way, the rear 02/03 and 06 hats will be sourced locally. Then the fun will really begin, get all the toys laid out in the garage and see what fits and what will not.

If this has been done before, I'd like to hear the results, if not you will shortly.

Thanks again.

[diamondedge]

So my only concern having never heard of this done before; WRX wagon's get saggy butt with some sedan springs, so, would the opposite happen? You get rake in the rear on your sedan?

That's the only qualm I have.

[Greystone]

I think I will end up with some rake in the rear, but better than saggy butt IMO (old guy)... The WRX stock suspension seemed a bit weak in the rear, put stuff (Groceries) in the trunk, kids in the back and it sagged, with old two in the front, NP. i think, this should help. Worth a try, worst case I can put the WRX springs back in and go back to a stock life .

[Canuckrz]

The subaru suspension is naturally saggy in the rear by design, I think this might just even it out if anything. Or you could get some saggy (tits?) spacers for the front, might be a bit trickier to find off the shelf but you can always make your own.

[Greystone]

The subaru suspension is naturally saggy in the rear by design, I think this might just even it out if anything. Or you could get some saggy (tits?) spacers for the front, might be a bit trickier to find off the shelf but you can always make your own.

Oh, a bra! I thought those were a nineties thing along side fanny packs...

Some light at the end of the tunnel. NASIOC thread with some hope in amongst a huge amount of confusion.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15527517#post15527517

[NuTypeR]

Please see this master thread on nasioc:

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1303381

"To use springs designed for 02-03 Impreza, you must use 02-03 Impreza struts and rear strut top mounts."

so yes

[Greystone]

I swear I read that over the weekend and is was a hard no. Too much reading... things blurring together. I have sourced info that this is a doable swap. Just hoping the springs what I was told (that the guy was told the correct description, from a guy ... it goes on...) older springs sold and resold...

I found this in the 33 pages of threads, pretty straight forward too.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1170952#.XV1x-tlJ_hw.email

Clipped from the post: YA1
For the rears...

The rears have one bolt up configuration.

Struts have two configurations.
Configuration X - 02 to 03 WRX
Configuration Y - 04 to 07 WRX or STi

Springs have two configurations.
Configuration A - 02 to 03 WRX
Configuration B - 04 to 07 WRX or STi

Top Hats have two configurations.
Configuration 1 - 02 to 03 WRX
Configuration 2 - 04 to 07 WRX or STi

There are eight possible configurations...
XA1 - works without modification
XA2 - doesn't work
XB1 - doesn't work
XB2 - works with spacers
YA1 - works without modification (need to double check)
YA2 - doesn't work
YB1 - doesn't work
YB2 - works without modification

Thanks for the help here.

[Dr Beans]

^ Thanks great information!