I just picked up a set of bilsteins / GTB springs and installed them this past weekend. Lucky me.. they have a clunk in the rear. NOT happy about it AT ALL. So now.. where do I go from here.

I'm trying to achieve a ride height that is SLIGHTLY lower then stock, i'm talking .5" at the most or so.

I picked up the bilsteins and gtb springs thinking they were going to be a decent ride.. but they did not impress me. The GTB springs aren't stiff enough.. and ride pretty high and the bilsteins are clunking in the rear even though they work great.

So.. what are my options? I HAD eibachs / KYB GR-2 on previously.. and they rode GREAT. The springs were the PERFECT stiffness.. and the drop was nice. However.. I am trying to go UP a bit.. rather then down because of the roads around here.


There aren't many options for BD suspension.. so now I'm looking at the following:

1. Get 04 Sti Struts/Springs/Top hats and Re-Grease them / install them.

This seems like a decent option since the Sti springs are stiffer.. and probably a bit lower am I correct?
Is it possible to use the sti springs with KYB GR-2 BD struts? Or would that not be a very good idea?
What is so special about the sti inverted red struts?
How much of a pain in the ass is the clunk.. and do these struts blow quick? I don't want to replace my struts every 6 months.

2. Get Sti struts / Springs / Top hats.. and ONLY use the Springs w/ BD KYB GR-2s.. not sure what top hats this would require. or if it would work at all.

3. Pull bilsteins out and have them rebuilt @ around $95/each shipped & buy BD/BG Sti springs to stiffen up the ride a bit.

4. Get BD/BG Sti Pink springs and run them with KYB GR-2's (USDM BD ones).. is this even possible? Or do they ONLY work with the bilstein struts from the JDM BD's?

Basically.. I feel like I'm running out of options here. I LOVED my eibach setup.. but want something a TINY bit higher just for road clearance. I really am not sure what to do at this point. I'm kind of shying away from used suspensions at this point since I just blew a good $200 on bilsteins and they ended up having the clunk in the rear. They work great.. but the sound is driving me nuts.

Any suggestions / ideas would be appreciated!

I actually talked to my brother about what road i should go down with the 04 STi stuff i just pulled off my dead car. I entertained the thought of having them rebuilt at 80-90/each. I wasn't sure if regreasing them and rebuilding them were essentially the same thing.

From what I know, I want to say getting the complete assembly and slapping them on is the ideal way to go if the GTB stuff isn't to your liking. I don't wanna advise doing a hybrid setup with the springs and struts between the different advised applications.

The STi springs are stiff and are just perfectly matched for the struts. I've said it somewhere before, it's stiff enough to inspire highly spirited driving with confidence, while being forgiving enough [for me] to handle the shit that is Boston roads.

I've heard re-greasing the 04 Sti Suspension basically IS the clunk fix. I WOULD do this to the bilsteins.. however, its much MUCH more complex on the bilsteins then on the 04 Sti Struts.

Check this thread out.. I think you will really like it:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... p=29346646

It basically tells you how to drill / tap a grease fitting into the inverted Sti struts in order to make re-greasing them at regular intervals a piece of cake. Super good idea if you ask me.. I just found it this morning.


Now for 'hybrid' setups.. I really wonder. I was looking into some BD/BG Sti Pink springs.. but the problem is.. i don't know if they can be run on the USDM spec struts (KYB GR-2s), or if i would HAVE to use the bilstein. If i could get away with using the USDM stuff, that would be AWESOME. However no one seems to be able to confirm this for me.

I'm pretty sure you CAN also run the sti springs on the USDM LGT struts.. just need the correct top hats? I think.

Anyways.. more info is needed. I'm really stuck here with what to do.. really wish the damn bilsteins werent clunking! Its not too bad.. but still irritates the hell outta me when I'm going slow and they are creaking. They do work great however.. just not a fan of the GTB spring stiffness either.

Damn that's extensively detailed! Thanks

Here's the problem you have - the GTB springs are designed specifically for that chassis - a heavier front end, and they have a stock ride height as well. They are also what, 10-12 years old? Even if they haven't been abused, they've been used.

The Bilsteins are another matter. You can have these rebuilt to pretty much whatever spec you want.

The route I would go, if you liked your Eibach + KYB route, is to have your Bilsteins shock-dynoed and rebuilt if necessary, install your Eibachs and put in one of those rubber spacers or a Paranoid Fabrications spacer to lift the car a little. More expensive yes, but you're dealing with tried and tested parts, of which the Eibachs you have already confirmed work well for you.

My 2c. Spend a little more upfront and get a better, less messy solution. When you start trying to retro parts that's when you get into inconsistent feedback.

yeah.. very true. I don't think I want to retro-fit anymore stuff to this vehicle. While the Sti suspension would be a nice solution, it would require MORE time, more mods, etc etc.

Do you know if the BD/BG sti springs will work with the KYB struts? I was told they were by the guys over at edoperformance.com, but i cant confirm this.. because no one seems to have them. If that is the case.. that may be the best solution. BD/BG Sti pink springs + Kyb might be exactly what I'm looking for. I'm guessing they would be right around the same stiffness as the Eibachs.

I would re-use my eibachs.. but i think they are getting worn. While they still ride SUPERB, i think that they have over 160k on them currently.. so might be time to switch em out.

The bilsteins are great.. but I'm really displeased that they were a complete let down. Not because they don't work.. but the clunk is driving me absolutely nuts. If they were as easy to pull apart and re-grease as the Sti struts it would be no problem. however, they are MUCH MUCH more complex.

So.. what do you think of the BD/BG Sti pinks + KYB GR-2 idea?

I don't see a point running BD/BG pinks with KYB's when you can easily source GD springs + KYB's or better for cheaper.

These two chassis are almost the same curb weight so there should be no real issue with spring rate and stance.

99' BD GT = Curb weight: (app) 3,200lbs with options
04' GD WRX = Curb weigth: (app) 3,126lbs with options
04' GD STi = Curb weigth: (app) 3,200lbs with options
----

If I had the chance I would rebuild the Bilsteins and be done with it. $200 for iffy GTB suspension isn't horrible, this stuff usually sells for $500+ up here.

-Chuck

The reason would be.. because the pinks will allow me to have the stiffness / ride height i THINK i want, and the KYB's I already have and won't junk out like the bilsteins. And if they do.. they are cheap to replace. Cheaper then rebuilding the bilsteins.

So.. what I'm looking for is basically some answers to questions because I'm trying to research this as much as possible before wasting more time on broken junk, and spending more money on used parts. If i can just get the sti BD/BG pink springs, and use the struts I already have.. I will be a happy camper. However, I'm not sure that I can use those springs with the LGT KYB struts I currently have.

Basically I just want to get this over with. I'm wasting huge amounts of time installing junked components and wasting money. Not sure why it seems so damn hard to get something to the right HEIGHT i want.. and stiffness. Guess a lack of aftermarket parts will do that to ya eh?

bump.. still looking for info.

I think you're writing off the Bilsteins too quickly. Yes, they cost more to repair/rebuild. Why? Because they are one of the best shocks you can buy, and you cannot buy them retail in the BD/BG fitment here in the USA.

I'm writing them off because I just blew over $200 on them and they are busted. I don't have time to deal with this crap really. My car cant be downed for weeks waiting for the suspension to be rebuilt at a high cost. And then what? They will eventually run out of grease / lube again and then the problem starts all over! They are great struts.. but the clunking has got to stop!

Does anyone know how to pull them apart and re-grease them like how you can do to the sti struts?

So yeah.. looks like the BD/BG springs are out of production and no longer being made. Totally sucks. One less decent spring option for the BD model cars. Anyone know of any other options I could run with the stock KYB GR-2's that wont drop the car as far as eibachs?

Thanks!

you wouldn't be interested in coilovers would you?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 546wt_1097

I am going to be picking these up when I get a job

Nah.. coils are way way way way too stiff for what I need. This is a daily driver. I don't want it to feel like I'm riding on bricks! Thanks tho man!

btw.. anyone know HOW to rebuild bilsteins.. or if i even can pull them apart and regrease them? I cant seem to find any info on it.

If i do end up pulling the rears out this weekend and trying to regrease them.. what spec to I need to torque the middle bolts on the strut down to??

although not a step-by step
this shows a basic run-down.
probably not a DIY
http://www.heasmans.com.au/new_site2/pd ... s_tech.pdf

option #1 seems to be the cheapest and best for what you want.

what you want is similar to what i want: a comfortable ride with high clearance but lower than stock. i looked into option #1 and its what i am going to do too

Did you ever find anymore pictures of people who had that setup? It does seem almost like the best option, since now that the BD/BG sti pink springs are not being made anymore. I wish I could get a picture of someone with that setup. JDM BD/BG Sti Pinks on BD/BG legacy.

here ya go
JDM GTB Bilstiens with JDM GTB STi Pink Springs





My Car with
MY04 STi Struts and Black Springs (also has 3/8" strut spacers in the rear)


Stock JDM GTB (bilstiens)

With the 04 sti stuff.. does the rear sag if you don't use the spacers? Where did you grab the spacers at? Also when you use the spacers.. how does it work.. because technically wouldnt you need to make the studs on the top hats larger? Any pics of ppl running the sti setup on a sedan?

Thanks for all the info man!

"My Car with - MY04 STi Struts and Black Springs (also has 3/8" strut spacers in the rear)"

Looks like he used a spacer :-p

The spacer gets wedged between the top hat and the chassis mount point. 3/8" isn't that much so you wont loss to many threads. 100000's of Subaru owners run this setup and no one complained about the studs / threads.
-Chuck

This will happen with any strut. It's not about taking them apart and regreasing them. Struts are not like caliper slides.
Bilstein charges around $100 per strut but IMHO it's worth it.

But hey, you're insistent on complicating the issue by spending $400 or so on an STi suspension which will have the same issues anyway, and then you'll have a set of "junk" Bilsteins laying around.

From paranoid fabrication you can grab the spaces. 3/8 is the max you can go before you need longer studs. I think for his sit you get the... GD spacers

Huffers got a point. Why mess with a good thing. Who needs spacers when the Bilsteins will give you the ride high you want.

Sell your KYB's and pick up some Sti Pinks and rebuild your Bilsteins.

You should be able to get at least $200 for the KYB's which will cover the initial price of your Bilsteins.


-Chuck

Well.. thing is. I can't have the car downed for a month waiting for the rebuilds to get back.. so either way, I'm gonna have to throw something back in. The bilsteins are great and all.. but really expensive to rebuild. Almost more then buying new KYB's. I can pick up a full set of USDM Sti stuff for under $200. I really like the bilsteins, minus the clunk.. but the GTB springs are really lacking.

I could buy the BD/BG Sti springs, except they don't make them anymore. I would have to run them on the KYB's till the bilsteins got rebuilt.. and then pull the suspension yet AGAIN and reinstall. *sigh* I just cant win.

The reason this is so hard to decide.. is because I need SOMETHING running in the car while the bilsteins get rebuilt.. if i even have them rebuilt. If not, someone else can take on that project.

I just want some stiff springs with a bit of a drop.. but not as much of a drop as the eibachs. So its either spend another $400 getting BD/BG Sti pink springs + bilstein rebuild.. or drop $200 and buy sti stuff / regrease them myself..

You don;'t have stock suspension to throw in temporarily?

-Chuck

Nah.. i have my KYB + Eibachs.. but I just wanna get this done with asap. I don't want to keep having to pull stuff and put it back in.. its quite a bit of work. Took me over 6 hours last time i pulled all the struts. I'm still waiting on some sort of response to figure out IF the BD/BG sti pinks will work with the USDM KYB GR-2s.. and also, if anyone can even get them since they are supposedly discontinued.

for BD/BG STi pink springs
www.japanparts.com

1005G-044-031 front springs
1005G-044-033 rear springs

Yeah.. except the guy told me they are out :/

bilstiens are as easy to pull apart as sti inserts, as long as the nut is not rusted on and the treads on the shock piston are free from the bottom of the shock body. a good soak in 50/50 aft/acetone make it easier. if your interested i can come up and pull them apart. just pm me

You have pulled them apart before? Are you able to re-lube them this way? Also.. any clue on the best way at getting the middle nut off the strut itself.. need some special tool or something. I've done it before and its ALWAYS been a pain in the ass. Any tips help!

Update:

Ive been talking to a guy over at edo performance and apparently he talked to Sti in Japan and this is what they said:

BD Sti Pink Springs are discontinued.

BG Sti Pink Springs are still being made.

However, he was also told that they would not work in the BD. Not sure why??

This is exactly what he was told: 'The BG one is larger the BD ones, so when you try to put the BG one on the
BD they are too too big, but you can put the BD ones on the BG.'

Okay.. so I'm guessing.. uh, wait.. i don't know what to think. I'm assuming he means they will just be higher? Because its from a wagon? Dammit.. just cant win! So even if i DO get the bilsteins rebuilt I cant seem to find any fucking springs that fit the spec i want. 6" lower then stock height, stiffer spring! Any suggestions?