In my opinion and what ive seen, there is no cost effective solution compared to the Konis for both comfort and handling and lowering the car (if if just a tad). Either you get BC Racing coilovers for cheap and get a so-so ride quality or you get expensive $2k+ coilovers. So i decided on Konis.
- koni front – 8610 1447Sport (inserts, youll need lgt shock bodies)
- koni rear – 8010 1053Sport
- rallitek front – RTEK-830-512-205
- rallitek rear – RTEK-830-523-355
- legacyGT shocks – 339097, 339096
No need for whiteline KCA399 as it align to factory spec perfectly. No need for legacyGT rear upper control arms or bumpstops. Although i may just change out the bumpstops to get a tad more clearance when car is loaded (although the rear overload springs help keep the back from sagging). With stock OB control arms and bumpstops its about 1inch till contact.
NOTE: in the rear, you have to cut holes in the top metal part of the inside of the car (not sure what that part is called) to access the adjustment knobs of the koni shocks.
NOTE 2: my car also developed a squeaking in the rear passenger side. Likely have to loosen/retighten all bolts to the arms to reset their bushings. Some have documented something like it: https://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/squeaky-rear-suspension-122247.html.
Why (personal to me):
- cost
- im not a stanceboi so i lowering is a secondary benefit for me.
- rallitek springs as i wanted overloads in the back so might as well get the matching set for the front. Outback stock springs also work just fine but are softer
- lowers the car about 1in, allows for more even wheel arch gap for vanity/looks
- does not change alignment and geometry, perfect stock alignment
- allows me the ability to still do the frequent oil changes without lifting the car
- stock ride comfort for the family for those long trips with superb cornering and handling in addition. I have these set in the middle right now and the difference is dramatic around the bends especially around corners where ghostwalking would be apparent (before these i even had the recommended 2004 outback rear shock swaps!). Ghostwalking is no more with these Konis. Planted and confident. This is how the car should have been coming off the lot.
- allows for stock tire clearance (225/55r17) with about 5-8mm to spare before touching the lower spring perch if you want to go wider. Eventually i will be going to a 225/50r18 et45 setup. If you want wider wheels, this is where you need to consider coilovers. 235/45r18 also works but negates that more even wheel arch gap look and i think looks too small on the car.
- im sticking with stock sizes as this way i dont have to worry about getting a new spare donut = less cost, less headache. Can also reuse my snow chains (if i ever need them).
- no need for rolling or cutting of any fender or liner with stock tires.
Hope this helps someone out there.
front koni inserts in modified KYB legacyGT shock bodies. Painted with duplicolor DA1663 School Bus Yellow. Rears are standard shocks so no inserting of anything.
video for modification of shock body or if you want a thread on it: https://legacygt.com/forums/showthr…t-epic-engineering-spring-install-145744.html
