Suspension recommendations

[KelvinTaylor88]

Hey guys,

I know they're is multiple forums dedicated to these types of questions (trust me I'm still going through all of them!) but I have a few specific questions that I'd appreciate some feedback.
I purchased a pre-facelift Spec-B sedan with 200,000ks on the clock and I was wondering what are some of the best options in the way of suspension maintenance/upgrades? Since the car has done a few ks should I be looking at how much life the shocks have in them?
Primarily I'm looking to get a lower ride (nothing crazy - 15-30mm drop), improved handling, yet something that would still be bearable on Melbourne roads and not too expensive (student budget unfortunately!)
Bit of a tall order I know but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I was thinking of getting a set of STI Pinks or H&R Springs to go with the Bilstein shocks.

I appreciate the patience with the newbie!

[Deep Heat]

Shocks are probably rooted by now if they are the originals.

I would say coil overs + LCA bushes.

[jslayz]

sway bars !!

[Jiyujin]

Check out the EOFY sale at Kido.

http://forum.liberty.asn.au/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=26456

[KelvinTaylor88]

Shocks are probably rooted by now if they are the originals.

I would say coil overs + LCA bushes.

What's the best way to check the life of the shocks? (Still learning my way around a car mechanically)
The car seems to drive well and sit nicely through corners, and there is no obvious sag, but I may be simply unaware of the superior ride I'm missing out on.
I know the car has had full servicing through Subaru but do not know the history of the suspension.

What do you guys think of going down the path of new springs (Eibach, Pinks, etc.) on the Bilstein shocks as a cost effective method of lower/improved ride?

[jslayz]

Shocks are probably rooted by now if they are the originals.

I would say coil overs + LCA bushes.

What's the best way to check the life of the shocks? (Still learning my way around a car mechanically)
The car seems to drive well and sit nicely through corners, and there is no obvious sag, but I may be simply unaware of the superior ride I'm missing out on.
I know the car has had full servicing through Subaru but do not know the history of the suspension.

What do you guys think of going down the path of new springs (Eibach, Pinks, etc.) on the Bilstein shocks as a cost effective method of lower/improved ride?

Check with Subaru as you have service history.
They should be able to confirm if the shocks have been replaced.

Seriously, just do sway bars and AVO heavy duty mounts for rear sway.!!!

[alexxxz]

high km doesn't necessarily mean that they will be flogged out. a lot of the time high km vehicles can have very little wear to suspension as highway/freeway driving is easy going on a car.

[KelvinTaylor88]

high km doesn't necessarily mean that they will be flogged out. a lot of the time high km vehicles can have very little wear to suspension as highway/freeway driving is easy going on a car.

Good point, and the guy I bought it off drove down the peninsula and back twice a week so that's where the majority of the Ks came from.
So can anyone tell me the best way to ascertain the condition of the shocks? Happy to call Subaru to see if and when they've been replaced but I'd love to be able to learn how to check myself and better understand my car.

[SHIZNT]

I picked up a set of Tein Flex Coilovers for around $1000 delivered from Japan in like new condition. I've been running them on the softest setting for about a month now and are 10 fold better than the stock suspension setup.

[bigBADbenny]

high km doesn't necessarily mean that they will be flogged out. a lot of the time high km vehicles can have very little wear to suspension as highway/freeway driving is easy going on a car.

Good point, and the guy I bought it off drove down the peninsula and back twice a week so that's where the majority of the Ks came from.
So can anyone tell me the best way to ascertain the condition of the shocks? Happy to call Subaru to see if and when they've been replaced but I'd love to be able to learn how to check myself and better understand my car.

Yes they will:
knock (to fix regrease the space between the damper unit and the struts or replace front tops),
they will feel harsh over small bumps and crash and bottom out over big bumps an pot holes, and
when you bounce one corner of the car it will take more than once bounce to settle.

[KelvinTaylor88]

Decided I'm looking to get a set of sti pinks for a slightly lower and firmer ride.
Does anyone have any recommendations on where I can purchase and get them fitted in Melbourne?
Or best prices on them? (second hand would be great but can't find any)
Cheers.