2011 GT Wagon Auto - Suspension Advice

[mikedsilva]

Newish member here.
Just acquired a 2011 GT Wagon with 170kms.
Shocks are VERY soft.. not clunky but I'd like to change them.

Don't need coilovers or anything but was looking at the KYB Excel on EBAY and not totally sure they are compatible with the wagon?

The auto compatibility chart always says it doesnt fit the wagon, but that's not always accurate.

Here's an example of what I'm looking at and would really appreciate if anyone can confirm they would be fine for my car?


https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15509198429 ... R5inveKBZA

[bigBADbenny]

The rear springs mainly differentiate sedan vs wagon suspension.
Thus use your existing spring set on the new struts.
Other options include Cusco and Koni struts/inserts…

[mikedsilva]

The rear springs mainly differentiate sedan vs wagon suspension.
Thus use your existing spring set on the new struts.
Other options include Cusco and Koni struts/inserts…

Cool, thanks,

[bigBADbenny]

Just changing struts might not help with your impression of softness, unless you’re referring to the struts damping qualities having failed or reduced in effectiveness.
That’s generally when the suspension doesn’t catch body movement immediately after bumps, or when the suspension feels wallowy in smooth conditions and very harsh in bumpy conditions.

[mikedsilva]

Just changing struts might not help with your impression of softness, unless you’re referring to the struts damping qualities having failed or reduced in effectiveness.
That’s generally when the suspension doesn’t catch body movement immediately after bumps, or when the suspension feels wallowy in smooth conditions and very harsh in bumpy conditions.

They are definately past their prime. The dampers are not controlling the oscillations at all.. over speed bumps it tends to bounce a couple of times... and on terrible roads it can kinda of become an amusement park ride!

They are not knocking or making any noise though and once on smoother road, it's fine actually.

The fronts are yellow in colour; not sure if they have already been replaced or did the GT come with some type of upgraded strut fro m factory?

[bigBADbenny]

Generally, yellow would mean Bilstein and black KYB.
You can lookup your stock dampers using your vin # on eg Partsouq site, find the strut part number and google that.
Here’s a genV GT vin search: https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine ... X1AG003946
Go to suspension and axle then find strut complete: https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine ... X1AG003946
Being yellow it’s likely to be an OEM Bilstein strut, they have three aftermarket levels B4, B6 and B8, OEM being 4 or 6 level and sports lowering type being B8…
For replacements anything new will suffice but I’d pay a little more for an advertised digressive damper valving feature, eg Cusco, Koni, the fancy newer KYB’s and maybe adjustable damping, eg Koni etc.
Koni front damper inserts are retrofitted into OEM KYB strut bodies.

[DavidGT]

I'm in the same boat (250k KMs) at the moment and have only found a couple of suitable options.

Cusco Touring A AUS-Spec
https://www.carmodsaustralia.com.au/touring-a-aus-spec-shock-absorbers-liberty-gt-09-15.html

KYB SR Special - RHD Japan
https://www.rhdjapan.com/kyb-sr-special-full-damper-set-legacy-b4-bm9-bmg-bmm-legacy-touring-wagon-br9-brg-brm.html

Apparently the Aus spec Excel G are not valved correctly for the GT. Don't quote me directly, however might be the spring rating.

The SR are roughly the same cost out of Japan inc postage.

Has anyone used the Aus spec KYB or Monroe on a GT without issue?

Looking for the cheapest option and don't trust 2nd hand Bilstein from an older GT that would require a rebuild anyway.

[bigBADbenny]

For reference, here’s a genv Bilstein refurb thread.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=37221

Damned if I can find the Koni retrofit post…

[DavidGT]

I have a set of Gen V GT Bilsteins without springs if anyone is interested. Unable to post in the for sale section. Message if you're interested

[jack25]

KYB Excel-G is a solid OE replacement option—no frills, just consistent performance and reliability.

However, the GT Wagon has different rear shock lengths and valving compared to the sedan, mainly because of the self-leveling rear suspension (if yours came with that, which some GT wagons did) or just due to the wagon's cargo design.

KYB Part Numbers for wagons can differ from sedans even in the same year. If you're on stock springs and not changing ride height, you must make sure the shock length and mounting points match.