5th gen wagon suspension replacement
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2025 12:19 pmGot my car back from the shop on Monday and have been advised that on all four corners the struts are completely clapped. I kinda knew it was coming since the car has done 185k km and a lot of dirt roads in there, still, it stings. Quote to get it done and sorted by them was nearly $4k, which, while I think that's probably reasonable, I would like to think I can probably manage it myself for substantially less.
Parts list from them is the following:
Front struts x2
Front bump stops x2
front strut tops x2
rear struts x2
rear bump stops x2
rear strut tops x2
In addition, the front control arm bushes are 40% torn and need replacing while I'm in there, so I will just buy the whiteline replacement control arms, but the shop was going to do bushes.
My question for anyone who has done this job before is, what are my options for parts? I think I will just go for OE replacement since this car will be used at the snow, so I need to be able to fit chains. I'm guessing that significantly limits my aftermarket options.
Also, does anyone know of anywhere that sells a pre-assembled kit? Other than aftermarket coils, since as just explained I think those will be too low for what this car is used for. If I can avoid using a spring compressor I would like to haha. If not, would people recommend I replace the springs (the regular ride height Kings springs seem to be out of stock practically everywhere it seems), or just move them from the old shocks. They're in fine condition.
Finally, if I am going down the disassemble and move springs over route, what other parts are likely to be salvageable? Bump stops and boots?
Any other mods people would recommend while I'm down there dicking about for an entire day?
Cheers
Parts list from them is the following:
Front struts x2
Front bump stops x2
front strut tops x2
rear struts x2
rear bump stops x2
rear strut tops x2
In addition, the front control arm bushes are 40% torn and need replacing while I'm in there, so I will just buy the whiteline replacement control arms, but the shop was going to do bushes.
My question for anyone who has done this job before is, what are my options for parts? I think I will just go for OE replacement since this car will be used at the snow, so I need to be able to fit chains. I'm guessing that significantly limits my aftermarket options.
Also, does anyone know of anywhere that sells a pre-assembled kit? Other than aftermarket coils, since as just explained I think those will be too low for what this car is used for. If I can avoid using a spring compressor I would like to haha. If not, would people recommend I replace the springs (the regular ride height Kings springs seem to be out of stock practically everywhere it seems), or just move them from the old shocks. They're in fine condition.
Finally, if I am going down the disassemble and move springs over route, what other parts are likely to be salvageable? Bump stops and boots?
Any other mods people would recommend while I'm down there dicking about for an entire day?
Cheers