Bilstein Suspension woes

[ephesiangts]

Hey Guys,

I had my 04 STi Liberty Wagon for 5 or so years now...
When I first got it, it was a low km example with not a thing wrong or out of place.
After about a year of driving (15,000km) noticed the dreaded "knock" in the front right shock area and could "feel" the knock through the pedal.
After taking it to my suspension specialist in my area, was advised the struts are stuffed and need replacing.
So I got them replaced with a brand new set out of Japan.
Now, 40,000km later, the knock has re-appeared. The car has spent the last few months in and out of the shop trying to fix this to no avail.
Until advised by Biltsein Australia and by reading the "bilstein thread" here that there is a revised bearing in the top of the strut shaft that fixes the issue.
I have just had this done and has fixed the knock! Win! not quite.
Pedaling back a few days, I went to Canberra last weekend and upon returning home, late at night, just as we were cresting a hill on a slight bend, came across a Kangaroo (dead) on the road and had no where to go so unfortunately hit it on the left side front wheel.
Thankfully I didn't damage the bumper, although I have no idea how it didn't.
Long story short, the impact has seized the front left strut. Since negating the whole search to repair struts for the knock as I now have to replace them.
I know how hard these are to find (not from Subaru as they apparently are gold plated and worth $$$$$)
Bilstein Australia cant sell them to you, old stock will have the knock issue, rebuilding them leaves the car unusable until rebuilt ones are sent back and fitted.
So, I guess I am asking:

1. Does anyone have any very low km (guaranteed "No knock") originals?
2. Know where I can get a brand new set (other than Subaru)?
3. Has anyone gone down the road of say: KYB's?
4. Coilovers: Too stiff?

Hope that makes sense.

Steve

[mynameisdaniel]

I think TyrePower were selling billies and GT spring setups pretty well priced (the ones taken from the STi models when the pink springs were fitted). Not sure if they're still available or what.

Unrelated: Are you sure your car's an 04? The only STi models were 06, 07 and 08

[zch91]

It's not an STi, it's a premium with a bunch of STi bits

[bigBADbenny]

My my07 170k billies are issue free and work great according to their new owner.
Keep your broken set and buy a late model s/h set, swap the top hats if required.
Or get the broken set appraised at eg Heasmans.
Bung in some kybs whilst doing that.
There's a couple of Libs being wrecked in western Sydney atm try gumtree... Search liberty 2007 etc most and least expensive in automotive
+1 coilovers: eg a new front damper core for BC V1 is c$200 from JustJap with quick shipping if in stock.
I have low k billies & etc waiting in the cupboard in case same happens to me lol.