Strut assembly KYB or Bilstein
For my WRX, I went with KYB. First, they are cheaper. Second, they are 20% stiffer than OEM. I know you might not want a stiff ride, but the OEM ones are really soft. The 20% stiffer ones pair very nicely with stock springs. Honestly, it will feel and handle much better.
KYB actually makes the OEM ones, so fitment is spot on.
I had an slc with bilstein struts and h&r sport springs. Felt really nice and solid without being too harsh.
The struts were pretty worn with the rod having much less resistance to movement (both extension and compression than the new replacement bilsteins.
KYB gas struts
I used brand new KYB rabbit struts, and put a 1.5" lenth of round stock in the bottom of the strut housing to make up the difference in tube length
I would get these . Can't go wrong with Bilstein.
When I went to Bilstein sports, I anticipated an increase in ride harshness - but was pleasantly surprised by a reduction harshness. Because the Bils have increased damping rates rebound vs. the GR-2's, so they are better able to damp the second half of a road surface impact - the part that bounces you up.
MKIII front Bilsteins are 22mm. I use a $5 Harbor Freight O2 Sensor socket myself.
I have Bilstein B8 front struts with eibach pro kit springs. So far they have offered me a much firmer ride and a more confident handling experience. The stock boots don't do much for keeping them clean though. Mine are squeaking like crazy!
I had these KYBs on the front of my W124 for a while, until I went over a speed bump and one of the struts blew out.
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.