Lining up front spring to seat issue

[speezly]

So I have been attempting to assemble some new Kyb Agx struts with a set of h&r sport springs. I picked up the springs for a gc impreza, since the drop as more of what I was looking for. New gc impreza front and rear spring seats replaced my legacy spring seats to accommodate the non tapered impreza springs. Since I'm using new rubber and new seats, I can't figure out how to line up the seat with the spring. I have heard that you can line up the holes on the seat with holes on the strut, but the kybs don't have any such hole, nor do my stock struts for that matter. As currently assembled , only the first couple inches of the spring actually rest on the seat, and there is no part of the spring actually touching the opposite side of the seat. If I knew how to load pictures I would, but I haven't figured that out quite yet. If anyone has any pointers for lining up the seat properly or images of a properly seated front strut assembly, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[cj91legss]

To share pictures, you need to upload them to a site like flicr or photobucket and share the link to the pic in your thread. Get the app for your phone as well, it'll make uploading a lot easier.

You should take some pictures of what you're talking about. It's early and I'm having a hard time picturing what you're trying to accomplish.

[speezly]

Thanks. I'm about to set up Flickr and upload some pics.

[speezly]

I set up Flickr but now I can't figure out how to copy the URL for the pics. I tried the "copy URL " button on Flickr and tried to paste it next to [img]. No luck. This is harder than putting the strut together. Lol

[speezly]

Ok you were right. The app is much easier. Also these are the springs have a front drop of 1.8, I have heard this will void the warranty on my agxs. Anyone know more about that? Has anyone out the 93-01 impreza springs from HR on their legacy?

[cj91legss]

Ok, What's the concern? I'm a little confused. Or I'm missing something.

I don't know about the warranty.

[speezly]

My concern is that I do not have the spring properly set in the upper seat. Does this look normal to you? I have zero experience with lowering springs, but the stock springs touched the entire diameter of the seat, the HRs only touch on one side. Maybe they settle once the weight of the car is on them?

[cj91legss]

I'm thinking so.

[speezly]

Cool. Sorry for seeming like such a noob, I just wanted a second opinion before I put them on the car. Thanks man.

[Legacy777]

Are those pictures for the front or rear?

[speezly]

These pics are of the front strut assembly

[Legacy777]

I unfortunately don't have any pictures, but the strut top hat should have the marking "OUT" on it. This should be positioned so it's facing outward toward body.

The best I can do is show you what is in the factory manual. Go to page 38-39 of 351.

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... tion_4.zip

Can you take some pictures with the strut standing up and you taking a picture looking directly down at the strut?

[speezly]

I'm assuming the outer circle on the spring seat is the marker you were talking about. In this case that would mean it isn't aligned correctly, right?

[Legacy777]

Based on the diagram in the manual, no I don't believe how you have it is correct.

[speezly]

How about now? I lined up the markings according to the manual you posted.

[86BRATMAN]

Not sure what is going on with your bump stops and bellows but they're not correct either.

[speezly]

Lmao. Yeah, I'm pretty new to the entire strut assembly thing. I just went by the picture on the box that the bellows came in. The Oem stuff looked completely different, so that wasn't any reference for me. I thought I was smart enough to figure this out, but guess not. Does anyone have a pic of a properly assembled strut? What am I doing wrong?

[speezly]

Ok. Last time and I promise I'll stop asking....




Does this look to be correct?

[86BRATMAN]

Looks better, I think the real issue is the aftermarket bellows not fitting like oem. It's hard to judge off that pic but the widest part off the bump stop should be on the top. It acts as a progressive rate, getting stiffer the farther it gets stuffed. The stock bellows has a flat top with a round opening that makes it ride on top of the bump stop.


That's the best I have at the moment.


I wouldn't be so worried about the bump stops unless you plan on doing sweet jumps, but the bellows will help keep junk from getting on the strut rod that could be damaging to the seal.

[speezly]

I wish I was gonna be doing sweet jumps. Thank you guys so much for your help and patience.

[Legacy777]

Yeah, the top spring perch look to be installed correctly.

Also, I assume those are Whiteline's caster top mounts? If so, make sure you orient them the right way when installing things.

[speezly]

Yeah, those are the whitelines. Do you happen to know which setup would be more beneficial for the legacy? Mine will be a road going car, but not a daily driver. It will only see the track once a month, if that.

[Legacy777]

I would think you'd want as much caster as you can....but I don't know what that "max" setting is going to do for camber.

I think it also depends on how you drive. If you are very agressive, going for more camber may help even out the tire wear. If you drive normal to moderate I'd probably go for the lower setting. I run around -1 deg of camber on my cars and that helps handling, but istn't too bad on tires.