It's 2019 now, what are my FWD strut options?

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Mr.Pessimist
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It's 2019 now, what are my FWD strut options?

Post by Mr.Pessimist »

I've been out of the loop for a number of years now, and it's time to replace my old worn out GR2s. I wanted to just put new GR2s in, but it looks like they're not manufactured anymore. What are these Excel-G struts? KYB suggests them as OEM replacement, but I want sports car style dampening, not OEM family sedan dampening. Looks like I can't get AGXs for rears either.

So with GR2s off the table, what are my options?
~Ross
1993 FWD 5MT Green NA Legacy
Legacy777
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Re: It's 2019 now, what are my FWD strut options?

Post by Legacy777 »

I believe the Excel-G struts are the replacement for the GR2's. Have you tried emailing KYB? When I emailed them in the past their customer service and providing technical information was pretty good.
Josh

surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT

If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
Mr.Pessimist
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Re: It's 2019 now, what are my FWD strut options?

Post by Mr.Pessimist »

You are right Josh.

Per KYB: "The Excel-G and GR-2 are identical, except for the product name and paint color."
~Ross
1993 FWD 5MT Green NA Legacy
jamal
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Re: It's 2019 now, what are my FWD strut options?

Post by jamal »

Correct, Excel G = GR2. And, well, they still aren't sports car dampers. I question the claims that the GR2 were firmer than oem. Still the best option for a FWD. Otherwise you're getting crappy gabriels from autozone or something.

Part numbers for a 90-91 FWD are:
235063
235064
235071
235072

92-94 FWD
334111
334112
235073
235074

The AGX is still made in 92-94 AWD fitment (same as 93-01 impreza).
peter@functionauto.com
Legacy777
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Re: It's 2019 now, what are my FWD strut options?

Post by Legacy777 »

I had Monroes initially and can tell you first hand the GR2's are slightly stiffer and much better.
Josh

surrealmirage.com/subaru
1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
2020 Outback Limted XT

If you need to get a hold of me please email me rather then pm
Mr.Pessimist
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Re: It's 2019 now, what are my FWD strut options?

Post by Mr.Pessimist »

I certainly noticed a difference when I first installed my GR2s, but then again, my original struts were probably pretty worn by then.
~Ross
1993 FWD 5MT Green NA Legacy
jamal
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Re: It's 2019 now, what are my FWD strut options?

Post by jamal »

Yeah that's my point.

Are gr2s better than monroes? yes.

Are brand new struts of any type better than 30 year old stock parts? again yes.

Is a new gr2 "15%" stiffer than a new oem strut? That I question.
peter@functionauto.com
Subiekid94
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Re: It's 2019 now, what are my FWD strut options?

Post by Subiekid94 »

Old post but for future information AWD 1g impreza coilovers will fit the rear of a fwd car, I currently have a fwd car on airlift 3p with 1g impreza top hats and another with rev9 1g impreza coilovers and both fit with no issue. I encountered camber issues on the air ride set up and had to use camber bolts in the back to correct it though.
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