KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
This thread will show you how to install KYB AGX 4-way adjustable struts onto your turbo dodge. As we all know the KONI's were our only option for a quality and adjustable strut but, NO MORE. YOU ARE DOING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL
Struts are from the 93-01' Subaru Impreza RS. I got these from TireRack.com for 116.00 each on special plus 7$ shipping. I recommend replacing the strut mount and upper spring perch if your unsure of the condition of your current ones. For this install, I am using the eibach pro-kit but MP springs might be a easier/better fit, i'll address that later. Pictures are worth a thousand words so, here we go!......
KYB's are RED and factory is BLACK.
Here are the struts side-by-side. You can clearly see how similar the struts are.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00463.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00466.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00484.jpg
Here is are the strut bottoms. Same spacing to fit the spindle so no modifications needed here!
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00468.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00469.jpg
Here are the tops. This is were the first and most important modification need to be made. Stock is on the left.....notice how there is a "lip" after the threads on the KYB strut(right)but not on the stock strut(left)? This needs to filed/lathed down so that the strut mount can slide on. Also, notice how the stock strut goes down about 3/4 of an inch farther? If you keep the KYB strut the lenth it is and just machine down the lip area you won't have a lot of thread engagement. You can lose one of the washers for the strut mount to gain a little back and use a nylon lock nut if you wish. I had my struts lathed down the extra 3/4inch(see pic)so that I could have complete thread engagement and I highly recommend going this route. This is the "hardest" mod and it's not really hard, any reputable maching guy should be able to handle this job.
Stock on left
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00465.jpg
strut mount won't slide on...
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00478.jpg
after some dremel work....
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00477.jpg
slides on now
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00479.jpg
after lathe for extra room...
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00506.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00508.jpg
Here are the bottoms. This is the second mod, pretty easy. The holes don't line up so you need to make a template from the stock strut and copy it onto the KYB strut. The top hole will be fine but, you need to slot the bottom hole and then reweld. Picture will show better...
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00475.jpg
After slotting and rewelding....
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00511.jpg
Last thing, We had to adjust the spring seat just a hair for the springs to seat nicely. Just used a wrench and pryed down on the edges of the lower spring seat. The KYB AGX's have a seated area where the spring rest and the stock ones just are a lot wider and flat as you can see in the pictures. As an added measure, we added slots and installed hose clamps just to make sure these things weren't moving, overkill? Maybe, but better safe than sorry!
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00514.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00515.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00516.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00517.jpg
Here is the finished product! 4-way adjustable shock from a Subaru. Even better is that these Subaru's have a huge aftermarket! You could buy Koni's for the Subaru or coil-overs and use them instead of the KYB AGX's!!!:thumb: The possibilities are endless and they won't be getting discontinued anytime soon.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00509.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l7...a/DSC00512.jpg
I have to thank ADAM at HYD rally racing for giving me this info! I can't take credit. I did go a little farther with the lathe and such but, he is responsible for doing this mod years ago!! Thanks Adam!!
And I have to thank my friend Brian Slowe for doing all the mods, without his lathe and welding modifications skills I wouldn't be sharing this with you all! Thanks Brian!
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Very cool.
Is HYD the guys with the rally CSX with videos all over youtube?
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pat
Very cool.
Is HYD the guys with the rally CSX with videos all over youtube?
yes, thats Adam! His screen name is Rallycsx on the other forum. Please thank him and rate his videos!!
Struts will be installed tomorrow and I will keep everyone posted on impressions, etc. For the rear struts I will be using bilstien shocks off of a ford ranger pickup. I also got that from Adam. You need to use the bushing from your stock shock on the bilstein and everything else works as is.
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
sweet thanks for the great info!!!!!!! :hail::hail: For what you get the mods look minimal, and for gr2s vs a lil work i'll do the work! :D
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rx2mazda
yes, thats Adam! His screen name is Rallycsx on the other forum. Please thank him and rate his videos!!
Struts will be installed tomorrow and I will keep everyone posted on impressions, etc. For the rear struts I will be using bilstien shocks off of a ford ranger pickup. I also got that from Adam. You need to use the gushing from your stock shock on the bilstein and everything else works as is.
any chance of a write up on this, this should definatlly be in the KC! :eyebrows::clap:
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
I run DSM 1g fwd stuff on my omni....machine the spindles down, drill a hole, and money.
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
I knew there had to be an adjustable shock/strut set-up out there that would be adaptable to our cars...
Mike
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
thats some great info for sure!! thanks!!
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Nice! Other than the bottom hole mod they actually look closer to Daytona struts than than the neon struts do...
-Rich
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
What did you put these on and are there any before and after pics?
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike_Shepard
What did you put these on and are there any before and after pics?
I'd take a wild guess and say his R/T, :eyebrows: :thumb:
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
turbovanman
I'd take a wild guess and say his R/T, :eyebrows: :thumb:
Ding ding ding
I didn't get a chance to install them today, had to change my stupid cam seals. hopefully have before and after pics toomorrow!
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
I've been complaining about the lack of AGX for our car for ages. Ive got agx's for other cars sitting in boxes that i try to avoid looking at cuz they just make me jealous. Cheap adjustable yummy!
This is super awesome for these cars. Cant wait to hear driving impressions!
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Alright guys, got the struts installed a few days ago. Went pretty easy besides one issue; we used the stock top hole and modified the bottom hole, bolted up fine but once I tried to set the camber I couldn't get it into spec. I was at positive camber on both sides, passenger side was in spec at .4+ camber and left was out of spec at 1.2+. Just need to bring the top hole closer to make it all better. If you do this mod just make sure you use the template from a stock strut to get the spacing right, not only for the holes distance from each other but, also for the holes distance from the strut. Lesson learned.
Other than that I love the struts! Drove around trying to find the best settings for the street and settled at "2", "3" is a little too hard and "4" is like being in a horse and buggy. I post some more pics when I get a chance.
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!
Glad to hear that you are having success with them on the car. That is pretty sweet.
Re: KYB AGX adjustable strut install on TD!!!!