TrulyLost Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 Apologies if these have been answered before but I seem to be getting conflicting answers during my searches! I have a 2005 XT, I want to use it for towing a single axle trailer with a Cooper S/Punto race car, however when I hooked the trailer up to the car, it was far too low, the lowest point of the trailer was about cm off the road (the jockey wheel), when we tried to tow it began hitting the road! I looked under the car and the SLS has been replaced with Monroes suspension The rear suspension is lower than the front, from reading on here, the rear should be level if not higher than the front. However when I went to Peddlers website to look a their options, it says it will restore the factory ride height of 665mm (link: https://pedders.co.uk/pedders-subaru-forester-sg-ezifit-rear-suspension-conversion-kit-standard-height-803040), however when I measured the rear ride height of my car it was 680 mm from the ground to the top of the wheel arch, the front measured 750mm from ground to top of the wheel arch. Is peddlers correct? Is my rear ride correct? Surely it cannot be right if the jockey wheel is hitting the ground? I'd also like to go for the KYB, as it seems to be the better option from reading on here. But given I would need to order everything individually, would anyone be able to tell me what parts/part numbers I need? I want to put all new parts in so won't be reusing anything if possible. So with that I mind I think I need (for the rear at first anyway!): A. Strut B. Coil Springs C. Top Hat D. Dust cap (?) Is there anything else I might be missing? Given we're all locked down, I'd like to give this a go myself having never worked on suspension like this before!! Some pictures: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 I would suspect you have wrong springs on the monroe shock, the spring is specific to SLS or non SLS and is a chance SLS spring been used and that result in low height and sagging quickly with trailer tongue weight . Do your measuring again as service data diagram below as measuring from ground no good as different tyre/wheel combo's give different heights and pedders stupid for using measures like that . For guidance look at this thread > You will need buy a spring compressor tool and may also need buy new rear drop links as if rusted they easier cut off and new fitted (If both sides of rear off ground when doing the job then don't really need disconnect drop link but lifting 1 side at a time drop link does need be detached at one point) I will link parts below, if buy today on eBay you will get 15% discount (PURCHASE15) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 Parts . KYB Rear right shock kyb 334344 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shock-Absorber-Single-Handed-Rear-Right-334344-KYB-20360SA000-20360SA0009L-New/333627732997 Rear left shock kyb 334345 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shock-Absorber-Single-Rear-Left-334345-KYB-Damper-20360SA010-Quality-New/233870608959 Heavy duty springs (x2) RA6028 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coil-Spring-Rear-RA6028-KYB-Suspension-Genuine-Top-Quality-Guaranteed-New/233872804339 Bump stop and boot protection kit (covers 2 shocks, 2 boots and 2 bump stops) kyb 910046 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shock-Absorber-Dust-Cover-Kit-Rear-910046-KYB-Protect-20371AA040-20371AA041-New/333794666126 15% off on above parts from seller carpartsinmotion today until 23:59:59 (code: PURCHASE15) Strut top mount (x2) kyb SM5422 (doubt you absolutely need replace these) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-REAR-AXLE-TOP-STRUT-MOUNTING-PAIR-SET-KYB-OE-QUALITY-REPLACEMENT-SM5422/113851373064 Springs sold as pair from this seller will be bit cheaper https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Kayaba-RA6028-Rear-Suspension-Coil-Springs/223592428085 spring compressor tool https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2pc-EXTRA-LONG-HEAVY-DUTY-COIL-SPRING-COMPRESSOR-370mm-SUSPENSION-CLAMP-TOOL-SET/130740749096 I would buy 2 of these and use 3 clamps to compress spring (improves safety and makes compressing HD springs easier) * DO NOT GIVE SELLERS YOUR CAR DETAILS AS THEY LIKELY CANCEL ORDER AS PARTS WILL NOT MATCH VIA COMPUTER AS YOUR CAR WILL SHOW AS SLS * We use carpartsinmotion as Devon office not far from us and they cheaper on lot of things by huge amount for preferred brands compared to our trade accounts at local factors ... Hope that helps .... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrulyLost Posted February 8, 2021 Author Share Posted February 8, 2021 On 2/4/2021 at 1:32 PM, Mr B said: Parts . KYB Rear right shock kyb 334344 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shock-Absorber-Single-Handed-Rear-Right-334344-KYB-20360SA000-20360SA0009L-New/333627732997 Rear left shock kyb 334345 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shock-Absorber-Single-Rear-Left-334345-KYB-Damper-20360SA010-Quality-New/233870608959 Heavy duty springs (x2) RA6028 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coil-Spring-Rear-RA6028-KYB-Suspension-Genuine-Top-Quality-Guaranteed-New/233872804339 Bump stop and boot protection kit (covers 2 shocks, 2 boots and 2 bump stops) kyb 910046 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shock-Absorber-Dust-Cover-Kit-Rear-910046-KYB-Protect-20371AA040-20371AA041-New/333794666126 15% off on above parts from seller carpartsinmotion today until 23:59:59 (code: PURCHASE15) Strut top mount (x2) kyb SM5422 (doubt you absolutely need replace these) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-REAR-AXLE-TOP-STRUT-MOUNTING-PAIR-SET-KYB-OE-QUALITY-REPLACEMENT-SM5422/113851373064 Springs sold as pair from this seller will be bit cheaper https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Kayaba-RA6028-Rear-Suspension-Coil-Springs/223592428085 spring compressor tool https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2pc-EXTRA-LONG-HEAVY-DUTY-COIL-SPRING-COMPRESSOR-370mm-SUSPENSION-CLAMP-TOOL-SET/130740749096 I would buy 2 of these and use 3 clamps to compress spring (improves safety and makes compressing HD springs easier) * DO NOT GIVE SELLERS YOUR CAR DETAILS AS THEY LIKELY CANCEL ORDER AS PARTS WILL NOT MATCH VIA COMPUTER AS YOUR CAR WILL SHOW AS SLS * We use carpartsinmotion as Devon office not far from us and they cheaper on lot of things by huge amount for preferred brands compared to our trade accounts at local factors ... Hope that helps .... Thank you very much for the detailed replies! I mainly want to replace the top mounts due to piece of mind/ I want to learn / slightly terrified of trying to take them off the old springs! I do need to measure again when I get a chance. I've begun spraying WD40 on the bolts that I'll be taking off, trying to make sure nothing snaps or really resists me. I plan on jacking the car up from the rear diff so both side should be off the ground. As I understand it that should mean all I have to remove are the two strut bolts into the hub carrier and the 3 in the cabin, am I missing anything else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted February 9, 2021 Share Posted February 9, 2021 Generally rear top mounts in great order as they do very little, if heavy corrosion or rubber dry rotting then wise replace . Save yourself good £80 using current top mounts if good and they easy remove, spring compressor no real drama if done with some thought such as oil threads on spring clamp tools and seat them properly and evenly . I done some work in japan many years ago and salvage guys use to strip struts with impact gun with strut lying cardboard and feet resting on top hat while zip nut off, strut doesn't shoot across the floor like a torpedo but needs be done with some basic diligence . If you got an air impact or Battery impact you undo strut to top mount nut easily, without that you have improvise such as using grips on strut rod (do not damage chrome surface and only do on new ones as last resort) or by making/buying a pass through tool (old socket with flats cut/ground for wrench and access through drive square can work) Like you say very little disconnect and should be easy as been done fairly recently although by looks of vehicle rear height with wrong new springs (probably sls spec springs) or old sls springs reused . An extendable 1/2" ratchet such as this can be very useful for strut bolts if your tool kit bit minimal, they quite decent heavy duty ratchets if lightly grease ratchet mechanism and pinch the clevis torx screw good and tight . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TriEdAndTestEd Posted May 2, 2021 Share Posted May 2, 2021 I have a similar problem with rear suspension on my 2006 2.5XT. After MOT fail last year I got original rear SLS replaced with cheap aftermarket parts (I did not know about SLS then). Now I have the low rear ride height problem. Looking at resolving this with parts from either subaru4you or pedders. Is there anything to choose between the two? Pedders are quite a bit more expensive but I might not mind paying extra if they are better quality/more reliable. http://www.subaru4you.co.uk/suspension/forestersgslshox.shtml https://pedders.co.uk/pedders-subaru-forester-sg-ezifit-rear-suspension-conversion-kit-standard-height-803040 Many thanks in advance for your advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 Get the Japan made kyb excel G shocks and the matching non sls RA6028 springs and you done proper for under £200 . https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323874493110?epid=248894226&hash=item4b686c92b6:g:XXsAAOSw0eNdQ~n5 If you used original springs that why it still sags and if replacement springs sls spec then it still sags. Hard beat KYB and the shocks and springs as listed in this thread are proper non SLS spec that give ride height in service spec range . What shocks did you use ? is likely just the RA6028 springs on shocks you got will give correct height . Pedders are decent enough but they overpriced and companies are milking fact most people clueless and assume it hard get other normal options which isn't the case . 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 20% off the KYB struts via carpartsinmotion on eBay until May 7 (PRICEWINS) bargain at £46 for made in japan part . I'll be making most of it put some common decent preferred quality parts in stock and maybe a few carlyle tools . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TriEdAndTestEd Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 On 5/3/2021 at 3:37 AM, Mr B said: Get the Japan made kyb excel G shocks and the matching non sls RA6028 springs and you done proper for under £200 . https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323874493110?epid=248894226&hash=item4b686c92b6:g:XXsAAOSw0eNdQ~n5 If you used original springs that why it still sags and if replacement springs sls spec then it still sags. Hard beat KYB and the shocks and springs as listed in this thread are proper non SLS spec that give ride height in service spec range . What shocks did you use ? is likely just the RA6028 springs on shocks you got will give correct height . Pedders are decent enough but they overpriced and companies are milking fact most people clueless and assume it hard get other normal options which isn't the case . Embarrassed to say I have lost all records of the shocks I used! I suppose it would be worth trying the RA6028 springs with the shocks I have and if not satisfactory then order the kyb parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 ^ Sounds like a plan I have seen some of the cheap off brand eBay struts turn out short as the spring perch sits lower than should . most of the time it down to people using the wrong springs (new SLS springs as if part match via vehicle reg/vin that what computer show correct part) or reusing the old SLS springs . If you like saving money do not buy any cheap brand suspension parts because they are all garbage either in fitment/spec or durability . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TriEdAndTestEd Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 56 minutes ago, Mr B said: ^ Sounds like a plan I have seen some of the cheap off brand eBay struts turn out short as the spring perch sits lower than should . most of the time it down to people using the wrong springs (new SLS springs as if part match via vehicle reg/vin that what computer show correct part) or reusing the old SLS springs . If you like saving money do not buy any cheap brand suspension parts because they are all garbage either in fitment/spec or durability . Thanks for getting back to me. I retraced my steps online and found the parts I used!!! They are these Ridex shocks; https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/ridex/8002080 https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/ridex/8002079 Any idea if they will work with RA6028 springs? Thanks again for your patience in answering all things shock related 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 Not a shock I recall dealing with, looks about right length in images . Do you know the springs you got . SLS springs have roughly 12.5mm thick coils , light duty springs 13.5mm and the RA6028 are 14.5mm rust and coatings differ measures fractionally but if you measure under 13mm you can be pretty sure it sls springs and if under 14mm light duty springs and benefit from RA6028 . Lot of the cheap and even known brand springs are not great spec and can be slightly short or lose height in couple weeks of use . Only ones we genererally use are KYB springcoil custom springs or oem and perhaps kilen suplex when needs must . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TriEdAndTestEd Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 I must still have the original sls springs in there as I didn't buy any others. I went for a quick fix at the time as I had a lot on. The garage who did the work just swapped the shocks but kept the old springs in. This would explain the sag of course. Unfortunately I disposed of the old sls shocks as I didn’t realise they have recondition value. So I will try the RA6028 springs with Ridex shocks and see how I get on. Will post some before and after pics for future ref. Thanks again for your advice 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 ^ should be an easy low cost fix then. Use the image in post above which subaru service manual data to measure your before and after heights . Drive a few days before do final height measures . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TriEdAndTestEd Posted May 27, 2021 Share Posted May 27, 2021 On 5/5/2021 at 11:45 PM, Mr B said: ^ should be an easy low cost fix then. Use the image in post above which subaru service manual data to measure your before and after heights . Drive a few days before do final height measures . Finally got my rear springs changed and it made a great improvement in ride height as you can see from the before and after screenshots (after pic taken after 60 miles driving) So this is KYB RA6028 springs with Ridex shocks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B Posted May 27, 2021 Share Posted May 27, 2021 looks pretty close to factory height . measure it from wheel centre to arch folded lip and compare to the chart . If do want/need tweak height further you could add 5mm to 10mm spacer above the top hats (can buy these pretty cheap online) . Spacers are not a 1 to 1 ratio, add a 5mm spacer any you gain closer to 7mm measured at wheel to arch ... Go enjoy the Fozzy now it got it;s dignity back ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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