Hi Mr B, Me again. I did a fair bit of reading of the experiences in the USA and they appear to have had multiple occasions where within a few days of having had new springs fitted the original self levelling shocks have failed? I have to say this put me off the idea of just doing the springs as I just could not face doing it all twice! The shocks also appeared to possibly be expensive as well... I have sucessfully fitted new replacement units consisting Shock and Spring already assembled for ease, apparently designed to directly replace the original equipment. Ride height restored by about 20mm at the rear and level each side! Ride is very good again and the brakes work as well! Cost was £440 for the rear suspension all in which way undercut the money Subaru main dealer wanted. I have also asked Subaru why the vehicle is recalled in Japan and subject to a silent recall in USA and Canada but nothing in the UK? Basically their response was bad luck... I have asked the details are forwarded to Subaru Technical in Japan and have the old units under the bench at home pending any developments.. I wont hold my breath. Thank you very much for your advice. If any one else out there is reading this in trepidation of having to change theirs, dont worry. Took us, (me and wife) 90 mins first side then 55 mins second on the drive at home. Don't forget to disconnect what appears to be the self levelling sensor on the r/n/s lower arm, otherwise, 5 wheel nuts and 2 lower arm connection bolts to get the space to undo the lower shock mounting bolt and 2 top nuts then remove the unit pushing the lower arm out of the way. Watch fingers on the spring loaded front ?torsion? bar! it bites!. Thanks again for your advice, restores my faith in human nature a bit. Cheers NIgel P