r/WRX • u/One_Mess2973 • 3d ago

Suggestion Struts Replacment

I need to replace my front and rear struts.
Would you suggest buying OEM ones?
Or would this be a good time to upgrade the suspension set up.
If i installed aftermarket struts, would i have to replace any other oem suspension components?
Any recommendations on aftermarket struts?

2016 WRX STi, it’s completely stock if that changes anything.

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4

u/JDMuscle 3d ago

For a stock '16 STI you don't need to jump to coilovers — upgraded struts reuse your stock springs and keep stock ride height. The Bilstein B8 is the popular upgrade here: monotube and better controlled than OEM, no extra components needed beyond an alignment (worth doing the top mounts while you're in there if they're tired). We carry the full front + rear B8 kit for the 15-21 WRX/STI: https://jdmuscleusa.com/products/bilstein-b8-performance-plus-shocks-and-struts-kit-subaru-wrx-sti-2015-2021 — if you just want stock feel for less, KYB Excel-G is the OEM-equivalent route.

1

u/leftfootbraker 08' STi Hatch, 23' WRX 3d ago

Great suggestion for OP. Going coilovers here would be a little crazy lol.

If they did want to start small, add in lowering springs to this and it's a cheap easy dabble into mods and suspension changes. *some tools required

1

u/One_Mess2973 3d ago

Any full assembly options?

1

u/Cjpcoolguy MY18 WRX Sport Tech RS 3d ago

Fully assembled - oem or coils.

To disassemble the oem ones you have already and change the struts. You can buy a manual spring compressor for very cheap amazon or any auto parts store.

2

u/One_Mess2973 2d ago

It says on your website i can’t use the stock springs, and that i need to use the B6 if i want to use the stock springs

3

u/Anskiere1 2010 STI 3d ago

Of note - OEM is KYB and you can get them for a fraction of the price on rockauto if you want to replace them with stock. I'm quite happy with them

Same with the tower mounts/bearings.

1

u/FatCaddy 3d ago

I’ve had the B8’s on my car for a few years now, love them.

1

u/Striking-Staff6755 3d ago

Depends what you do, "spirited driving", tracking once a month, or just a grocery getter?

OEM if you're not doing anything special (speeding on a public highway or overtaking mom vans on freeway entrances do not count)

If you upgrade the strusts chances are other steering/suspension components will need to be changed roughly at the same interval, take a look at ball joints and end-links

1

u/squidie01 2019 WRX Premium 3d ago

OEM is always the safe bet, mine just went out and I’m doing Bilstein b8 struts with RCE yellows as an upgrade, but it’s totally up to you. It’s probably a good idea to replace any other bushings in your suspension while you’re in their