legacycentral bbs

After reading the Suspension sticky and trying to dig up more specs about KYB's offerings on either, I can't find the real differences between the 90-91 BC rear strut (or front for that matter) and the 95-99 BD strut.

Just a stock application, and I'm planning on using the OEM 91 springs (which means 91 top hat, right) since they are still in good shape and I don't want a stiffer or lower ride.

Are the spring perches higher/lower on the BD strut than the BC? Stiffer? Softer? I see the extended length is only about 0.15" longer than the BC, but the stroke is the same.

I'm mostly inquiring because a set of 4 GR-2 for the BC is $200 MORE than a 4-set of GR-2 for a BD legacy. I can deal with slightly stiffer, but I don't want different ride height. Anyone have any info on these?

I measured the Monroe BD replacement (rear) for the spring perch to upper bolt CL at 7-9/16". I'll have the Monroe BC replacement in my hands later to measure.

UPDATE: Finally got my hands on the BC Monroe strut and the spring perch (plate) to upper bolt CL is 6-15/16"

So, it appears that the BD strut has the spring perch welded about 9/16" higher than the BC.

Since I don't mind a little extra height, I'm going to pull the trigger on the BD KYBs and see how they roll.

Thanks for the update and information, this is good to know.

Is the difference in spring perch height the same in the front and rear struts?

Haven't measured the fronts yet, but those are next. And I'm tearing down the rear end today, so I'll get some SxS pics of the OE rears and the KYB BD rears.

Well, I definitely underestimated how long bushings, bearings, struts, reboot and grease axles along with Ohio-proofing everything as I go... So I only got one side done tonight.

And I actually had a 20361AA401 on the pass. side, not the 901 for the turbo.. hmm.. and I measured the 401 at 7-3/16" and the 115 KYB at 7-5/8". Definitely different than the Monroes, and the height difference shouldn't be too bad compared to the ones on there.

And those suckers were BLOWN. Like, won't stay up. More like they'll try to compress themselves? Even upside down? Who knows..

UPDATE: After 300 miles, the car feels completely different! No more sway, rattles nor howling due to the bad camber.

Ride height is about perfect, for me. Haven't gotten a good weather day recently to take a pic, but there's only ~1.5" wheel gap and the sills sit nearly level now. MAYBE a touch higher in the rear, but I'd call it a big win. Mounted and installed like they belong there.

Thanks for the follow up and glad to hear you're happy with the setup.

UPDATE: I got a hold of a set of Monroe 71601 (BC) and 71444 (BD) and the 71601 measures 5 -1/32" and the 71444 is 5 -10/32" (both from the CL of the upper bolt hole to the bottom of the spring cup (just above the weld)).

Since the ride hight sits about level now, I think I'll run the OE KYBs for the BC. I would like ~1/2" drop though to close the gap... might have to cut a coil..

EDIT: I got curious and looked up KYB specs on the OE MY91 BC strut and MY02 WRX struts. The wagon specs are nearly identical, so I ordered a Monroe version to see what the height looks like.

Good info! let us know what the measurements are on the 91 BC.

If you don't mind, when you're done it'd be nice to have a single post compiling all this info.

Thanks