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Rear Strut Replacement

2.5K views 18 replies 5 participants last post by  piste  
depends what you are after. Check out Rallitek. I installed their B6 with overload spring on 16 OB and about to do same on my 18 trek. LOVE the ride. If you just fine with orig ride just do stock. I would obtain full assembly. have done spring disassemble and it adds a lot more effor and time. Do all four corners whatever you do. But start with...get them to cover replacement under warranty.
 
I have an Ascent as well and it just recently has one rear strut leaking. It has 101K miles on it. So those struts have held up quite well. 75K to 100K seems reasonable for replacement, but 43K on this Crosstrek seems like a faulty unit was at play.
Prolly. In many decades of driving and many vehicles...never had a strut leak. But as I say...I like to replace and upgrade in that 75 to 100 range regardless. +1 for Bilsteins and rallitek.
 
Rallitek can answer these questions too.

1. No, they should have all you need.

2. You will need an alignment, and they should be and to get it within stock spec without issue.

3. I don't think it will affect the CVT, but it could marginally decrease reliability of the affected parts such as CV shafts and suspension bushings. I doubt that only 1/2" will have a noticable affect on reliability tho.

4. I think it's fine. Some people get overload springs in the rear and leave stock springs in front so you're not doing anything that extreme.
+1 on Rallitek support and advice. Give Dallin a call.
 
That's funny you mentioned him. I wrote them asking about the hardware but then thought of all sorts of other questions, so I posted here. Dallin is the one who responded from RalliTEK.

In reference to your other comment about overload on all for corners, is the ride a bit harsh with that much spring rate? I think even the Sport option is advertised as 20% increase in spring rate. When you say squishy, does that mean stock squishy or just not where you want it if you're loading up your Crosstrek? Thanks for the input, it's really helpful in making the right decision.
I meant squishy like stock. I do not have anything negative to say about my set up. Actually....I have that installed on our OB and I am doing same on my XT next week. The stock suspension is pretty much toast for me around 70 to 80k miles. I loaded up the OB with a bunch of gravel bags at HD...handled it like a champ. Loaded or unloaded it is the sophisticated suspension that should have been in there Day one. These are not light cars and they need a beefy suspension. to me it signifies refinement. others like Cadillac. The ride is NOT at all harsh by my standards.
 
Right on. Might just take your advice then and go Overload on all fours. My only worry was the everyday ride on the road being very harsh. If that's no so bad and I get the added advantage of carrying capacity, it's a win. I've been contacted by an SoA rep and will see if they warranty. If so I will then have 4 functional units that I could sell to gain some return on the big money I might be spending on a RalliTEK setup.
I am only giving you my opinion and everyone is different. I find the everyday ride firm and confident but not at all harsh. Soaks up the crappy freeway stuff at speed and local pitted roads as well. Running Mich Cross Clim 2s. The test with the gravel bags was a winner for me. Was like the car was laughing..."that all you got?"