Subaru WRX 2008-2014 GR Coilover Install Instructions

 

 

Welcome to the Subaru WRX GR 2008–2014 coilover installation instructions guide. This detailed walkthrough provides step-by-step directions to ensure a smooth and successful installation of your Function and Form Coilover kit. We’ve included the recommended tools, precise torque specifications straight from the manufacturer, and other essential tips to help you throughout the process. Although this guide focuses on the Function and Form Type 2 Coilover kit, it is also applicable to our Type 3, and Type 4 systems, all designed to fit the WRX platform. For reference, our test vehicle was a Subaru WRX equipped with 235/45/r17 performance-oriented tire setup. After installation, we recommend scheduling an alignment about a week later to allow the suspension to settle and deliver optimal performance. A video link is provided at the end of this post for those who prefer a visual guide.

The Subaru WRX GR, produced from 2008 to 2014, stands as a true icon in performance automotive history, blending rally heritage with modern engineering. Its wide-body design and finely tuned suspension—featuring a front MacPherson strut setup and a double wishbone rear system—offer exceptional grip and precise handling on both the street and the track. This advanced suspension not only enhances the vehicle’s dynamic performance but also provides an excellent foundation for aftermarket upgrades like our Function and Form coilover. As you proceed with this installation guide, you’ll gain an appreciation for the meticulous engineering behind the WRX GR and be well-equipped to optimize its handling characteristics to suit your driving style.

 

TOOLS NEEDED

Sockets:  19mm, 17mm, 14mm, 13mm, 12mm, 10mm.

Wrenches:  19mm.

Allen wrench:

Impact wrench.

Ratchet.

Torque wrench.

Rubber mallet.

Pry bar.

Spanner wrenches (provided with kit).

Measuring tape (provided with kit).

Floor jack.

Jack stands.

Flashlight (optional).

 

 

Before beginning the installation, measure the distance from the center of each wheel to the fender for both the front and rear.

Determine your desired ride height adjustment, then write down these measurements for reference.

Measurements before install:

Front: 14 ½”

Rear: 14 ½”

Goal:

Front: 14

Rear: 14

 

 

Safely lift the vehicle using the designated jack points.

Remove the wheels using a 19mm socket.

Unbolt the brake line bracket by removing the bolt with a 12mm socket.

Unbolt the ABS sensor by removing the bolt with a 12mm socket.

 

 

Remove the lower mount from the spindle using a 19mm socket and a 19mm wrench.

Keep the spindle positioned close to the engine to prevent the axle from popping out.

Remove the top hat nuts with a 13mm socket, then remove the strut.

 

 

The OEM strut measures 17 ½ inches from the center of the top hole of the lower mount to the top hat.

To achieve a 1-inch drop, adjust the Type 2 coilover to 15 ½ inches.

ATTENTION: Do not adjust ride height using the spring perches, as they are intended for spring preload adjustment only.

Click here for video on how to reset preload.

 

 

Install the coilover and hand-tighten the top hat nuts.

Place the lower mount bolts with the camber bolt in the top hole, then torque the lower mount bolts using a 19mm socket and a 19mm wrench to 114.3 lb-ft.

Reattach the brake line bracket and torque it down using a 12mm socket to 24 lb-ft.

Reattach the ABS sensor with a 12mm socket and torque it to 24 lb-ft.

Use a spanner wrench to lock the lower mount into place.

Replace the top hat nuts with the provided nylon nuts and torque them with a 14mm socket to 14.5 lb-ft.

 

 

Reinstall the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 90 lb-ft.

This concludes the front coilover installation for the Subaru WRX.

 

 

REAR INSTALLATION

Remove the trunk center carpet to reveal the top mounting location for the suspension.

Loosen, but do not remove, the top hat nuts using a 14mm socket.

Remove the rear wheels with a 19mm socket.

 

 

Support the rear lower control arms with a jack.

 Remove the endlink bolt using a 14mm socket.

Remove the strut lower mount bolt using a 17mm socket.

Loosen the spindle nut with a 17mm socket (do not remove it).

Remove the 17mm subframe bolt and lower the control arm.

 

 

Next, remove the top hat nuts with a 14mm socket, then remove the strut.

Adjust the coilover to the desired height, measuring from the center of the eyelet to the top hat (we adjusted the rear coilover to 16 ¼ inches).

Install the coilover by first hand-tightening the top hat nuts.

 

 

Reinstall the lower control arm to the subframe and torque the bolt to 66.4 lb-ft using a 17mm socket.

Torque the lower mount bolt to 88.5 lb-ft using a 17mm socket.

Torque the endlink nut to 28 lb-ft using a 14mm socket.

Finally, torque the spindle bolt to 66.4 lb-ft.

 

 

Use spanner wrenches to lock the lower mount into place.

Next, torque the top hat nuts to 14.5 lb-ft using a 12mm socket.

Reinstall the wheels and torque the lug nuts to 90 lb-ft using a 19mm socket.

Adjust the dampening to the driver’s preference, then reinstall the trunk lining.

This completes the Subaru WRX coilover install instructions; we recommend scheduling a professional alignment one week after installation to allow the suspension to settle properly.

 

 

(Video Link)

Learn about us here

Follow us on Instagram