I am not certain, but I believe that KYB manufactures the struts for Subaru; at any rate, the replacement KYB struts are similar to OEM and have worked fine in our 2011. As for Bilstein, the B6s are more "sporty" than the B4s and will deliver a more firm ride. The B4s are a replacement for stock, but still seem to be a bit more firm that the OE struts.

 

Thanks. I think that answers my question. The HD springs added enouigh stiffness so KYB is prob ok here. As long as they are on par with OEM (or are OEM).

 

Bilstein B6. Anything else and your suspension will be underdamped with Rallitek springs

 

I have Rallitek springs and B6's on my 2015. The ride is certainly more stiff and planted but I would not say harsh. I do regularly have a hitch mounted bike rack and a large roof box and the stiffer suspension definitely helps with the car still handling well when loaded. I also like the more sporty feel when unloaded. I guess it really comes down to what you're wanting/needing for your use. My opinion for what I was looking for I dont think that I would have wanted anything less stiff for my needs.

 

Lot's of info here:

RalliTEK Springs

I was looking to add a little height to my 2017 Outback. I was looking into ADF Lifts and LP Aventure, but than start seeing threads that people were having problems with them, vibration, clearance issues, etc. Than I came across RalliTEK. I knew they always offered overload springs for the...

www.subaruoutback.org

and here:

RalliTek .75" springs with Bilstein B4's or...

I have a 2018 Outback 3.6 running 235/65/17 (if that matters). I was looking at improving the suspension for better back road usage. Looking at either Bilstein B4's or the KYB with the RalliTek (see below) .075 lift for both front and rear. I wouldn't mind the little lift these provide, but...

www.subaruoutback.org

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Personally I would (and did!) go for the Bilsteins. Anything else would be too soft.

 

I really like my KYB with the King springs Stiff but not harsh.

 

2016 Outback with 101k here. I just replaced the original springs/struts two weeks ago and went with Rallitek O" Overload Springs and the KYB struts. Last weekend we went on a road trip through windy mountain roads, drove on the beach, and some light off-roading with 2 adults and a few hundred pounds of gear. It rode like a DREAM. Tough to say which upgrade deserves more credit for the change in feeling, though. I ordered through the guys at PREracing in Portland, OR and they explained the differences in feel of OEM, KYB, and Bilstein as (in order of increasing stiffness) OEM --> KYB --> Bilstein. KYB is substantially cheaper than OEM with no sacrifice in quality. A few of the guys in the shop have KYB and a few have Bilstein. I guess it just comes down to personal preference in stiffness and how you plan on using it. I don't do anything too hardcore, so KYB seemed like the better fit.

 

Ok, lame question. Would you consider the Struts / Springs assembly (KYB) as opposed to purchasing them separately? I ask as I do not have a Spring compression tool.

 

I went with KYB quickstruts (strut & spring assy) in the rear along with a 19MM sway bay with new bushings and end links. Very happy with the result. For DIY that's what I would go with.
You'l need a 4 wheel alignment after the work but you probably already know that.