COMPLETESTRUTS Front & Rear Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs – 2006-2008 Subaru Forester Set of 4: Our Comprehensive Review

After thousands of miles testing these COMPLETESTRUTS assemblies on our project 2007 Subaru Forester, we can confidently say this is one of the most satisfying suspension upgrades we’ve performed. If you’re experiencing that telltale bouncy ride, clunking noises over bumps, or uneven tire wear on your 2006-2008 Forester, this complete strut assembly set might be exactly what your Subaru needs to feel new again.

What immediately impressed us was the comprehensive nature of this kit—you’re getting four complete, ready-to-install strut assemblies with coil springs already mounted. No need to rent spring compressors or risk the dangers of disassembling old struts. We simply removed the old units and bolted these in, saving hours of labor and potential safety hazards.

Why We Recommend Complete Strut Assemblies Over Individual Components

During our evaluation, we compared the installation process of these complete assemblies against traditional strut replacement methods. The difference is night and day. With COMPLETESTRUTS, we eliminated the need for specialized spring compression tools, dramatically reduced installation time, and removed the safety concerns associated with compressed coil springs.

Our mechanic completed the full four-corner installation in approximately three hours—a job that would typically take six to eight hours when dealing with individual strut components. For DIY enthusiasts with moderate mechanical skills, this translates to a weekend project rather than a multi-day ordeal.

Unboxing and First Impressions: Quality You Can See and Feel

When the COMPLETESTRUTS package arrived, we were immediately impressed by the protective packaging. Each strut assembly was individually wrapped and secured to prevent shipping damage—a detail that speaks to the manufacturer’s attention to quality control.

Inspecting each unit closely, we noted:

Robust Construction: The strut bodies feature a corrosion-resistant finish that should withstand harsh winter conditions and road salt exposure
Pre-Assembled Spring Seats: All components were properly aligned and torqued, eliminating guesswork during installation
Quality Coil Springs: The springs demonstrated consistent coil spacing and professional powder coating
Complete Hardware Kit: Mounting bolts, nuts, and washers were included—no last-minute trips to the hardware store
Protective Boot Covers: Dust boots were properly seated to protect internal components from contamination

Installation Experience: Straightforward for the Home Mechanic

We approached this installation with our 2007 Forester that had 142,000 miles and original, worn-out struts. The process was remarkably straightforward, requiring only common tools: a socket set, wrenches, jack stands, and a torque wrench.

Each corner followed the same basic procedure: support the vehicle safely, remove the wheel, disconnect the brake line bracket, remove the upper strut mounting nuts from inside the engine bay (front) or cargo area (rear), disconnect the lower mounting bolts, and swap the assemblies. The pre-assembled nature of these COMPLETESTRUTS units meant we simply reversed the removal process.

One tip we discovered: Applying anti-seize compound to the mounting studs made installation smoother and will make future service easier. We also took the opportunity to inspect brake components and wheel bearings while everything was apart.

On-Road Performance: The Transformation We Didn’t Expect

The real test came during our first drive after installation. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Our Forester went from a wallowing, bouncy ride to a controlled, confident driving experience that reminded us why we love these vehicles.

Ride Quality Improvements We Measured

Over our 500-mile break-in period, we documented several dramatic improvements:

Handling and Stability: Highway lane changes that previously required correction now felt planted and predictable. The Forester tracked straight without the wandering sensation we’d grown accustomed to with worn struts.

Bump Absorption: Road imperfections that used to send jarring impacts through the cabin were now absorbed properly. Speed bumps and potholes no longer created that unsettling secondary bounce that characterized our old suspension.

Body Roll Reduction: Cornering felt dramatically improved, with significantly less body lean during turns. Our Forester maintained a more level stance, inspiring confidence during spirited driving on winding roads.

Braking Performance: Nose dive during braking was substantially reduced. The front end stayed more composed, allowing the anti-lock braking system to work more effectively and reducing stopping distances.

Durability Observations After Extended Testing

We’ve now put several thousand miles on these COMPLETESTRUTS assemblies across various conditions—highway cruising, rough country roads, fully loaded camping trips, and even some light off-road trails. The performance has remained consistent without any signs of degradation.

The protective boot covers show no signs of tearing or displacement, indicating they’re doing their job keeping contaminants away from the strut shafts. We’ve also inspected for any fluid leakage during routine maintenance, finding the seals completely dry and intact.

The coil springs have maintained their ride height perfectly. We measured ground clearance before installation and again at 3,000 miles—no sagging detected. This is particularly important for Subaru owners who depend on consistent ground clearance for light off-road capability.

Value Proposition: What You’re Really Getting

When we calculated the total cost of ownership, these COMPLETESTRUTS assemblies represented exceptional value compared to alternative approaches. Consider what you’re getting in this complete package:

Four complete strut assemblies with premium strut cartridges
Four heavy-duty coil springs rated for your Forester’s weight
All mounting hardware and components pre-assembled
Elimination of dangerous spring compression procedures
Reduced installation labor (saving $400-600 if professionally installed)
No need to rent or purchase spring compression tools ($50-200 value)

For comparison, purchasing individual struts, springs, and mounting components separately would cost approximately the same or more, while requiring significantly more time and specialized equipment.

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Perfect Compatibility for 2006-2008 Subaru Forester Models

These COMPLETESTRUTS assemblies are specifically engineered for 2006, 2007, and 2008 Subaru Forester models. During our research and installation, we verified fitment across multiple trim levels, and we’re pleased to report perfect compatibility.

The bolt patterns, spring rates, and strut travel are precisely matched to Subaru’s specifications for these model years. We experienced no clearance issues, no modifications required, and all mounting points aligned perfectly with factory locations.

This direct-fit design is crucial for maintaining your Forester’s intended handling characteristics and ensuring proper geometry for tire wear and alignment. After installation, we had our Forester professionally aligned, and the technician reported all specifications came into range easily with normal adjustments.