Lift Problems....help?

[dgsblb2]

So I recently lifted my 99 OBS with 04 Forester suspension and had my trans pretty much rebuilt. I'm almost positive the CV joints are binding now. They were making a gnarly clicking sound upon acceleration at first and my axles were under warranty and were replaced. Now it's kind of shaking side to side in second gear and the motor is moving all over the place.

Is there any possibility my trans was messed up somehow or is it definitely my CV joints?

My main question: If it is my CV joints, is there a U-joint axle that I can put in so I won't have any more worries?

Are there any other options? I know that there are a lot of people out there that have done this; how can I be the only one with these issues?

I don't want to go back to stock...http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/images/smilies/sadbanana.gif

The overall lift was about 3.5 inches.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/wyndam/P4180105.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/wyndam/P4180110.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/wyndam/P4180104.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/wyndam/P4180108.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/wyndam/P4180109.jpg

[subymike]

Hey Wyndam,

I am here in Chico (we are friends on FB haha (Michael Seidman). Wondering if you got this figured out? I am just about to lift my 02 wrx and want to make sure everything will go smoothly. Also did they have to do anything special to align it?

Thanks
Mike

[Skemcin]

Probably didn't have OEM drive axles to begin with - I'd replace your axles iwth OEM first before worrying about anything else.

[98obster]

Hopefully things will settle down some but I'm afraid 3.5" is getting a little beyond the the potential of the halfshafts (fronts). Our OBSs have had wonderful results with 98-01 Forester springs/struts because it is a modest 2-2.5" lift. As the years go by we may now have to replace the tired struts in the same springs or buy aftermarket 98-01 forester setups (KYB). The distance between the spring perch and top strut bolt is about 1.5-2" longer in the '04 FXT strut compared to the '99 IIRC. I might suggest you keep the springs and find "shorter" fozzy struts.

here is what you are experiencing: On the inner part of the half axles left and right, the axle (inner race) is being pulled away from the center of the the outer race enough that it rocks up and down (along the axis of the roll pin) as the axle turns. This is where the angles suffer (not at the wheel hub). the angle may even be enough that the axle rubs on the outer race rim. Look at the boot and see how much it opens on top.

Regardless of the era of Forester struts/springs used, you will eventually need to replace both driveshafts if the originals have significant mileage. I've had great success with EMPI axles from autopartswarehouse.

Again, things might settle down some but be prepared for axle changes.

BTW, looks awesome. bigger tyres now eh?

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=122152

[wagonryan]

Have you thought about the legacy outback subframe spacer kit? I've heard that should help with the CV angles a bit. I'll be testing this out soon on my obs. 04 fxt suspension with 1" strut top spacers. I'll be making 2" subframe blocks to correct the geometry. I'll report back with my findings.