subaru suspension lift for my '98 OBS

[chadder]

I have a question about my 98 impreza outback sport. I have read that you can gain an easy couple of inches by swapping the stock impreza struts with those off of a legacy, legacy outback, and forester models. My first question, Is this simply a bolt up ZERO modification job? Second, can anyone tell me the gain in ride height to be expected from the use of each of these models struts on my Outback Sport?

[BlackParis]

http://bumpinrs.jokers-cards.com/WRXonFXTsuspension.jpg

Like this! ;)

or:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j208/boswan/liftedOBS.jpg

They should just bolt in, no problems...

[chadder]

Exactly! How were each of those lifts achieved?

[BlackParis]

Forester Struts.....

No modification needed, its just s strut replacement as far as I know... I will know first hand before the end of the month....

[tomodojo]

can you do the same to a impreza 2.2L

[I Like It Sideways]

Wouldn't you need the springs as well, to actually achieve the lift?
I believe you can do it with the 2.2 as well.

[BlackParis]

the forester struts are onger with more travel and the spring perch is higher on the strut...

[WRR]

this guy has just Forester springs (frt & rear) with stock WRX struts... I know they fit right on his 02' WRX with no modifications but I don't know about on earlier cars... (like the lowered coupe in front of him :) )

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/nrsg/Other%20cars/DSCF1360.jpg

[martinus]

So either forester spring OR forester stuts will give the same result ?

What year forester parts ? the same as the car its going on ?

[Colin]

Forester struts and springs together would be the most travel and longest lasting. forester springs on stock struts is simply going to max your strut out this is a good setup, but ends up wrecking your struts faster. Forester struts with your stock springs will give you more ride height but not give you the extra travel, except when you car gets up. Meaning the springs will be at stock ride hieght, but the struts have a higher perch, so your car sits higher, the forester struts hasa longer travel, so you will get more extension when you get the car traveling up.

[409industries]

I have been told an affordable (but required frequent replacement) rally setup is OEM struts for whatever model year you are running and forester springs.

Yes the struts will wear out quicker, but the springs give you a bit more travel when rallying.

[BlackParis]

I am purchasing JUST Forester Struts (KYB GR2) next week.. I will be running them with my 05+ STi Tanabe GF210 springs (half inch lowering), So I will obviously post pictures, etc...

Pay-day Tuesday, order them Wednesday :twisted:

[lminette]

I might have to try that. Sounds like a good, and fairly cost effective set up.

[pakeharugger]

So let's say that I decide to change the suspension on my '06 2.5i, would I just need to get struts/springs from a Forrester, let's say an '06. Will they bolt right on without major mods?

[BlackParis]

So let's say that I decide to change the suspension on my '06 2.5i, would I just need to get struts/springs from a Forrester, let's say an '06. Will they bolt right on without major mods?

You may need the TopHats too (depending on year)... But I am not certain...

[Colin]

Found forester struts in local junkyard for 100$ for all 4 complete tophats and springincluded!!, when these blow up, I'll got AGX

[I Like It Sideways]

AGX's are good bang for the buck. Mine have put up with ~6 rallyxs, and lots of abusive driving.

[BlueREX04]

I had to be careful with mine (not raising but the opposite) that the 05 STI struts will not fit on my 04 because of the rear knuckle style and I have two bolts holding mine on. the fronts work but not the rear.

[Zap]

Here's my 96 OBS.
It's been two years since I did the swap. I used KYB GR2s for a 96 Leg OB and the stock springs from a 96 Leg OB. I believe I had to use the tops from the OB.


http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/data/500/medium/OB03.jpg
http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/data/500/medium/OB01.jpg

[rdp5008]

Zap,

Did you have any trouble with alignment, camber, or noises after the lift?

I have a '98 OBS and am getting '98 Forester spring/strut assembly. Should it just bolt right up with no issues? This is my daily driver that I take out on weekends for fun. I don't want to give up drivability too much.