Wouldn't Forester struts alone be enough to lift?

[Heat Racer]

I've read that the spring perch for Forester struts are higher than the Impreza's. If that's the case, wouldn't putting Impreza springs on Forester struts (either OEM or aftermarket) still result in a lift of some sort without having to put on Forester springs too?

While we're on the subject of mixing and matching with Forester struts, I'm wondering what the net gain/loss in ride height might be with Forester struts (which should be higher) with STI springs (which should be lower).

[VT900CB]

Forester trusts are much larger than impreza, and stock fozzy springs and struts lift from 2-4 inches. I imagine you want the correct spring size to keep the struts in their optimum operating range.

[Kostamojen]

I have WRX springs on the Forester struts on my Impreza, still a 2" lift or more, so yes it can work.

[pope_face]

I was actually considering doing this myself... I originally wanted to purchase an SF Forester, so I spent some time test driving them, and I found they had a lot of front-end dive during hard braking. I suspect part of it has to do with center of gravity and weight distribution, but I ended up buying a '97 OBS that has a very firm suspension. I know the struts were swapped out (with aftermarket replacements) soon before I bought it, so perhaps that's the cause, but I was wondering if the spring rates were different too. I know the OBS is supposed to have the "heavy-duty" suspension, so I assumed that applies to both the struts and springs.

In any event, I'm hoping to get the lift from the Forester struts, but keep it firm like my current setup... Just not sure whether the springs will make that difference, or if the struts play a larger role.

[Kostamojen]

It also depends on which Forester you are getting the struts/springs from. XT's have stiffer suspensions, so they will have less dive.

But yes, mixing and matching springs can give you some lift without the compromise in handling. I'm EXTREMELY happy with the handling on these XT struts with WRX springs. But I have some other handling upgrades too (mostly bushings) that are impacting the handling as well.

[pope_face]

Kostamojen: Thanks for that... I know someone with a '99 Forester L that's been dropped, I believe with STi springs/struts. He's offered me the stock springs and struts for free, so all I need is the trailing arm brackets. That's why I was hoping my springs would work, as I know the Forester L suspension is quite soft, and I much prefer the firmer ride.

The only real issue is that the struts probably have about 185,000 miles (300,000 kms) on them, so they're probably due for a replacement pretty soon anyway, but it'll give me a chance to test out the fit and see if I like it before buying a new set. I've got nothing to lose on it, save for some labour and whatever it costs for the trailing arm brackets.