What year Forester suspension fits GD/GG Impreza?

[cMags]

I've searched and just can't find a definitive fit/no fit chart of what year(s) Forester suspension fits in the GD/GG Impreza (mostly concerned with the GG since I drive the wagon).

From what I understand, the '98-'02 Forester suspension are interchangeable, and the '03-?? are different. I've been told that the '05 Forester suspension will fit my '05 OBS but I thought I saw somewhere that '98 Forester suspension was swapped into an '03 Impreza. So if '02-'07 Impreza are the same, but '98-'02 Forester is different from '03+ Forester, one fits an early Impreza and the other a later Impreza, which are the same, what am I missing? :shocked:

Also, I know there's an issue with the rear wheels sitting too far forward when grafting in Forester struts, but have seen two different solutions: trailing arms and trailing arm brackets. Which is it? Do I need the trailing arms from a Forester, the brackets, or both?

[Subieski]

I don't have any insight on which struts fit what year, i'm jsut as confused as you are.

As for centering the wheel though, i don't think the forester trailing arm is any different in length, just he braket that it mounts to. When people replace the trailing arms to center the wheel they are putting in adjustable length arms and setting them longer than stock

[wolfman79]

SG Forester (03-08) will fit your 05. The trailing arm brackets are what you need to re-center the rear wheel. I also recommend the front subframe spacers, control arm bushings and steering knuckle to maintain proper front suspension geometry.

[cMags]

Awesome, thanks for the info. As much as I'll likely get flamed for this I was actually thinking of just swapping the rears. My rear springs are shot to the point where a single milk crate full of tools and such will cause the rear to sag down such that the tires are up inside the wheel wells. The fronts still have a full fist of gap above the tires. I'll likely end up with a little bit of rake but it shouldn't be excessive.

[cMags]

So digging further around the forum I still see vague references to 98-02 Forester suspension being used, at least in part, in GG wagons. What parts can be interchanged? Can I, for example, take the strut (with the higher perch) and taller spring, but mate my stock tophat to make it fit (with camber bolts and trailing arm brackets or adjustable arms to align properly)?

I may have a line on cheap parts from a 99 Forester L. I'd like to take advantage of them if I can. Thanks.

Oh yea, can a mod move this to the suspension subforum? I didn't realize I was out here in the general GD/GG forum until after posting. Thanks again!