MtnHighCO Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Hey all 1st post here. I recently bought a 95 AWD BK 5 spd with 160K for a 1000 bucks. It was just gonna be a commuter. I've done a tune up and changed all the fluids, flushed radiator. I wasn't planning on doing any mods, strickly commuter, But.....I'm falling pretty hard for this wagon!It's a blast to drive in the Mtns. and I love all the features. The only thing is the clearance. I wouldn't mind it being a little taller like the Outback. So my question is what's the easiest/cheapest way to lift this wagon? Outback springs and Struts? Can it be done ? Is it easy? I could probably sell it pretty easy and buy a Outback But she's really grown on me Sorry for the long post. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MauiJim Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 Outback springs/struts will work, or '98 - '02 Forester springs and struts. Heck, even '02-'03 WRX struts and springs will give you a bit of a boost- an inch or so (all the others I listed bolt right in, but for the WRX stuff, fronts bolt in, and on the rears you'd need to swap tophats as the bolt pattern is different). Do a bit more research before you start, and have fun! edit: here's a pic of a '97 Impreza sedan with WRX suspension, sitting a bit higher compared to stock. Your suspension is essentially the same design, so you'd see a similar gain. Tires are 205/55R16, on WRX stock 16" alloys: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/MauiJim/IMG_9895_edit.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/MauiJim/IMG_9897_edit.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtnHighCO Posted August 17, 2009 Author Share Posted August 17, 2009 Nice. I was hoping to to run 16" wheels! Should I buy used stuff or new? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoobydoobie Posted August 17, 2009 Share Posted August 17, 2009 I have a set of stock Forester springs from my 99'. Around 60K miles on them. PM me if interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtnHighCO Posted August 18, 2009 Author Share Posted August 18, 2009 Outback springs/struts will work, or '98 - '02 Forester springs and struts. Heck, even '02-'03 WRX struts and springs will give you a bit of a boost- an inch or so (all the others I listed bolt right in, but for the WRX stuff, fronts bolt in, and on the rears you'd need to swap tophats as the bolt pattern is different). Is it really that easy? Outback and Forester springs/struts bolt right in? Is it possible to run a 16" wheel too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MauiJim Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 Yup, it's that easy. Don't buy used stuff, doubtful that you'd find anything low-mileage and in good shape, unless it's from a newer car ('02 or '03 WRX), but even then, good used stuff is hard to find. Used aftermarket struts/springs with low mileage is another good option. Don't get anything '04 or newer, Subaru switched to a tapered spring design. No USDM STi suspension, it won't fit either (without modding). KYB GR2s or AGXs are good struts; you could even buy new GR2s for a decent price on eBay. '02+ suspension will require you to re-use your rear tophats, as the bolt pattern is different on the newer cars. If you end up going this route, PM me and I can share a few pointers. It's all straightforward, though. As for wheels- those are 16s above, so yes, you can run them. You could go with 17s if you want to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtnHighCO Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 Thanks MauiJim! Would you happen to know which spring is bigger a '98-02 Forester or the 95-99 Outback? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frico Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Hi, i just liftet my legacy FWD with forester struts in stock legacy springs. Gront struts are 3 cm longer compared to legacy struts. I used KYB GR-2 forester struts (98-00), in the rear i had to use a 3 cm aluminium spacer. I used my stock tophats front and rear. http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz334/fricowilkes/forester99vslegacy95frontstruts.jpg http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz334/fricowilkes/liting%20a%20legacy%20bg/DSC06098.jpg http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz334/fricowilkes/liting%20a%20legacy%20bg/DSC06106.jpghttp://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz334/fricowilkes/liting%20a%20legacy%20bg/DSC06119.jpg I hope it helps you. I had to modify the rear forester struts a bit, my legacy is a FWD, the knuckle is diferent, so i had to trim the upper strut mount a bit to make it sit correct. Frico Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtnHighCO Posted September 9, 2009 Author Share Posted September 9, 2009 I ended up buying a '96 Outback parts car and used the springs and struts. I also added 15" wheels with 205 70 15 IPIKE tires. I gained about 3 inches of clearance. It all bolted right up and aligned within specs. I'm pretty stoked the way it came out. Frico looks like your front end is higher then the rear. Mine looks the same way. Doesn't look bad just a little higher. I discovered that the rear struts have a allen head on top. Wonder if thats for ride adjustment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frico Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 Hi, the allen head on top is to hold the strut while you tighten the top nut, thats all. Mine has the same front and rear high, but it looks like if in the rear it would sit a little. I culdn´t find outback struts in Bolivia, subaru legacay are not so comon here. Outback are only a few. http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz334/fricowilkes/liting%20a%20legacy%20bg/DSC06121.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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