LGT Wagon Suspension swapped into Outback XT

[Duffman]

I was finally able to swap in the used LGT Wagon suspension I bought here. (thanks SubOperator!).

 

All in all it went very smoothly.

 

THIS thread got me started.

 

I used these two threads from here as a guide:

 

mccory's Tien install walkthrough and hal9e3's Wagon Pinks Install

 

Thanks to both of them. mccory's had great pics and hal9e3's had great technical specs like torque numbers.

 

I was able to do it all myself but a second set of hands would really be helpful, especially for re-installing the front struts. They're really heavy and I ended up going a slightly different rout. I installed the bottom two bolts first and then used my floor jack to raise the assembly up and then bolt in the top hats.

 

A floor jack is your friend for the lower rear bolts. I used mine along with a closed end wrench to get them loose.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0155.jpg

 

The passenger side rear top nuts are nutz to get at. Since I have a cargo mat, I cut some patches in the trip piece to get at them. Can't see the cuts with the mat.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0159.jpg

 

Outback vs LGT rear spring/strut assembly.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0153.jpg

 

Don't forget to change out the rear bump stops! 20501AE00A is the part number for the rear bump stops. Order two

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0162.jpg

 

I tried to take before and after pics but I already had the car positioned and the lug nuts loosened by the time I remembered to take before pics. They're at weird angles because they were taken in the garage.

 

Before:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0148.jpg

After:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0182.jpg

Before:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0143.jpg

After:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0179.jpg

Before:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0169.jpg

After:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0180.jpg

After:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0178.jpg

 

 

I haven't driven it a whole lot yet (just a shakedown run around the block) but it is such an improvement over the Outback suspension. It's no after market setup of course but it suits my needs perfectly. Tighten up the handling without being harsh. My wife will be happy that it still feels like a factory setup.

 

I'll try and get some better after pics later this week.

Edited October 9, 2010 by Duffman

[Gmoe]

Wow, that looks great.

[Duffman]

Thanks!

 

I am super happy with the results so far. I need to wash her and take better pics. I went to a wedding last night and had to off-road it for parking, hence the dirty tires.

[dschultz]

Don't forget to get an alignment done. You'll probably find your rear toe is out of spec and toe'd in. Put about 150lbs in the back over the axle and get it aligned.

When I replaced my OBXT suspension with the BC Racing BR-Type, the rear toe was the only thing that needed attention.

I love the lowered look and even gap around the tires that the LGT suspension gives. What I don't like too much about the BC Racing setup is the reduced travel. I'd say 5" down to 3" and it's noticeable on rough roads and railway crossings.

I just did a trip from Ottawa to Lake Placid and back and I bottomed out at least 10 times. I dread the BANG when it happens too.

[SubOperator]

Duffman, congrats on completing the install ! It's amazing how much better the OBXT looks with lower suspension. Really like it this way.

 

Did you jack the rear shock at the ear as we discussed ? The pic with regular jack shows that you most likely did, just wanted to know if this worked for you.

 

I hope you enjoy the ride ! Glad my Leggy's suspension could help another Subie owner.

[Duffman]

Yes, i forgot to mention that I'll be getting an alignment done. I hope to get it Wednesday. Why 150lbs in the back?

 

SubOperator, I did exactly that. I used the scissor jack from the spare tire for that and used the floor jack to break the bolt loose.

[Malt Beverage]

I love your improvised floor jack impact wrench. Car looks good.

[Duffman]

Thanks! I can't take full credit for it though. I believe it was advice from the hal9e3 thread.

 

I just put it into pictures lol

[SubOperator]

SubOperator, I did exactly that. I used the scissor jack from the spare tire for that and used the floor jack to break the bolt loose.

Was it hard or did it come off right away then ?

 

I want to send a link to this thread to one guy who sold the OBXT due to suspension mods "unavailability" , if you don't mind.

[Duffman]

It was pretty easy. The hardest part was getting the bolt out. There is still alot of pressure on it. I used a center punch (forget what size, it fit the bolt end nicely tho) to hammer them out. The suspension still had enough kick to knock the scissor jack over lol.

 

Be my guest!

[Drift Motion]

wth...thats a good idea on the rear bolt

 

im gonna try that tomorrow!!!!

[OhBe1]

This is encouraging.

Any pics comparing the front struts? I have a very little clearance between the tire & spring perch (running 235-55-17 GYTT's).

[dschultz]

Why 150lbs in the back?

It all has to do with this issue, and the geometry of the suspension. Read a few posts/pages back (I see in review it was 200lbs). Which you may never experience depending on were you live and drive.

[Duffman]

I'll have to read that when i get some more time.

 

On a brighter note,

 

Better after pics!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0189.jpg

 

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0188.jpg

[RyanPDX]

Awesome!!! Well done.

[SubOperator]

Looks real nice !

 

I guess it is time for JDM RSB. Used can be found under 100. Another great DIY mod.

[zmarko]

Looks great!

[PeterJMC]

This looks awesome! I was hoping someone would get around to doing this swap. I like the look of the Outback body armor but not the height.

[Duffman]

The biggest thing it needs now is better tires. I really want to get some summers for mu BBS RX's

[Duffman]

Couple more pics per request:

 

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0195.jpg

 

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/ForceFedGTI/Cars/IMG_0193.jpg

[DGeorge]

Very nice! I cant believe the difference it makes to the appearance.

Thanks for taking the pics!

[Duffman]

It really is huge. And for me, the perfect solution. It rids the car of the wallow ride but retains factory comfort.

 

I'd even go out on a limb and say it would be worth it to source the parts new. As it is, if you can find them used like I did, it's a bargain. Thanks again SubOperator!

[scoobydoobie]

Looks good! Nice cheap upgrade. That being said, I have most of the stock suspension stuff for cheap if anyones interested..

[lgtftw]

This is awesome, now I'm really thinking of getting rid of my GT and keeping my XT, I wonder if my H-Techs would go well with this set up. Great job, duffman.

[Duffman]

I'm not sure how much lower it can go without doing the full conversion, ie remove all the sub frame spacers etc. As is, the alignment is a tad out of spec for the toe. They said it's really close but not quite perfect.

 

And if someone wants to get a used set from a sedan, I believe all they would need would be a set of Wagon specific springs for the rear. Someone correct me if i'm wrong on this one.

Edited July 1, 2010 by Duffman