Rhitter Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 (edited) I figured I would just update this post as opposed to making a bunch of different ones. This week I am installing steering rack bushings (finished) and the Bilstein's. Steering Rack bushings (Whiteline kit) - 3 hours crawling under the car and extremely sore the next day. I looked at a few install threads. Found one by AVO that was the most helpful. This job really shouldn't have taken that long, but I had a few things stacked against me. 1. I had no idea what a steering rack looked like or where it was. 2. None of the install guides mentioned there is a lot of shit covering the rack. A brace that is held in place by 11 rusted on bolts. Which are a bitch to remove. 3. My Dad's garage (home for the thanksgiving week) has no order to his tools. I wasted so much time looking for the correct tools. 4. All the install threads mention make sure your steering wheel is straight...of course I didn't so now my steering wheel is crooked. Hopefully when I get an alignment they'll fix that, because I am not really sure how to. Results: Noticeable improvement at speeds 30+ (only tested to about 50). It's a minor improvement, but it is an improvement. Bilstein Suspension (in the process so I'll update this as the week goes on) 1. Spec-B top hats are not the same size as stock top hats. The Front spacers I ordered from Paranoid Fabrications are just too small. I need to take a jigsaw and widen the center hole. I maybe need to take off 1-2mm all around so it's not that much to small. 2. A pass through wrench or an offset wrench really is needed to assemble the shocks / springs. Original Post: I am considering replacing my stock suspension with a Bilstein setup. Through searching around on this forum I think I have a pretty good idea of what is involved but, I still have a few questions. Overall I am looking to make the Outback more fun while still retaining some level of comfort and usability (IE not too low). The Fred Beans kit will get me everything I need for the struts however, I am unsure about the springs. I think stock springs to retain the ride height are probably my best option. I know that in the front Spec B springs are required with Bilsteins. Is that the same for the rear? or can I use LGT wagon specific springs? -to help with the saggy butt (I know Ill probably need to run spacers either way, I was just hoping that LGT would mean I would need less of a spacer). Thanks for your help. EDIT: I found out that only the front need Spec B specific springs. For the rear LGT springs will fit. Edited November 21, 2011 by Rhitter My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWP XT Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Doesnt this mean your Outback XT now has a ride height of a Legacy GT? Is there anyway to get the Bilstein's on an XT while maintaing ride height? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgtftw Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 I don't see why you would "need" spec b front springs when you could just use lgt springs, I know the part numbers are different but that must be because of the heavier tranny. The rear you "should" use wagon specific springs. Don't forget to get a Legacy specific bump stop because the the outback one is too tall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhitter Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 Yep, I am dropping the outback down to Legacy height. Ill probably use strut spacers to lift it back up an inch. Right now from the center of the hub to the fender is about 17 inches. I am looking to make it about 15.5. My understanding was that there was something unique about the top hats for Bilsteins that required Bilstein specific springs. (This is taken from the JDM Suspension sticky in the Suspension forum). It sounds like the rears do not have this requirement and I just need Legacy GT wagon specific springs. Or if I am lucky JDM wagon specific springs. I am moving at the end of this month so it looks like Ill have to put the build on hold. But as soon as I start building it, Ill make sure to update this thread. My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 I have the perfect spring for you! [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhitter Posted August 10, 2011 Author Share Posted August 10, 2011 Nice, let me know when you have them off and Ill buy them. To get the same ride height with Bilsteins you need to import a JDM specific kit. It's not sold in the US. I know of one person who has done this. He has a few threads on it here and at Subaruoutback.org http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/81-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension/18967-ob-xt-jdm-bilstein-bts-5056-suspension-kit.html I guess you could have 2inch strut spacers which would give you close to the same ride height, but not the travel of the stock OB suspension. My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derkahn Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 go here and buy these... http://www.subtle-solutions.com/index.php?cPath=21_98_116 or these--http://www.paranoidfabrications.com/shop/subaru-legacy-02-07-hdpe/ try every option until its perfect then let me know so I can do the same thing:) I would just get wagon springs for a legacy (not necessarily spec-b) then add the butt spacers website shows that eibach doesn't seem to offer springs for lgt anymore, but I found this. http://www.pricematchedparts.com/index.php?p=product&id=2823&parent=108&is_print_version=true there are tons of springs for lgt,, and im sure there is someone out there who can use a tape measure and knows math.. and they can figure out what spring size/rate would be good for our obxt's...then look at eibach or one of the other companies as they have off the shelf springs in a million different heights and rates.. good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 I really need to know if there is a difference between the LGT wagon rear springs, and the Bilstein rear springs? If I were going to order Pink springs, and the "GT-B wagon" rear springs were unavailable, but the "GT Wagon" rear springs were, would I be OK? [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derkahn Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 just did a search.. we need our brothers from down under to chime in.. there are a ton of legacy wagons with bilstein b6 setups down there.. but I didn't feel like joining all their forums to ask them questions.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhitter Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share Posted August 19, 2011 Hey BAC, I asked SactoJesse a similar question a few weeks ago and was told "Rear springs are the same regardless of shock. Only the front springs are different depending on whether they are designed for Bilstein or KYB style top hats and struts. In other words, there are no Bilstein-specific rear springs." My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted August 19, 2011 Share Posted August 19, 2011 Well, in that case I should have my springs off before the end of September! [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhitter Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share Posted August 19, 2011 Derkahn, My current plan is to try the spacers from Paranoid Fab. They are much cheaper. I am hoping to put a 1 inch spacer in front and 1.5 in the rear. Based off of BAC's measurements that should give me a 15.5 ride height in front and 15.75 in the rear. I figure Ill have everything installed sometime in October. My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWP XT Posted October 12, 2011 Share Posted October 12, 2011 Anyone have an update to this thread? I'm sourcing parts to go to Bilstein HD's and the only thing really holding me up is the issue of ride height. BAC5.2 says the Pink springs will work fine but you lose lots of ride height and suspension geometry is off. So I guess the question is - if you put Bilstein HD's on the car with STI pink springs a saggy but spacer in the back do you have geometry issues that affect tire wear signficiantly or what is the actualy cause and affect to the geometry problem? Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhitter Posted October 12, 2011 Author Share Posted October 12, 2011 (edited) The geometry issues I think have to do with the cars roll center not with tire wear. The tires you fix with an alignment. The roll center you fix with this [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Whiteline-Subaru-Center-steer-correction/dp/B004ZZVNOI]Amazon.com: Whiteline Subaru Roll Center/bump steer correction kit (RCA): Automotive[/ame] However, I think that kit is only needed if you go below the stock legacy ride height. (I might be really wrong here, It's possible that the body spacers / risers in the OB make this needed if you drop down to legacy height A couple people on this board have lowered their cars to legacy height (BAC5.2 and SublimeJoe) and they do not have the kit installed and I haven't heard any complaints about it. I think BAC5.2 has plans to install the kit as he recently went to pink springs. Sorry I can't give more details. I am haven't lowered mine yet. All my information comes from reading other people's posts here and at NASIOC Edited November 15, 2011 by Rhitter My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhitter Posted November 21, 2011 Author Share Posted November 21, 2011 (edited) Before - 17inches all around (center of wheel to top of the wheel arch) After 15 inches in the front. 15 7/8s inches in the back. Before http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff447/macmatthews/Front.jpg?t=1321908956 After Before After Before After Edited November 23, 2011 by Rhitter Added after pictures My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easton Posted November 22, 2011 Share Posted November 22, 2011 Where are the afters???????? Don't Tease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhitter Posted November 23, 2011 Author Share Posted November 23, 2011 (edited) Just finished the installation. Took me pretty much all day. I am sitting at about 3 fingers front and 4 fingers back. I have a 3/4 inch spacer in the front and a 1.5 inch spacer in the back. Ill take some pictures tomorrow and post them. How long should I wait before an alignment? I finished the installation on Tuesday (11.22.11) and was thinking of getting it done this Friday. Is that too soon? On another note: How do you install new bump stops? Just grab them and turn? Or is there something in the trunk I need to unbolt? Edited November 23, 2011 by Rhitter My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutbackXT05 Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Just grab and turn. Mine were rusting on so I used a gator grip kind of thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhitter Posted November 23, 2011 Author Share Posted November 23, 2011 Added the the after pictures a little earlier in the thread. My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mega Users seabass07 Posted November 23, 2011 Mega Users Share Posted November 23, 2011 Looks good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhitter Posted November 28, 2011 Author Share Posted November 28, 2011 Unintended benefit of the drop 3-4 mpg better than before. So only around 60k miles before I break even. Nice! I think the back has settled a little more (~.5 inch). The car looks a little even all around now. Installation Pictures This is what happens when you attempt to put on a spacer made for the stock top hat onto a Spec-B top hat The one on the left has been widened Front Suspension comparison Rear Suspension with spacers My OBXT build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LJH Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 This is perfect...Do you have a full list of all the parts that are needed? May I ask roughly what the parts ran? And lastly how much better does it handle? We recently purchased a '08 OBXT LTD 5MT, the wife really wanted an Outback but being a total Motorhead I have to make it handle better....it is a little scary right now. thanks for the write up. Cheers, Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssbtech Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 No issues with the tires clearing the spring perch up front? What's the ride quality like? How composed is the car now? This is why I want a proper set of coilovers - the spacers look a bit questionable and spring choice will be really limited since all the good ones are designed to lower the Legacy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 No clearance issues in ~25k on my car. [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssbtech Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 No clearance issues in ~25k on my car. Did you ever post photos after you got the rear spacers sorted out? What's the price to do a proper Bilstein conversion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now