How can I get some more legroom?

Anything and Everything about the Body, from paint to undercoating and interior, including in-car entertainment (ICE).

Moderators: Helpinators, Moderators

Post Reply
Zoo Mob
First Gear
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Jan 22, 2009 6:55 am
Location: Kalamazoo, MI

How can I get some more legroom?

Post by Zoo Mob »

Just bought a 93 Legacy L AWD 5sp wagon, and I'm feeling a bit cramped. I'm wondering if anyone has dealt with this issue before, are there seats from other Subarus that sit lower or further back? Has anyone messed with the tracks etc. any help would be appreciated. I'm mostly enthusiastic about the car, but at 6'4, and coming from driving a Toyota Previa with a much more upright and comfy position, I need help!
Thanks
Aerotech
Fourth Gear
Posts: 1093
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:37 am
Location: NYC, NY

Post by Aerotech »

Does the "L" have the height adjuster handle on the drivers seat? Check if it's cranked down all the way.

Most other, newer Subaru seats will actually place you up higher, the old ones have very low seating position.


Image
Jerry

'04 Passat GLS 4Motion 5MT (Subaru by VW)
'86 Vanagon Syncro Camper Garage Queen
Zoo Mob
First Gear
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Jan 22, 2009 6:55 am
Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Post by Zoo Mob »

Sadly, no adjuster on my seat. Anyone have other ideas?
Dynamic Entry
Third Gear
Posts: 908
Joined: Wed Dec 06, 2006 11:24 am
Location: Calgary, AB

Post by Dynamic Entry »

buy a used seat from an SS at a pick and pull

or get a bucket seat, I always thought Bride was a cool name

you can put WRX seats in, but they sit even higher so though they have adjustment you won't gain anything unless you chop and weld the brackets on the bottom, which is your best option in my opinion but not inexpensive/quick/easy

not sure how the L seat sits but at 6'4" maybe you just need some adjustment time.....
Andrew

16 Outback - wife's daily
95 Gravel Express - Sold
92 Green SVX - RIP
02 WRB WRX - Sold
93 White SS "Angel": 4EAT to 5MT 550 Robtune !SOLD!
̶9̶2̶ ̶W̶i̶n̶e̶s̶t̶o̶n̶e̶ ̶S̶S̶ ̶5̶M̶T̶ R.I.P.
sebazztard
First Gear
Posts: 86
Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 7:50 am

Post by sebazztard »

you arent alone. i HATE the way im positioned in the car. if im having a bad day it always gets worse when i get in that car. my brother noticed it as well, i thought maybe it was just me. someone said that the newer cars are worse...the gf's 98 has much more space so i dont know where you got that information :?
ericem
Fifth Gear
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Oct 16, 2006 9:44 pm
Location: Toronto,ON Canada

Post by ericem »

I have a 93 legacy L no height adjustment :(. Now I have a 94 SS :), its definitely alot more comfortable sitting a bit higher also the seats seem more firm.
1993 Subaru Legacy L AWD Wagon R.I.P
1994 Subaru Legacy SS R.I.P :(
2004 Nissan Titan LE 4X4
2007 Subaru Legacy GT :)
skid542
Fifth Gear
Posts: 2857
Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2003 6:37 am
Location: North Idaho

Post by skid542 »

I come in around 6'5" and wear a 36" inseam on my jeans. I've always found the Subaru's to be pretty comfortable in the drivers seat. My OBW has plenty of room with the adjustable seat. It been a while since my old L but I don't recall issues with it. And my SS feels fine, with the seat dropped or raised.

These are open touring cars and won't offer the space of the Grand Marque. Being a performance oriented car does bring about certain traits. I can see how you could feel cramped if you're open to a cavernous cockpit but I never thought the old Leggy's were that bad.

Perhaps that's just me though.
Lee

93' SS, 5mt swapped, 182k, not stock...
96' N/A OBW 5sp, 212k, Couple mods... RIP
99' N/A OBW, 4eat, mostly stock.
magicmike
Fifth Gear
Posts: 2772
Joined: Thu Nov 21, 2002 8:30 pm
Location: USA, RI

Post by magicmike »

These cars are a dream to drive compared to a VW. Germans must have inpreportioned limbs or something because I cannot reach the steering wheel if I set the seat to a good lenth on my legs. and I'm 5'9" I hate those cars...
-Mike

2011 Infiniti G37x Sedan - Current
2007 Ducati 800ss - Current
1994 Subaru Legacy Sport Wagon (White)
1994 Subaru Legacy Sport Wagon (Silver)
2003 Infiniri G35
1998 Infiniti I30t
1995 Honda Civic DX
1987 Subaru GL Wagon
1987 Subaru Loyale
Zoo Mob
First Gear
Posts: 67
Joined: Thu Jan 22, 2009 6:55 am
Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Post by Zoo Mob »

I'm going to do some experimenting, and maybe fabrication, its definitely not unbearable, but my old 92 Accord wagon sure had more room. Strangely, my giant 92 Roadmaster wagon had even less room.
wtdash
Fifth Gear
Posts: 2349
Joined: Fri May 04, 2007 4:09 pm
Location: N. ID

Post by wtdash »

I have a '90, which should be similar if not identical.

On the track is a 'stopper' that I removed/filed down/drilled out/etc. that gave me an extra 1-2" of legroom...not much but better than nothing and easier than a swap.

I have to force the forward/aft seat adjuster down, as it's now just outside the range of adjustment, but it stays put.

I'm only 5'10", but like my seat all the way back.


Good luck
Turbo Subies:
'87 GL-10 Turbo - SOLD
'90 BJ EJ22T/DOHC & 5speed swap - SOLD
'04 FXT, Forged internals, VF39, STI TMIC, Cobb AP- SOLD
'93 Legacy SS - 5-speed, SOLD :-(
'02 WRX -SOLD
'96 BD-turbo'd-SOLD
'98 SF - NA-T
ericem
Fifth Gear
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Oct 16, 2006 9:44 pm
Location: Toronto,ON Canada

Post by ericem »

magicmike wrote:These cars are a dream to drive compared to a VW. Germans must have inpreportioned limbs or something because I cannot reach the steering wheel if I set the seat to a good lenth on my legs. and I'm 5'9" I hate those cars...
My friend has a 97 jetta. Amazing how awfully aquard EVERYTHING is. Literally EVERYTHING, can't even get my hand on the key since its behind the steering wheel. Nor can I fit in the thing with the seats all the way back. Subaru 2 thumps up. Vdumb 2 foots up there ass.
1993 Subaru Legacy L AWD Wagon R.I.P
1994 Subaru Legacy SS R.I.P :(
2004 Nissan Titan LE 4X4
2007 Subaru Legacy GT :)
Apex3
Fourth Gear
Posts: 1165
Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:06 am
Location: Renton, WA

Post by Apex3 »

Man, you guys really think it sits too low? I sit wayy too high with my seat all the way down, it bother's me so much. In my e30 I sat a couple inches off the floor, the sport seats are about a third as high as the SS seats adjusted all the way down. I feel so awkward driving this thing sometimes.
entirelyturbo
quasi-mod-o
quasi-mod-o
Posts: 6000
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2002 7:06 pm
Location: Tampa, FL

Post by entirelyturbo »

I firmly believe that the human species is slowly growing larger. In every dimension.

So unfortunately, the age of these cars means they're not only growing obsolete mechanically, but ergonomically as well. :(

I can't believe I'm saying this, but my subcompact Fit has WAY more room than my midsize Legacy.

If I put the Fit's seat all the way back, I almost can't reach the pedals or gearshift.

My Legacy has its seat at the absolute extreme of all its movements to give me as much room as possible, and I still feel cramped in it.

I'm pretty sure I'm 6'4". I bought my Legacy when I was 16, so I fit in it then.
"Der Wahnsinn ist nur eine schmale Brücke/die Ufer sind Vernunft und Trieb"

*Formerly DerFahrer*

@entirelyturbo on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok
ultrasonic
Third Gear
Posts: 654
Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2003 6:34 am

Post by ultrasonic »

I'd love a couple more inches of leg room.

I'm 6'4", 36" inseam. I like the seat back set totally upright. With the seat height adjuster set low I have plenty of head room, until I put on a helmet. Then I have to recline one or two notches.

wtdash, can you provide any photos of the modification you're talking about?

Thanks!
-steve-

03 Legacy L Wagon
91 Legacy Sport Sedan - SOLD
94 Legacy Touring Wagon - SOLD
00 Impreza L Sport Wagon - totaled!
RJ93SS
Third Gear
Posts: 853
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:55 am
Location: Vancouver, Canada

Post by RJ93SS »

imm 66 290, i fit decent, even with leatherr 2000gt seats, but i wouldn't mind goin back a couple inces, i'm interested in pics as well...
edit...i guess i could take my lazy fat ass down to my car instead of sitting my fat ass on the cpu waiting for pics, :roll:
93SS 04 wrx brakes/slotted w/ hawks--TD05 -- 06 I/C -- 20mm n/a fsb -- Stage 2 -- 550's -- Perrin DIV DP -- 2-3/4 Tit Exhaust -- K&N -- C/C -- A/C Delete -- Grounded -- GT Leather Interior -- WRX/STI Strut Setup -- 17" 225's -- 2 Kids Seats ;)
Post Reply