1991 Susepnsion

[10wrxing]

Hey guys,
Just joined.
I have a 2010 WRX, but my grandfather gave me his 91 Legacy recently.
So I'm thinking of keeping the Legacy for winter duty.
It has 131,250 kms on it (81,554 Miles).
It's in really good shape for it's age....but it looks like it's a monster truck with how it's sitting stock.
I want to drop it, but from what I've read, there is something different on the rear top hats for 91 from other years.
The suspension has been replaced on it, although I don't remember when now, probably longer than I think it is.

Here is how the car currently sits:


I want these wheels (with proper sized tires) for the winter:



So, what does everyone suggest I run for springs?
Can I just swap in new springs and keep the current struts/shocks?
I don't plan on this car lasting forever, it's just a winter car, and to keep my WRX out of the crap weather.

Thanks!

[Legacy777]

Welcome to the BBS.

The rear strut top hats are what is different in the 90-91 model years. They rear springs are also tapered, where the 92-94 legacy rear springs are not tapered and have two piece strut top hat. You can try and find some whiteline or eibach lowering springs. Or you can try converting to WRX or other Impreza springs.

I'd suggest checking out these threads in the sticky compilation thread if you haven't already done so:

GD/GG Impreza (WRX/STi) springs on BC/BF/BJ cars
Suspension Information Compendium -what fits, tuning info
Jamal's blanket suspension recommendations
Visual Guide to Legacy Suspension Component Swaps

[10wrxing]

Thanks for the reply!
I had read lots before posting, and since actually been in contact with a member who is local to me.
He's been helping me decide and what I can and cannot do.

[wtdash]

Hi,
That '91 is 'just getting broken in' @ 81K. Probably wear better than your '10....@ least it looks very good.

But unless those aren't stock 185/70R-14 tires (1st pic) it looks 'lifted' (could just be the camera angle, too, I guess) so I'd suggest verifying it's 'stock' struts before getting springs that don't work.....

GL,
TD

[sqc151]

why would you put lower profile wheels and drop it for winter duty???... thats what the wrx if for.
get a full suspension and wheel set up from a forester turbo or n/a. it will lift the vehicle slightly and wont be plowing snow with your bumper.

[10wrxing]

Hi,
That '91 is 'just getting broken in' @ 81K. Probably wear better than your '10....@ least it looks very good.

But unless those aren't stock 185/70R-14 tires (1st pic) it looks 'lifted' (could just be the camera angle, too, I guess) so I'd suggest verifying it's 'stock' struts before getting springs that don't work.....

GL,
TD

They are the stock size tires. But I do know it's not lifted (and the angle I took the pic on makes it look worse).
I have pics of the car when it was brand new, looks exactly the same:

Picture is from 1991, when the car was a few days old.

why would you put lower profile wheels and drop it for winter duty???... thats what the wrx if for.

Because that's what I want? lol
I'm not talking about slamming the car here. My wrx is lowered and has no trouble with the amount of snow we get here.
The wheels I want to use are what I was using on the wrx in the winter, tires are going to need to be replaced on them this year, so I'll get the proper sized ones.
I got the car for free, can get 06 wrx Eibach springs for free, so really all I have to fork out here is the money for new tires, and a few odds it needs to pass certification.

[sqc151]

well free is a perfect reason to mod... have at it bro...lol

[Legacy777]

Yeah, the car does look jacked up.

Do the struts look like they've been replaced?

I don't have info on the 91 MY, but here is wheel arch measurements for the 90 MY. Check your car against these.

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... s_1990.jpg

[10wrxing]

Yeah, the car does look jacked up.

Do the struts look like they've been replaced?

I don't have info on the 91 MY, but here is wheel arch measurements for the 90 MY. Check your car against these.

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... s_1990.jpg

The struts were replaced a few years ago with stock replacements.
As you can see in my last post, the car sits the same way now as it did in 1991 when it was brand new.

Here is a shot I just took:


Thanks for the link, I measured the front and got 15.25".
So I'd have to say it's about the same as what the link says.

[mike-tracy]

Even though the struts are low miles, time will take it's toll on their performance, so I'd suggest upgrading those to brand new KYB ones if you can swing it.

For springs, just find anything for 90-94 Legacy or 93-01 Impreza. 92-94 Legacy or 93-01 Impreza springs will make you swap to the 92-94 Legacy rear strut tophat and perch. Not a big deal. Front tophats can be reused.

I don't have specific recommendations for brands, but if you search the site for eibach, tanabe, HR, king springs or etc, perhaps there are some reviews or impressions.

Personally I've tried springs designed for newer subarus (specifically 02-07 WRX) and was not happy with the ride height of the rears. OEM and aftermarket. So I'd suggest just the early impreza or legacy specific ones.

[10wrxing]

Thanks for the input Mike-tracy.

I think I may just end up going with gc8 coilovers.