Strut swap to lift

Struts, spring, anti-rollbars, braces and the like.

Moderators: Helpinators, Moderators

Post Reply
soloracer
In Neutral
Posts: 21
Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 5:05 am

Strut swap to lift

Post by soloracer »

I just picked up a 90 Legacy wagon (BJ), which is desprately in need of new struts. It looks like many other year/model strut combos are easily swapable. I'd like to find a strut that will lift it maybe 1" to 1.5" I'll likely get a set of KYB GR-2's but if a particular forester or outback strut will give me a bit of lift that'd be great. Since I have to buy new ones anyways. Seems most threads are oriented towards lowering versus lifting and dont fully show the lift in the spring perch height.

Thanx
90 Legacy Wagon "Beater"
kleinkid
Fourth Gear
Posts: 1213
Joined: Fri Jan 24, 2003 3:39 am
Location: Oak Harbor, Washington

Post by kleinkid »

Go look at www.ultimatesubaru.net There is an all Subaru offroad section that might help you.
soloracer
In Neutral
Posts: 21
Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 5:05 am

Post by soloracer »

Thanks for the link to USMB, after spending a lot of time searching the off-road section I think I found my answer. I've ordered a set of 98 Outback struts which it appears I should be able to run with the stock springs and top hats. the perch to full extension should be nearly the same. The strut appears to be longer overall with the extra length coming below the spring perch.

I'll report back when I get them installed, which could be a while as I'm working out of state at the moment.
90 Legacy Wagon "Beater"
soloracer
In Neutral
Posts: 21
Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 5:05 am

Post by soloracer »

Ok so I finally got a day to get my strut swap done. 98 outback KYB GR-2's on a 90 Legacy wagon. 1.25" lift in the front 1.75" in the rear. leveled the slight saggy butt out to a nice stance. It sits just right and the stock tires don't look too goofy. I now have 12" clearance to the bottom of the front bumper lip and nearly 10" to the bottom of the oil pan. Used my same springs top hats etc. In the front I had to crank the camber bolts in as much as possible or it had too much positive camber. To get it where I want it I will need aftermarket camber bolts up front as currently it has around .5 degrees positive camber. The rear appears to be close to zero camber. Not much down travel left, subframe spacers would help but... So far feels great on the road and very stable and planted on fast dirt roads. Now I need bigger tires and Hellas on the front bumper to create the right look.
90 Legacy Wagon "Beater"
legacy94
In Neutral
Posts: 22
Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:02 am
Location: manchester,n.h.
Contact:

Post by legacy94 »

soloracer wrote: Now I need bigger tires and Hellas on the front bumper to create the right look.
and we need pics.. :-D

i've been trying to do the strut swap for some time now.just can never get the chance to put the money aside for it.. :x

though i have a friend that might be able to help me out.
94 legacy gt wagon/tinted windows/dynamat/200w kenwood
soloracer
In Neutral
Posts: 21
Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 5:05 am

Post by soloracer »

$335 shipped from TireRack for KYB Gr-2's oddly enough cheaper than the 90 Legacy AWD part #'s for KYB.

As for pics, I hope to have some posting soon, as for the lights and other accesories, those will have to wait, now my other vehicles need a bit of lovin too.
90 Legacy Wagon "Beater"
Post Reply