legacycentral bbs

(Don't try to talk me out of lifting this wagon

I bought this beater BJ wagon the other day for $250. It's a 1990(?) Legacy with 275k miles on it. It could use some R&R, which thankfully won't be pricey (Front axles, struts, and a head gasket.)It'll hold for the moment, but I know it's got some work that it needs. A 2.2 N/A motor will be easy enough to find but it doesn't need it yet. Thankfully I've done plenty of my own work on my Impreza and this thing looks even easier to work on.

I fell in love with how ugly this beaten thing really is when I put 15in studded Hankook 404's w/ black steelies on it (195/65 R15). It drives like a damn tank all over this snow we've just had in Denver, CO. I swear it lifted it almost an inch, too. The AWD grip, meaty tires, and light weight let it go over just about anything. None of this snow stops it. I'm anxious for the next storm just to see what this thing does . I plan on using it for fishing/camping trips in the mountains when everything finally thaws.

The struts on the car are shot. However, I'm curious if I can get Baja or Outback spring/strut assemblies to fit. That alone would lift it fine for my taste (2in). Scorpion springs would work, but the Outback spring/strut combo would give it just the little upward nudge it needs and still be soft. They're supposedly the same height. If I just need the strut, top, and spring I should be able to get that anywhere.

This ugly little abortion of a car needs front axles. Can I swap my '00 RS front axles from the "blown up and being rebuilt RS"? The parts ARE there and I'm just considering the option. The boots are in tact on the front ones already there, but they click in sharp turns. I'll do the struts first and see if that helps with the clicking, but I'm not holding my breath. Right now it feels so jittery from the blown struts I know it still needs those first. However it drives straight as an arrow and will do 80mph on the interstate without flinching . I can't ask much more from such a car.

After the car is registered and passes emissions, the above plans are what I have in mind. Since Nasioc and so many other boards concentrate on WRX's, what does the old school segment have to say?

i have 98 ob struts on mine. i like it.

rides well and gives added lift . i run 215/75/15's with no rubbing.

Did it add the extra 2 inches or so I'm looking for? I hear the OBS springs and KYB struts are the way to go. I was hoping GR2's would work fine. I didn't get the impression that it was anything pricey to do at all.

I searched and found a few pictures here of lifted legacies done before. I just wasn't completely sure what parts they used. BTW, pics?

(edit) I just found usmb. I've heard of it but didn't really go there until now. Wow, there's plenty of there. I'm sure I'll find what I need.)

yes. it did. I also have 2" lift bolocks as well. But the struts and springs make up the other 1 1/2 - 2".

I am the same user on usmb. Check out my post for the pics i've posted. Also posted some pics here.

I bought my car as it sits. The prev. owner did the lifting but i have pretty much torn it apart and reassembled the suspension and drive train mostly just to get a feel for it. Also to replace the blown up d/r 5 spd. and to fix the 4x4 shift linkage. it was binding up.

Good luck!

http://www.bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=29533

Theres always Forester Stuff (if it fits I dunno) but it would definitly raise it alot!

I saw those vids. Looks like a hoot to drive!

I'm looking for stuff that bolts in. I have to consider what needs massaging and what will still fit. Custom stuff isn't really an option for me. It's not a cheap option at least. I thought body lifts and springs/struts would be a bit easier to come by.

I know this is isn't a legacy, but one this damn high would look too cool.


A 4in lift like this Forester below would work well, too, IMO. 29in. mud tires like that will get through whatever I could throw at it. I want something effective, but i'm not going to torture it with radical angles. The frequent service road, mud pit, snow burm, or tempting jump is far more likely . I haven't played in the mountains here nearly like I've wanted to. I want it to be fun in the dirt and wilderness areas first. When it's not there, it's mostly on the street going to and from the dirt and wilderness .