WRX or STi suspension options? - Subaru Outback

dvancleve · 12-07-2012, 03:21 PM

Howdy folks.

I know many of you think lowering Outbacks is crazy, but that is what I want to do. I know that most suspension bits are interchangeable across models if you match up the right versions. Lots of late model Forester XTs are running modified STi suspensions, as an example. What years of WRX and/or STi have the bits that will match up with an '07 XT? I suspect that the front hub holes won't match up unless the front STi struts are '04 or modified...

Thanks, Doug

BrianM · 12-07-2012, 03:41 PM

Probably be best off using parts from the Legacy GT.

Seabass · 12-07-2012, 04:14 PM

Yea, plenty of good legacy gt options.

mike552 · 12-07-2012, 04:34 PM

There was a thread on here recently, about a guy trying to lower his OBW. According to the info in that thread, it is not merely swapping suspension but also swapping drive shafts, etc.

I am not sure if that is even necessary, but I would love to know more as well if someone has any concrete info on the long term functionality of swapping only suspension.

Seabass · 12-07-2012, 04:42 PM

No. You can swap struts, springs, and bumpstops. It's a good idea to get some adjustable bits for alignment as you'll be a little out of alignment after the swap.

**AWDFTW** · 12-07-2012, 07:41 PM

+ whatever for the Legacy parts. Easiest and best way to get a 1-2 inch drop.

dvancleve · 12-09-2012, 10:34 PM

Thanks

I know an issue with old Outbacks like my current '97 was that Legacy struts won't clear the big Outback tires. For whatever reason, WRX and STI struts clear the Outback tires just fine. Will 05-09 Legacy struts clear stock Outback XT tires? If they will, I suppose Legacy GT wagon springs with new KYBs would be the obvious choice.

Doug

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seabass

No. You can swap struts, springs, and bumpstops. It's a good idea to get some adjustable bits for alignment as you'll be a little out of alignment after the swap.

Seabass · 12-10-2012, 03:21 AM

They'll clear fine. If you go with legacy gt loweringn springs, you might end up with rubbing. Otherwise, the tire size will be fine with LGT struts and springs. Don't forget the bump stops. You'll be resting on the OB ones with LGT suspension.

dvancleve · 12-10-2012, 11:09 AM

Idiot level clarification here, sorry: stock XT limited 17" wheels and tires will clear stock/equivalent LGT wagon struts and springs? That seems like the best way to go then. On old Outbacks like my current '97, the stock tires won't clear regular Legacy struts...

Thanks again, Doug

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seabass

They'll clear fine. If you go with legacy gt loweringn springs, you might end up with rubbing. Otherwise, the tire size will be fine with LGT struts and springs. Don't forget the bump stops. You'll be resting on the OB ones with LGT suspension.

dvancleve · 12-10-2012, 11:11 AM

I know this generally isn't a great idea, but does anyone make lowering springs ~(1.5") that work on stock OB struts? I haven't been able to finds them if they do... Doug

12-07-2012, 03:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
dvancleve Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Car: '97 5 spd. w/ a few mods Posts: 76 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	WRX or STi suspension options? Howdy folks. I know many of you think lowering Outbacks is crazy, but that is what I want to do. I know that most suspension bits are interchangeable across models if you match up the right versions. Lots of late model Forester XTs are running modified STi suspensions, as an example. What years of WRX and/or STi have the bits that will match up with an '07 XT? I suspect that the front hub holes won't match up unless the front STi struts are '04 or modified... Thanks, Doug

12-07-2012, 03:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
BrianM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Louisiana Car: '10 Outback 2.5i Limited Posts: 254 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Probably be best off using parts from the Legacy GT. __________________ '10 2.5i Limited w/Moonroof Silver Steel previous Subaru '05 2.5i Limited Obsidian Black

12-07-2012, 07:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
AWDFTW Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Displaced to Chicago. Car: 2003 2.5 4EAT with AWP. Posts: 6,085 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	+ whatever for the Legacy parts. Easiest and best way to get a 1-2 inch drop. __________________ 2003 Outback: "Kaylee". 125,000 and counting. Mods: GE Nighthawk low beams, HIR1 9011 high beam upgrade, Nokya 25k yellow fog lights, Fumoto valve, 04 Forester XT shift knob. Basics: G-Oil Bio-based Advanced Full Synthetic 5w30, Purolater oil filter, STP air filter, Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF, Valvoline Durablend 80w90, Michelin Primacy MXV4. Also: More rust and parking lot scars than I care to think about.

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12-07-2012, 04:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
Seabass Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: At a bar. Car: 05 OBXT 5eat stg1.2 Posts: 1,946 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yea, plenty of good legacy gt options.

12-07-2012, 04:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
mike552 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Boston, MA Car: 2005 Outback 2.5i Posts: 67 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	There was a thread on here recently, about a guy trying to lower his OBW. According to the info in that thread, it is not merely swapping suspension but also swapping drive shafts, etc. I am not sure if that is even necessary, but I would love to know more as well if someone has any concrete info on the long term functionality of swapping only suspension.

12-07-2012, 04:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Seabass Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: At a bar. Car: 05 OBXT 5eat stg1.2 Posts: 1,946 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	No. You can swap struts, springs, and bumpstops. It's a good idea to get some adjustable bits for alignment as you'll be a little out of alignment after the swap.

12-10-2012, 03:21 AM	#8 (permalink)
Seabass Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: At a bar. Car: 05 OBXT 5eat stg1.2 Posts: 1,946 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	They'll clear fine. If you go with legacy gt loweringn springs, you might end up with rubbing. Otherwise, the tire size will be fine with LGT struts and springs. Don't forget the bump stops. You'll be resting on the OB ones with LGT suspension.

12-10-2012, 11:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
dvancleve Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Car: '97 5 spd. w/ a few mods Posts: 76 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I know this generally isn't a great idea, but does anyone make lowering springs ~(1.5") that work on stock OB struts? I haven't been able to finds them if they do... Doug

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