Using Forester Springs/Struts/Shocks to lift 1st Gen Outbacks

[rockhopjohn]

Originally posted by kanurys
Well, it looks like to get all new parts for the setup that I mentioned you would be set back about $600.

Maybe if you get it from the dealer, you can get all the same stuff for $430 from an online parts distributor. Ready to bolt in.

[STL97outback]

Originally posted by rockhopjohn


That is a tiny amount. With the Rallitek springs my car is 1.5" higher in the rear, and I hardly notice it.

Your forrester numbers had the front higher than the back, I don't like that. Makes it look like there is a load in the back.

I prefer to have a rake (rear higher than front) or level look.

Looks like I might have to go aftermarket for a lift.

[rockhopjohn]

Originally posted by STL97outback


Your forrester numbers had the front higher than the back, I don't like that. Makes it look like there is a load in the back.

I prefer to have a rake (rear higher than front) or level look.

Looks like I might have to go aftermarket for a lift.

You're right, it was higher in the front than in the back, but I would bet you money you wouldn't be able to spot it. Just look at the pictures of the Outback above, do you see a noticeable rake, because I sure don't

[STL97outback]

Originally posted by rockhopjohn


You're right, it was higher in the front than in the back, but I would bet you money you wouldn't be able to spot it. Just look at the pictures of the Outback above, do you see a noticeable rake, because I sure don't

I can't tell, because the angle is bad. Should be a side view. I am way too anal, so I can probably spot it in person

Just went to Rallitek's site, they have nothing to lift my old Outback. So I looked at Forrester lift, since I figured if Forrester parts fit our Outback, Forrester aftermarket will fit ours too, but there was no lift kit there.

Search continues..

[kanurys]

Two things:

To find out if Rallitek made anything for my Gen. 1, I had to call and talk to them directly. None of the products were listed on their website. Try giving them a ring. They're really friendly.

The stock stance for a Gen. 1 is lower in the front than the back, so I don't think it will set it back after the above described lift. This is what I estimate solely on the measurements already talked about.

STL97, I do see a slight setback on the Team Illuminata car, and I wonder if there is a way to raise the rear a little more or lower the front by a half inch to an inch. Maybe by using forester strut mounts instead of outback ones or visa versa. Are there spacers that can go between the rear mounts and the body of the car? Is that even a possibility?

[kanurys]

I think its getting too late for me or the head cold is really getting to me.

They say that the Forester rears will raise the rear 1".

The other posts say that the Rallitek Springs will raise the rear atleast 1.5".

That is much better than the Forester rears in my own head because the HD springs won't compress as easily as the Forester springs, keeping the stance in the back more constant. Also, the difference in lift is around 0.5". Pretty negligible.

[kanurys]

Originally posted by rockhopjohn


Maybe if you get it from the dealer, you can get all the same stuff for $430 from an online parts distributor. Ready to bolt in.

I'm definitely doing the HD springs and GR-2's in back no matter what. I'm still undecided about lifting the front.

Any hints as to a good place to find Forester fronts all assembled, new? Or a good place for KYB GR-2's?

Thanks

[rockhopjohn]

Originally posted by kanurys


I'm definitely doing the HD springs and GR-2's in back no matter what. I'm still undecided about lifting the front.

Any hints as to a good place to find Forester fronts all assembled, new? Or a good place for KYB GR-2's?

Thanks

eBay is a great source for the GR-2s. Although I got mine locally from Les Schwab for not too much more than they run on eBay.

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkw...Q_fromZQQ_mdoZ

This was just the first place I looked, you might be able to find these cheaper elsewhere. 108 a piece for fully assembly Forester front strut assemblies.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

[kanurys]

Originally posted by rockhopjohn


eBay is a great source for the GR-2s

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkw...Q_fromZQQ_mdoZ

This was just the first place I looked, you might be able to find these cheaper elsewhere. 108 a piece for fully assembly Forester front strut assemblies.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

Cool, thanks. I saw those earlier. That's not too bad. $216 for the front.

The cheapest rear GR-2's on ebay are about $60 each and the HD springs are $148, so we're talking $270 for the rear.

Total at $486 + shipping and we're over $500 give or take a little depending on where you get those fronts.

Hmmm.... (grinning and scratching chin)

[STL97outback]

Originally posted by kanurys



Cool, thanks. I saw those earlier. That's not too bad. $216 for the front.

The cheapest rear GR-2's on ebay are about $60 each and the HD springs are $148, so we're talking $270 for the rear.

Total at $486 + shipping and we're over $500 give or take a little depending on where you get those fronts.

Hmmm.... (grinning and scratching chin)

DO IT
DO IT
DO IT
DO IT



So that I can see the measurements on how much your car gets a lift, and how it looks, before I pull the trigger.