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

[STL97outback]

One other question, if you out 02 WRX wheels, the 5 spoke ones, that are 16 inch, what size would be the right size to go to on tires, for the Outback?

[rockhopjohn]

I have those exact wheels for my snow tires, and I run a 225/60R16. You could also run a 215/65R16 safely, which is what I run in the summer. There are more options, but those are the most common. You can always run smaller, but you don't want to go with more than about a 27.5" tall tire, that is the key.

[STL97outback]

Any thoughts on the 17inch Legacy GT wheels? There is a local set with tires for sale for a decent price.

IN the gallery right now there is an outback with the 16 inch Impreza wheels...which look like the same design.

[8kGoodENuff]

I don't know about this... to me they personally look the same. The only thing that I think made a difference were the tires being bigger.

I wish he had taken some pictures with the stock wheels on and with a tape measure to show for it.

The King Springs show a noticeable difference in height where as these it's hard to tell if anything was really changed.

Andre

[STL97outback]

any other lift solutions out there for the 97 outback?

[STL97outback]

Will a Forrester 2007 model XT spring/strut (oem combo) provide a bit of lift and be a direct replacement?

I can pick up the whole setup for $100.

[rockhopjohn]

I would imagine so. You should look at part numbers and compare, if it looks like the 2005 and 2007 are the same then you should be good to go.

[98obster]

Originally posted by STL97outback
Will a Forrester 2007 model XT spring/strut (oem combo) provide a bit of lift and be a direct replacement?

I can pick up the whole setup for $100.

do it

[rockhopjohn]

Originally posted by STL97outback
Will a Forrester 2007 model XT spring/strut (oem combo) provide a bit of lift and be a direct replacement?

I can pick up the whole setup for $100.

After looking up the parts, it looks like 2007 MAY not work. In listing the struts for the Forester they imply that the rears were the sane from 2003-2005, and the fronts were the same in 2004-5. This doesn't mean the 2007 won't work, it just means they aren't the same as the 2005 models, but for 100 bucks it is hard to go wrong.

[98obster]

Originally posted by rockhopjohn


After looking up the parts, it looks like 2007 MAY not work. In listing the struts for the Forester they imply that the rears were the sane from 2003-2005, and the fronts were the same in 2004-5. This doesn't mean the 2007 won't work, it just means they aren't the same as the 2005 models, but for 100 bucks it is hard to go wrong.

I have the same forester stuff and a 97 outback ltd as well (not installed yet though). the fronts are the same and the rear strut tower mounts are the same. I just don't know how much lift it will give or if the camber bolts will be necessary or how much caster in the rear will be affected. If I recall, the FXT is about .5 inches lower than the non turbo (cars101). so I'm thinking it should be a good replacement and maybe an inch or so lift.

tomorrow I am picking up a set of struts/springs off of a 99 forester with King springs and tower spacers. the forester also had the body lift and steering extension. I may remove the spacers though-or maybe keep the spacers in the rear for that raked look ?