I swear I remember hearing that Baja springs will lift an 00-04 wagon up to 8.5" or so. Someone on here had posted that they'd done it.

Okay, I searched. Here's the link: http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18139

You can start reading at the last post of the first page, and continue to the second page.

 

While that thread seems to focus a bit more on the HD Ralitek rear springs and H6 front springs, it is enough to get me started.

Thank you!

 

Rallitek HD springs

I just received a return email, and it doesn't sound like Rallitek will be carrying the HD rear springs anymore. Boo.

This really limits my options to a full Baja spring swap, or a combination of the H6 front with Baja rears. The cost will be less than $200 for a full set of springs which is great, but I have a couple of questions:

In the link above, it mentions something about the Baja rears, but I don't think they were installed. Are the spring top cup mounts any different? Also, does anyone know what the difference is between the Baja turbo front springs vs. the N/A?

I am going to do this one way or the other, but if I can gather a few more bits of info, that would be fantastic!

j.

 

Well, I can't seem to get any more info on this subject. I tried to find a little more info on the turbo Baja springs vs the N/A Baja springs. That failed. The best info I could find was for the N/A Baja, and the spring seats appear to be the same as any 00-04 Outback. I guess that means I'll just have to order the springs and get 'er done!

 

Are you looking for a stiffer ride, or just a lift?

I lifted mine with custom made strut spacers.

It cost me about $260 to have them made and I installed them myself.

But, I had a pattern for the fabricator to go off of. It might be more if they would need to be designed too.

 

You will want the springs from the later Baja production. The first few years the Baja had the same ride height at the outback. I think 04 was when the Baja was raised.

 

You will want the springs from the later Baja production. The first few years the Baja had the same ride height at the outback. I think 04 was when the Baja was raised.

Correct! Struts, mounts, etc all appear to have the same part numbers (turbo Baja exc.) The only thing I can't confirm is the spring seat part numbers. If those are the same, then everything should work just fine.

 

I spoke with my parts guy this morning and confirmed that the part numbers for the 04-05 Baja sport uses the same spring seat as the 00-04 Outback. I have decided to go for it and ordered a set of 05 Baja Sport springs. The total with shipping will be around $150.

 

Wow! I'm definitely interested to hear how this goes.

Any idea how much lift the Baja springs will give over the stock 00-04 springs?
Are you planning to change the struts as well?
With regards to the front springs, how would the baja compare to the H6?

 

also interested to see how this turns out.

 

Any update on this? It will definitely be in my future it this works.

 

Ship date Jan 14, 2010
Estimated delivery Jan 16, 2010

Wow. IF this shipping info is correct, then I might be doing this on Sunday or Monday!

Anyway, I will plan to do a write up for everyone here even if it fails

 

I'm looking forward to it.

 

Please don't forget to post the parts number, I'm looking forward to seeing the project.

 

The only part numbers I will be able to provide are the KYB dampers, the top mounts, and the damper boots. Subaruparts.com didn't give me the part numbers for the 05 Baja springs.

I will be doing the install today and will take a few snap shots too.

 

Subaruparts.com didn't give me the part numbers for the 05 Baja springs.

aerosaaber, I bet you can find them at opposedforces.com.

 

It is all done, and the install was flawless were it not for my own lack of paying attention to the direction to mount the front spring seats. Anyway, I know there are many "how to" threads on the install subject, so I won't get to crazy with this one

The install consists of the following:
KYB GR2 dampers front and rear
Gas Strut 334275 FRONT RIGHT
Gas Strut 334276 FRONT LEFT
Gas Shock 341276 REARS
One set of front and rear 04-05 Baja springs
Your existing Outback tophats, spring seats, and "stuff".

While the front Baja springs "look" shorter, they are a MUCH beefier coil and I noticed that my air compressor was working a little harder to keep the air tool fueled up to tighten down the spring compressors on them. The Outback tops and spring seats worked just fine. I got the fronts put together and went to put them in and... well, lets just say I didn't put the top spring seat on the right direction (whoops). After dropping a few quality creative words, it was back to the air tools and spring compressors. Once I got the top spring seat on correctly, everything went in without a hitch.

The rear Baja springs appear to be the same height as the Outback, but again, they are a beefier coil. The install of these went by much smoother, but there is something you will need to be aware of. Be sure that the top hat is inline with the base of the damper. If you don't, the assembly will not line up correctly at the base of the damper and lower bolt location on the car.

The ride height from the bottom kick panel to the garage floor was about 9.5" before the install. After everything was in and tightned, I put the wheels back on and lowered it off the jack stands. I measured from the base of the kick panel to the floor again and ended up with 11". Perfect!

If you enjoy the ride of your curren't "Buickback" then you might not want to perform this swap. If you have driven a newer Baja (newer than the 03) you will have a good idea of what to expect in terms of ride. While some people would say it is a "stiffer" ride, I say it is a much more controlled and refined ride. The steering response is improved, and there is much less body roll both while driving and braking.

On a personal note, I have a rather large crap-eating grin on my face right now, and couldn't be happier about how this turned out :7:

Hopefully I will get the wagon in for an alignment tomorrow.

 

i have a 01 OB and trying to get more clearance. will my stock struts and shocks with the baja springs? or do i have to swap everything you swapped?

thanks

 

That's great news! Can't wait to see the pics.

Also curious to see how much, if any they settle from the initial 11" measure.

 

We need some before and after pictures my friend! Tell me you got them!

 

Were those new Baja springs, or used springs from another car?

If they are new from Subaru, I wouldn't anticipate keeping all of that lift, since they will settle a bit once they have been broken in.

 

We need some before and after pictures my friend! Tell me you got them!

No before since I managed to forget the camera for the install. I will get some afters up here pretty soon though.

Were those new Baja springs, or used springs from another car?

If they are new from Subaru, I wouldn't anticipate keeping all of that lift, since they will settle a bit once they have been broken in.

The springs were new from Subaru. I don't expect to maintain a full inch an a half by any means. What I do expect is that they will give the 8.4 or whatever it is the Baja has. I plan to take another measurement in the next couple of days.

Either way, the overall improvements to the handeling and ride make this install more than worth while.

 

I'm thinking I should replace the shocks on my outback, it's got 160k miles on it as I'm sure they're still original.

Bilstein are great on our Saab rally car and Bilstein HD's were great on other Saabs, so I was thinking of looking for them, new springs too? not a bad idea. With a new kid on the way, I may not be doing anything...

 

Well, it has been about a week and I haven't lost much of the clearance gain (maybe a 1/4"?) The wagon goes in for an alignment tomorrow morning. There is definitely some positive camber to take care of

 

still waiting for pics!!

 

Well, it has been about a week and I haven't lost much of the clearance gain (maybe a 1/4"?) The wagon goes in for an alignment tomorrow morning. There is definitely some positive camber to take care of

Yeah, doubt you will lose more than a 1/4-1/2" once they get settled in.