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Are you sure on this? I thought they had swappable springs in the rear for sure, since my aftermarket ones were listed for 00-09

Maybe it's slightly different but still interchangeable, like forester/legacy struts.
100% sure that 05-09 springs are different than 00-04 for the Outbacks. Had them side by side. Rallitek's original catalog listing for the 00-04 overload springs mistakenly said 00-09. They have since removed that listing. The old style springs are NOT compatible with the 05-09 top-hats.

00-04 = machined/flattened coil edge
05-09 = pigtail/rounded coil edge

Need to verify by measurement, but it does look like spacers from 00-04 woudl work on 05-09. Where the top-hat meets the chassis is basically identical. Its just the top-hat and spring retainer that is different. If you zoom in on the pics at http://opposedforces.com you can kinda see it, but easier to compare in your hands for sure.
 
Don't these spacers need to incorporate an offset of some angle with this kind of suspension? Is it negligible - can camber be adjusted to correct with the strut to knukle cam bolts if the spacer is under a certain size (i.e. 0.5" or so)?

Thanks for posting the 1990's design. I want to put in 0.5" in the rear with my new Pedders HD springs all around. (with GR2's and stock strut tops for my 1998 legacy outback)
 
One question, what is the dimension on the center of the big hole for the strut mount in rerelation to the mount holes or the entire drawing? These are great. Thanks for posting them
 
Top had bolt removal

Does anyone know what is involved in the removal of the top hat bolts to install the strut spacers? Do they simply thread out of the top hat or do you have to grind them off and drill them out?
 
It's centered on both... as in, the shortest line from any of the 3 screw holes to the circle is the same distance for all 3 holes... therefore, centered.
 
Anybody done a front set for the 00- 04 Outbacks yet? I was wanting to add 1/4" all the way around when I plan on doing a Baja sprngs swap. But so far only been able to find 1/4" Saggy butt spacers but none for the front.
 
Discussion starter · #31 ·
The fronts for 00-04 Outbacks are the same as all the other subarus. They all share the same front bolt pattern... IIRC....

And the stock studs are pressed in to the strut top so you'll need to pound them out. Here are some pics of my spacer install from this weekend...

I also added started a thread in the suspension forum about the install....
 

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Discussion starter · #33 ·
Awesome I'm glad that stuff worked out for ya! And ya the M8 bolts aren't necessary. It just allows you to reuse the stock top nuts. I found some Grade 8.8 M8 hardware at Lowes for dirt cheap, like 92 cents per bolt. I ended up being 2 bolts short so I had to get those to finish it off.
 
Awesome I'm glad that stuff worked out for ya! And ya the M8 bolts aren't necessary. It just allows you to reuse the stock top nuts. I found some Grade 8.8 M8 hardware at Lowes for dirt cheap, like 92 cents per bolt. I ended up being 2 bolts short so I had to get those to finish it off.
Now I guess I should have checked lowes.. Fastenal wanted 1.50 each as did the Home depot.. so I just went with bulk nuts and bolts and got them all for 4 something at Cal Ranch :cool:...

I did find that the drivers rear strut was bad when I removed it so I had to replace those while I was in there :rolleyes:

Oh yes I also added a 1/4 extra to the rears to give a little bit more clearance for when I am loaded down or towing my little trailer.. (cutting board to the rescue)
 
Hi guys! You guys have provided helpfull info. By the way when lifted wouldnt it have a problem with alihnment?? Throwing off camber settings and etc?? Say 1" at the front and 1"3/4 at the rear(kings+3/4")?
 
Hi guys! You guys have provided helpfull info. By the way when lifted wouldnt it have a problem with alihnment?? Throwing off camber settings and etc?? Say 1" at the front and 1"3/4 at the rear(kings+3/4")?


For 2000-2009 Outback/Legacy chassis, you can increase negative front camber with aftermarket front-lower bolts to complement the OEM front-upper bolts.
This will provide enough adjustment to keep everything on the front-end in spec.
Camber Bolt FAQ and Tutorial - NASIOC


For the rear, you can replace the OEM rubber control arm bushing with an eccentric polyurethane bushing that allows camber adjustment (OEM rear is not camber-adjustable - only toe-adjustable) This will give enough adjutment to put things back in spec as well.

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/has-whiteline-kca399-rear-camber-kiti-148397.html
 
Camber adjusting

Thanks for the reply phatvw!!!
I have finally decided to go back to all stock springs front and rear with custom height spacers both f and r. Thinking fitting 1"1/2 at the back will it be too hard to get the cambr within spec ? There was 20mm difference f to the r anyway in rideheight. R was saghing badly. So it will be 34mm rear and 10mm front for the spacers. All with stock springs. Can someone pleae verify this!!!! Thanks alot
 
Discussion starter · #38 ·
outback4evr, you should be fine. I just put some 1 1/4" spacers in my 97' Outback that measured about a 1/16" over and my camber does not appear to be negative at all. And my alignment is still straight as an arrow. I propped the jack under the outside ring of the rotor and jacked it up slightly so the hub was pushed up from the outside and it made it so when I tightened the 2 bolts it was at full negative from the slop of those bolts. Lol. Does that even make sense?

But you should not need camber bolts for 34mm in the rear. Mine measured roughly 32mm and it is fine.
 
WOW! So glad I found this thread, I was looking at buying lift spacers but they are crazy expensive, and was pondering about DIYing them.

Also want to pick up some 15" or 16" steel wheels (or even alloys if the price is right) and throw some off road tyres on them, then see what this baby can do :D.
 
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