So, after a lot of reading through various threads, including a bunch of the Suspension FAQ thread, I really just need some final advice before making my choice for upgrades.
I have a 2005 Outback XT (just purchased) and it has 145k miles and everything is still original. So, suspension is definitely tired by now. Mainly in the rear.
So, I know I need new struts and, potentially, springs. Then there are sway bars, but I'm not sure I need that added stiffness if I plan to use the car "off-road" (dirt roads and such when going hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, etc... no rock crawling).
I would love the Bilstein BTS Kit, but that now seems cost prohibitive (and they stopped producing?). But from the reviews, it seemed like a great compromise between the stiffness of the KYB GR-2 '00-'04 and the softness KYB GR-2 '05 (or stock).
Anyway, my options...
Rear-end:
1. '00 - '04 KYB GR-2 and Springs (Rallitek or King... I want same ride height, so Rallitek would get me that since I believe Kings raise 1"?). My only fear with this would be too much stiffness. I want to reduce bodyroll, sagging, and improve handling... but not at the expense of getting a headache when going "off-road" (as stated above, nothing crazy, just unpaved roads and trails to get me kayaking, hiking, etc.). I don't doubt this is great for road performance... but what do people think about it when off -road?
2. '05 KYB GR-2 and Springs - if the above truly would be too stiff for off-road driving... would this be a middle ground? Or will it be similar to stock (too soft!)?
*Ultimately, because I have to go on trips and haul gear and people sometimes (nothing crazy, but wouldn't doubt getting to a few hundred pounds at times) I feel as if the springs would be necessary? Especially because they can help eliminate potential ghostwalking issue.
Front-end
1. Do nothing. I'm not really bothered by the front-end to be honest. A little more stiffness wouldn't hurt, but I don't find it bad. But not sure if I'll change my mind when I add stiffness to the back.
2. '05 KYB GR - 2 only. Next step from doing nothing I'd think. Keeps ride softness in front for improved comfort... could be good if I plan to go off road? Since the KYB GR - 2 up front could be too stiff?
3. 00' - '04 KYB GR-2 only. Too stiff? Again, stiffness is great if I were to only drive on nice roads but I don't want to have a terrible ride every time I'm on a bad road, unpaved road, etc.
4. One of the above options AND springs. I'd think replacing with stiffer springs would be overkill? Since I'm not adding any significant weight to the front of the car and I don't find the front end bad to begin with... stiffer struts, say the '00 - '04 should be stiff enough? I'm not a suspension expert though, so perhaps there's another benefit to new springs (and I don't believe the original springs are a "wear" item that I'd need to replace?)
What do you guys believe the best option would be for someone like me, who wants to reduce the bodyroll, rear sagging, and performance (as well as potential ghostwalking) without significantly sacrificing comfort when off-road (unpaved roads, dirt roads, etc.). In some ways, stiffness is good when off-road so I don't bottom out and am not getting seasick from bouncing... I just need to know what is the best "happy medium."
Any and all help is appreciated... thanks!
I have a 2005 Outback XT (just purchased) and it has 145k miles and everything is still original. So, suspension is definitely tired by now. Mainly in the rear.
So, I know I need new struts and, potentially, springs. Then there are sway bars, but I'm not sure I need that added stiffness if I plan to use the car "off-road" (dirt roads and such when going hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, etc... no rock crawling).
I would love the Bilstein BTS Kit, but that now seems cost prohibitive (and they stopped producing?). But from the reviews, it seemed like a great compromise between the stiffness of the KYB GR-2 '00-'04 and the softness KYB GR-2 '05 (or stock).
Anyway, my options...
Rear-end:
1. '00 - '04 KYB GR-2 and Springs (Rallitek or King... I want same ride height, so Rallitek would get me that since I believe Kings raise 1"?). My only fear with this would be too much stiffness. I want to reduce bodyroll, sagging, and improve handling... but not at the expense of getting a headache when going "off-road" (as stated above, nothing crazy, just unpaved roads and trails to get me kayaking, hiking, etc.). I don't doubt this is great for road performance... but what do people think about it when off -road?
2. '05 KYB GR-2 and Springs - if the above truly would be too stiff for off-road driving... would this be a middle ground? Or will it be similar to stock (too soft!)?
*Ultimately, because I have to go on trips and haul gear and people sometimes (nothing crazy, but wouldn't doubt getting to a few hundred pounds at times) I feel as if the springs would be necessary? Especially because they can help eliminate potential ghostwalking issue.
Front-end
1. Do nothing. I'm not really bothered by the front-end to be honest. A little more stiffness wouldn't hurt, but I don't find it bad. But not sure if I'll change my mind when I add stiffness to the back.
2. '05 KYB GR - 2 only. Next step from doing nothing I'd think. Keeps ride softness in front for improved comfort... could be good if I plan to go off road? Since the KYB GR - 2 up front could be too stiff?
3. 00' - '04 KYB GR-2 only. Too stiff? Again, stiffness is great if I were to only drive on nice roads but I don't want to have a terrible ride every time I'm on a bad road, unpaved road, etc.
4. One of the above options AND springs. I'd think replacing with stiffer springs would be overkill? Since I'm not adding any significant weight to the front of the car and I don't find the front end bad to begin with... stiffer struts, say the '00 - '04 should be stiff enough? I'm not a suspension expert though, so perhaps there's another benefit to new springs (and I don't believe the original springs are a "wear" item that I'd need to replace?)
What do you guys believe the best option would be for someone like me, who wants to reduce the bodyroll, rear sagging, and performance (as well as potential ghostwalking) without significantly sacrificing comfort when off-road (unpaved roads, dirt roads, etc.). In some ways, stiffness is good when off-road so I don't bottom out and am not getting seasick from bouncing... I just need to know what is the best "happy medium."
Any and all help is appreciated... thanks!