how different are legacy/impreza chassisesssss?

[pffft]

OK, first post

 

Pretty much certified car geek with a barn full of stupid cars to prove it,

but a relative newbie to Subarus (well, my obs has 100000 miles on it now

but I never really thought of it as a toy, more a utensil) (meant as a compliment, btw)

 

I am very happy with the way my 02 outback sport turns, the substitutuion

of a wrx rear bar really helped. Now I also have a baja turbo and it really

does not steer as well. The turn-in especially. It just is not as nice and

crisp as the OBS. I don't mean it plows, it is just not as eager to change

direction.

 

So, I know the baja sits about a foot higher and weighs several hundred

pounds more and has 60 instead of 55 series tires, but is that why or

is there some basic difference in the chassis layout?

 

The only things I have messed with are tire pressures and a larger rear bar

(IPD 20-21-22ish adjustable, don't remember). The bar helps some, but at

higher speeds it makes things a bit quirky, the suspension takes a set and

then the back makes its presence known and allows as how it might think,

just forthe heck of it, about maybe being in front instead. Kinda like an older 911.

It has never actually come around, but I have never given it a chance, either.

The tire pressures have helped, but it still is not in same league as my obs,

which is all I am asking for.

 

So, is this an alignment thing? Or just the way legacys are, or what?

Do I need a bigger front bar?

Also, does anyone know of aftermarket shocks for the 04/05 bajas? Mine

could certainly use a bit more rebound damping.

 

thanks,

 

patrick

[Legacy777]

If you were to put slightly lower springs & stiffer struts, it would handle better. A lot has to do with the suspension in the baja. The newer chassis are pretty rigid, it's just a matter of how the suspension is setup.

 

I have a buddy with a forestor that has been lowered. It handles pretty good for a forestor. Still not going to handle as well with the larger profile tires, but everything is a compromise.

[Setright]

I have just had amazing success with adding just half a degree of negative camber to the front wheels. I suggest you find an alignment shop that won't mind straying from the standard settings.

[pffft]

If you were to put slightly lower springs & stiffer struts, it would handle better.

 

Thanks, Josh

I have thought about that, but so far I have found no one that makes

springs or struts to LOWER the higher (04+?) Bajas.

ANY leads, anyone?

 

 

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I have just had amazing success with adding just half a degree of negative camber to the front wheels. I suggest you find an alignment shop that won't mind straying from the standard settings.

 

Thanks, I figured a tweek would help but had no idea what to ask

for. I'll try 1/2 degree and see what happens.

 

patrick