'99 Forester has too much body roll

[plarsen111]

I am not sure if it has always had too much body roll on the corners, or if it is getting worse. I do know that I want to fix it.

 

I am not a mechanic of any sort, but should I go to one, what should I suggest he do? Change the shocks, install a new stabalizer bar, install stronger coils?

 

Basically, I want the body roll to go away. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

plarsen111

[1 Lucky Texan]

I am not sure if it has always had too much body roll on the corners, or if it is getting worse. I do know that I want to fix it.

 

I am not a mechanic of any sort, but should I go to one, what should I suggest he do? Change the shocks, install a new stabalizer bar, install stronger coils?

 

Basically, I want the body roll to go away. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

plarsen111

 

There have been a few Soobs break their anti-sway bars. Might be worthwhile to confirm that hasn't happened.

The Forester shares a lot of components with the Impreza/WRX line so finding all those suspension parts you mentioned is easy because of the high performance parts 'tuners' use. - if you install coilovers,heavier anti-sway bars, lower springs, anti-lift kits, etc. you WILL have a harsher and likely noisier ride in addition to reduced body roll.

 

try http://www.subarugenuineparts.com for some OEM and performance parts

 

check out the suspension forums at http://www.nasioc.com too.

 

Carl

[blitz]

Just like Carl says, the Forester is an Impreza with a jacked-up ride height, a high center of gravity, and taller profile tires.

 

It's an Impreza that's been given the SUV treatment. Doh!!!

[Commuter]

First thing to try would be a stiffer rear sway bar IMO. You can go from there. Try to get an adjustable one if they have it. (eg Whiteline)

 

Commuter.

[frag]

My opinion is new (if broken) or stronger stabilizer bars would reduce body roll without compromising ride comfort.

[cookie]

I also have a 99 Forester and it had about 80,000 miles at the time.

When I tried it in a parking lot it would settle to the rubber bump stops and break the rear away.

I asked advice here and found out about the 15% stiffer KYB shocks. With the addition of an Ebay WRX rear sway bar the car is pretty balanced and the tires are now the limit.

Still some body roll, but smooth and controllable. You can four wheel drift the car and it is even on both ends. I would have kept tuning if I was not happy, but the car reached a stage where it outdoes most SUV types in corners with the notable exception of the BMW SUV.

The stock sway bar is about 13mm and the WRX is 17mm, it bolts right on in less than an hour. I understand this package is offered with the turbo model.