wallaceg

I'm currently looking into doing this myself. I believe the top nut requires a special offset wrench. Can anyone confirm?

The parts for the Impreza w/ ABS is the same as the OBS. Non-ABS Imprezas have a different part #.

I checked some part #s, and the OBS and Imp Wagon (w/ABS) from the late 90's have the same struts.

Did you take out the swaybar to get better suspension flexing, or did you need to remove the swaybar because it was causing problems?

My impression is that the OBS and the regular Impreza wagon have the same struts, but the OBS has slightly larger tires. Anyone know if this is true?

How's the driveability? This is my daily driver, not an offroader. I want a little extra clearance but not if that means the normal driving performance is compromised(clunking noises, tire wear/alignment issues, sway bar problems, etc).

It's time to replace the struts on my 97 Impreza, and I'm thinking of using Forester struts to get a little extra clearance. I've read a bunch of the threads about using Forester struts on Imprezas, and it seems like everybody uses longer struts and new springs. I'm on a tight budget and would prefer to use my OEM springs on the new, longer struts. Will this cause a problem? Also, I remember reading that the strut caps for the Forester use a different bolt pattern than those on the Impreza. Is there any problem using the old strut caps on the new struts? I want to make sure that this won't affect the driveability of the car. This is not an offroader---I just want a little extra clearance when driving on sketchy dirt roads. If the Forester struts require removing the sway-bars, cause clunking noises, etc, then I'll just stick with Impreza struts. Is there a better choice for struts that will lift the Impreza, but not as much as the Forester struts will? Legacy or WRX struts, maybe?

It's time to replace the struts on my 97 Impreza, and I'm thinking of using Forester struts to get a little extra clearance. I've read a bunch of the threads about using Forester struts on Imprezas, and it seems like everybody uses longer struts AND springs. I'm on a tight budget and would prefer to use my OEM springs on the new, longer struts. Will this cause a problem? Also, I remember reading that the strut caps for the Forester use a different bolt pattern than those on the Impreza. Is there any problem using the old strut caps on the new struts?

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for.

Anyone have a link to instructions on replacing the front brake pads for an Impreza. It's a 1997 wagon 4EAT (no ABS) if that makes any difference. Thanks.

What's the best way to do that on a Subaru(this is my first 'Roo)?

I get a ticking/rubbing/grinding sound from the front drivers side some days in the morning. Sounds like maybe a bad CV joint, but it is not affected by making turns in either direction and the sound goes away after about a mile of driving. Is this a CV problem or could the sound be from the pads rubbing against rust on the rotors or something like that? If the sound goes away quickly, should I be concerned? The car is a 97 Impreza 2.2 4EAT w/ 87k.

Ooops, mean to put this in the new gen forum

http://boston.craigslist.org/car/130346546.html http://www.mit.edu/~wallaceg/jeeppics/ You can clearly see the clutch pedal, though the stick shift is somewhat obscured by the steering wheel. The missing cap on the rear bumper has been replaced. Will that make you giggle? My GF doesn't know how to drive a manual transmission (and Boston traffic isn't a good place to learn), plus we can't afford two cars, and her 4EAT Imp Wagon is newer and has fewer miles, so the Jeep's gotta go. I bought it with 40k and now's it's up to 150k and still going strong. I hate to see it go. :'( I'll PM you the VIN.

I've also got to take exception to the anti-Jeep sentiments. I've got a 94 Grand Cherokee w/ 5spd manual (only one I've ever seen). It's been extremely reliable (150k and still going strong) and gets nearly the same mileage as my 97 Impreza w/ 4EAT. 19c/20h for the Jeep vs. 23c/26h for the Subaru (both with roof racks and Thule boxes on top). The Jeep has a real low range(2.7:1), lots of low end torque(200-something at 1000 rpm), and can tow a trailer with two Subarus on it. Naturally the Impreza drives a lot better, but comparing the two is like comparing apples to pineapples---all you can say is that they're both delicious, but in different ways. :cool:

Hmmmm, what about putting a slightly narrower but still full diameter spare in there? Something like a 155/80/15 instead of the stock 195/65/15? That comes to 24.8" vs. 25.0" How wide a tire will fit without pushing the floor up?

Anybody know if a full size spare will fit in the back of a 1997 Impreza Wagon? I've currently got a doughnut back there, and the thought of a flat with no real spare kinda scares me.

Yes, it can be done on the auto transmission (NOT the manual, though), although it requires a little rewiring. There is a solenoid in the transmission referred to as "Duty C" which controls the AWD system. If the solenoid is energized (i.e. has electricity running through it), then you're in FWD. If the solenoid is not energized, then you're in locked-up 4x4 mode. Normally the computer switches between FWD and 4x4 a few times a second, thus giving the effect of AWD. You can rig it yourself by using a single pole triple throw switch which will feed 0v (4x4), the standard time-varying signal (AWD), or 12v (FWD) to the solenoid. There's a very good writeup of how to do a AWD/4x4 switch (very similar to what you want to do) here: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=49618&highlight=4eat+4x4+duty+c

I do a fair amount of driving on dirt logging roads in NH and Maine to get to the good skiing and paddling locations. I drive slowly (no rallying) and try to avoid the roughest spots (I used to drive a Jeep, and I know I don't have the clearance I used to), and so far I haven't had any problems. I've noticed that the rear diff protector is pretty cheap and seems to be easy to install. How vulnerable is the rear diff? Does the skidplate provide enough protection? Any other dangly bits I should be worried about underneath? Thanks, Greg 97 Impreza Wagon 4EAT 85k

Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I just wanted to make sure the cheesy piece of plastic wasn't keeping salt and grime out of anything important.

I recently purchased a 97 Impreza Wagon with a missing hubcap. I'd like to have all 4 wheels match, but I really don't care if they're all matching black steel, and I'd like not to buy a new hubcap and ring assembly. Will running without hubcaps damage anything? Should I be worried about protecting the hub assembly? Thanks, Greg