sifu

hey monstaru, how are those trailing arms holding up?

such a great idea. I'd been thinking of a small spacer like this. I've read elsewhere that 5mm is max size spacer without needing new studs

I'll second this- Bought a gabrial rear vs. a kyb rear on ebay just to see. The construction is clearly better on kyb. Also, the KYB is harder to compress and rebounds faster..if that makes a difference. Observing the difference from a top brand to a 2nd shelf strut, I would seriously hesitate going to the bargain bin struts. Besides, if you keep an eye out NOS KYBs can go for 40-70 on ebay. GL

It is brownish. It's Plasti Dip! The attempt was copper, as I'm from Arizona, the copper state. I'm thinking of putting a coat of gloss over it some time soon...

Here is the new lifted subie with Forester XT 04 struts all around.

yes, unfortunately she was totaled by a guest driver a few years back. Currently I'm riding a lifted 02 wrx.

Oh, and in case anyone has similar problems, here is the much delayed update: Well, figured I should update, even if it's months late. Got all CELs off her for under a $50 bucks! BWAHAHHAHHA! Got a lot of help from you guys, and a little luck. 1- Fixed code p0325 by replacing the knock sensor for 15 bucks on ebay. 2- Fixed code p1400 with this http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2310341 ..I ended up running a new wire from the computer under passenger carpet to behind the charcoal box in the rear. 3- Fixed p420 (temporarily). The catalytic converter is bad, but I can still get it to go for 100 miles or so before it turns on again, and got it past emissions. The 2 others were associated/repeated codes. With the brakes done, it has been a super reliable ride for the old lady, and I think I'm going to tackle the rust and try to plasti dip it! Will update it.

Thanks for the advice. I got the CELs off months ago, and this car has been AWESOME! Why should I be suprised? It's a subie So now it's time for phase 2----(What Fubaru said) I'm in AZ. so, not too worried about rust spreading, and I've been told the car is safe. Going to fiberglass the holes, and paint over the car. Hope to add before and after pics.

Aside from the picutred rust, and as naive as it might sound, rust doesn't look too bad under the carriage or behind the panels. I will try to post some more pictures. I really don't want to drop the tank.

UPDATE: Fought the rust to redo the brakes. Now to the CELs. I've been doing some research and so far addressed one code. PO325- Knock Sensor ( I hopefully addressed this today)http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2204739 ---- I still have 3 to go. I noticed a hole in the gas tank. Fortunately, when you fill it up, the gas nozzle extends past the hole. PO183- Fuel Temp Sensor PO463-Fuel Level Sensor PO1400-Fuel tank pressure control solenoid failure or short. I noticed there is a hole in the gas line. Fortunately, when you fill it up, the gas nozzle extends past the hole. PO420-Cat or o2 sensor-Anyone want to weigh in on this?

Thanks. Now it's let the DIY repairs commence. I need to burn through 5 CELs too. They can't be too bad. The car purrs like a kitten...I mean street cat. I'll post up the progress. On a humorous note, this girlfriend of mine is trying to learn to drive. She crashed my old 97 obs. So there is no doubt she is a horrible driver. Today, she cut a guy off(accidentally) and it wasn't that big of a deal, except Rambo with a nose ring flipped out, sped up on the shoulder, and rubbed the fender. Now the turn signal is hanging and the fender has a nice fat dent. What a wongleflute.

Good advice. I'll give that DIY rust repair job a go on top of the other things. I think she made out pretty well..She paid only $950...I hope there won't be any major problems that need to be uncovered.

While out of state, my fiance purchased a 99 outback sport for xxxx. Since it runs, I told her to go for it at their crazy low asking price. Now I've seen it, I want to pass it on to the old pros here. Vehicle is in AZ, was back East. I don't have a lot of experience with rust, but the car definitely does. The question is: How much is it worth knowing only the following: Pros: Starts up, runs clean. Everything works as it should. Tires in good shape. Clean interior. Clean title, 2 owners. Overall, looks like its in nice shape Cons: Needs break pads, possibly rotors. Rust bucket (see pics) Check engine light 185k miles. I really got on here for advice on how bad the rust is (cosmetic, structural), what I should do to thoroughly check it out (pull up carpet? Anything easier?) ... what I should do to repair it (fiberglass/bondo or metalworker?) I tried snapping the worst of the rust.

Yes. Thanksfully the tires fit. They still sit a bit too close to the well, but no big deal on rubbing. I think I'm safe!