dklein90

So Im the proud new owner of a 98 forester S automatic, 96 thousand miles. I paid $5,000 for it, going to pick it up today. I wanted a 5 spd but this car has every option I wanted, even the color (red) was what I wanted and the price was right. Its never had the head gasket replaced so that is something that I need to keep an eye on, or just go ahead and replce to prevent problems later. There is a good bit of Piston slap, does anyone know of a way to quiet it down? Another problem is that the Gas gague dosnt work, Id like to fix it if posible -any ideas on what it could need.

Today I was talking to a guy about his Impreza Outback Sport and the topic of leg room came up. He said that he used to work for Subaru as a mechanic and knew of a part that would attach to the seat rails and create more room for the seat to slide back. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? I searched the board and couldnt find anything that mentioned it. -Aching Knees Dave

I hate being stranded, its happend to me a few hundred miles from home. I think that if your nervous about the car now than you always will be once you own it and may limit what you do because of it. A few extra thousand dollars is worth the piece of mind of having something you trust. I bet with a little waiting and some searching one could find a newer model with less miles for around 5 to 6 thousand. The car is probably fine but what is your piece of mind worth. I live in Maine and have been looking for a forester too, if I see anything that seems nice I'll let you know. -Dave

Thanks for the input Zapar Just so you know, I do my own research into things. Ive looked into Scorpion and BYB lifts, as well as others that have been posted on this board. Im always a little leary of folks that want me to buy their product. Lets face it they are in the business of selling us their stuff. When I go into a project like lifting a vehicle, I want to know all that I can about all the posibilities. It sucks to put in an expensive lift then find out later that what you really wanted was something else. So to get these answers, I go to the experts. Those that have done these mods to their own vehicle. They can give me unbiased info on the things that I can expect. I have gotten realy good information from this board and it has helped me make some of my decisions. I apologize if I have offended anyone. -Dave

How does this mod effect the handleing of the OBS? I dont want something that will wonder all over the rroad and ride like a truck. I would want tires a little larger than staock, and more agresive. Some sort of all terrain tire similar to BF Goodrich All terrains. would it be smarter and more cost efective to put in a body lift rather than changing to outback or forester struts? How about some pros and cons. -Dave

how does it work, what parts do I need. Does thid mod change the CV angles to a point of concern for wearing them out? -Dave

If I put the springs and struts from a forester on an OBS impreza would it give the OBS the gorund clearance of a forester? Or is there mor to it than that? -Dave

I like the duct tape holding the siginal light on. wish I could offer some help on the steering problem but that is a problem I have never seen. Maybe you have a bent something or other. How do you like the OBS, Thats a car I have been considering. Its either that or a Forester. Good luck and try not to turn to much -Dave

I like the idea of the low range forester, why they didnt give us one from the factory I just dont understand. How much of a modification is it to put in a DR tranny? Surely its not just a bolt in? How much money am I looking at spending if I want this done? Thanks for all the good info everyone -Dave

Ive looked into several lifts and it seems that I can only find body lift kits, what is needed for a suspension lift? Is it just taller springs and struts? Ive looked at Scorpion and BYB but cant find the suspension lift kits. Are there any advantages and disadvantages to a suspension? Iv read about going through CV joints. Finally how does a few inches of lift and larger tires impact gas mileage? Thanks -Dave

sounds like an awsome trip, you may have inspired me to buy an older Subaru rather than the Foresters Ive been looking at. Has anyone ever tackled the Rubicon Trail in a Subaru? -Dave

what is the differance between the phase 1 and phase 2? Is it just the production year or is there more to it than that.

are ther any good aftermarket exhaust systems out there for Subarus. Something a little more sporty but not out of control? I know that Borla makes some good cat back systems for Jeeps, is there anything like that for a Roo?

thanks for the input, your probably right about worrying about it. when Im out car shoping are there any signs and symtoms that I should be on the look out for. Im interested in a forester which I believe only comes with a 2.5. I want to get the best car and motor for my money.

Im looking in to buying a forester for a daily driver, some dirt road use and some off roading. Is this a capable vehicle for off roading and if I wanted to lift it where should I look to find a kit. About how much does it cost.

Whats the flat out deal with the 2.5? Should they be avoided at all cost? Whats the price of replacing the head gasket? Is it an easy job for someone to do at home?

I know what you mean about the one more click back in the seat. It seems like car manufacturers would do something to help us tall folks out a little. Im a little partial to the forester because of the ground clearance, being a Jeep man for a long time it is hard to give up. But it sounds as if the 2.5 is just bad news. I like a dependable motor (jeeps 4.0 is as good as they come) as Im sure that Subarus 2.2 is. Thanks for the info, I'll think about a Lagacy wagon -maybe an Outback Wagon is the way to go for me. Does anyone have a Forester or an outback that can give me some advice, seating comfort? Convince me that a 2.5 isnt as bad as it sounds.

Hello all, Im new to the board and looking for some advice on Subarus. I used to be a Jeep man through and through but the price of gass is pushing me away. Im looking for a replacement for a Jeep Grand Cherokee and think that a Forester or Outback might be the perfect match. My mother drives a 97 or 98 Legacy sedan, which I have never really liked much. Im 6'2" and 230 pounds and feel cramped behind the wheel, long trips are not much fun. I hope that the wagons have a little more room. ( I drove a 01 Forester the other day and liked it alot, but still felt a little tight behind the wheel.) I live in Maine and deal with the snow on a regular basis in the winter. I dont like weather to stop me from going anywhere. (I love the Subaru for its capabilities in the snow). I do alot of dirt road driving and a little off roading, nothing serious though. Im looking to pay in the 8 thousand range and Im not interested in anything older than 95. Can anyone sum this up and make a sugestion for me, especialy in the comfort beheind the wheel for us big folks department.