Hi all -just picked up a '91 Legacy with a buddy to transform into a trail/camping rig. The first mods will be a lift with some larger tires. In searching around in here, it looks like there are a couple of options - the SJR lift and the outback/forester struts. We were initially thinking just a 2 inch lift, but it depends on what all is involved. If we can go bigger with not much more headache it may be worth it to us. I've got a couple of questions:

 

The outback/forester struts - I read in one post this is only for the front. True? How much do these typically run used/new?

 

The SJR lift - I see that there is a 1.5 inch lift, and a 4 inch lift. From what I understand, nothing is really needed for the 1.5. For the 4 inch, it looks like an extended steering shaft. Anything else needed here (extended driveshaft, etc.)?

 

We are trying to do a cost anaylsis on this and see what fits the budget best. If the 4 inch lift is better/cheaper than the 1.5 inch and strut combination, might be better go that route.

 

Anything I'm missing? Recommendations either way? If we go the SJR route, at least we are a short hop up North to Bellingham....

Edited February 13, 201214 yr by uwjberg

the forester or outback front struts are a direct bolt on in the front. I believe the outbacks at least should be a direct swap as well. Foresters may be different in the tophat. Not 100% on this. Either way it's way easier than a body lift.

 

depends which yard you go to. I got a full set of forester struts for $60 at my auto yard. I've heard as mush as $50. a piece for a strut spring combo used.

 

You can add HDPE spacers between the strut tops and frame for some extra lift. I make them pretty cheap. 3/8 inch can be put on with no modification.

There is a good set of OB struts and springs at the Pick n Pull in Lynnwood right now. $28.99 each.

 

If you want to see what a '91 looks like with the OB springs/struts/1" strut spacers and 1" body lift looks like I will have mine put back together soon. I live just down the road from PnP so I could meet you there and show you where the good stuff is.

Nice! I may have to take you up on that. I'm new to the lifted suby thing, so any advice would be sweet.

 

I'd pm you about the struts at PnP but I can't see an option to do that?

Edited February 14, 201214 yr by uwjberg

Also - did you have to lenthen your steering shaft or any other mods?

Also - did you have to lenthen your steering shaft or any other mods?

 

Not with a suspension lift. If you lift the body you would have to lengthen your steering shaft, remount radiator etc. Suspension lift is easy. it's why most of us lifting newer generation subarus do it that way.

Gotcha. So with outback struts/springs and a 1 inch spacer that should be a pretty decent lift without having to lengthen the steering shaft. From what I've read that is about the outer limit for axle angles, right? How much lift can I expect with that combo?

 

Thanks for all of the hlpe...

depends which yard you go to. I got a full set of forester struts for $60 at my auto yard. I've heard as mush as $50. a piece for a strut spring combo used.

 

The yard closest to me is $50/each if you pull them, and $75/each if you have the yard guys remove them from the car. :-\

Gotcha. So with outback struts/springs and a 1 inch spacer that should be a pretty decent lift without having to lengthen the steering shaft. From what I've read that is about the outer limit for axle angles, right? How much lift can I expect with that combo?

 

Thanks for all of the hlpe...

 

I think there's maybe a half inch difference between an outback strut and a forester strut. I put Forester struts and 3/8 spacers on my impreza and got about 3 1/2 - 4 inches of lift at the rockers. (This was before the bigger tires)

 

I would think with a one inch spacer you should be in the same ballpark of about 4 inches. Any spacers more than 3/8 require longer bolts through the strut top.

So the struts give around 2.4 - 3 inches of lift, huh?

Research jberg....research. It's all in the sticky at the top of this forum.

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=122152

Great link - thanks. I saw it, but I guess I saw Impreza and figured that it wouldn't apply to the Legacy. I guess I'm just not that familiar with the Subaru platforms yet.

Just think leggo's. My car has parts from several different models and years. If I can find the right OBS all my lift and suspension parts will be transfered over. Someone needs to give monsteru a little competition.

Roger that! When you installed your struts, did you have to drill any holes in the rear or what is a straight swap? How was axle wear/angle before you swapped in the trailing arms?

 

Thansk for the help. Going to try to get out to PnP this weekend.

I drilled one hole each. Axles were not affected by not having the trailing arms. With the arms installed the tires are more centered in the wheel well.

 

 

I would get some rubbing before if my fat friend was sitting in the back seat. I still may add a spacer to push it farther back but we'll see how it does after it's field tested.

 

 

Edit: Yes, I'm still missing a bumper and a lug nut.

Good stuff. Is that photo with just the strut lift? You mentioned that you had a spacer and a body lift as well, but I wasn't sure if you had installed them yet?

Strut lift, body spacers, and trailing arms. Tires are 215/75/15 BFG Mud-Terrain T/A KM2.

 

Edit: This does NOT include the strut spacers.

Edited February 15, 201214 yr by NorthCoast

Word - thanks for all the help.

So forgive my ignorance again, but I didn't see it mentioned in the link. Will both Outback Impreza or Legacy struts work, or just Legacy?

 

Tried PnP today, but no luck. The only OB there had damaged struts on the left side. I'll keep looking.

Just OB struts. I messed up and made two sets of rear spacers so you can have the extra set if you want them. You will still need the front set and the hardware though.

I'm at PnP right now and there is a 97 OB that just came in. All struts are good. I'm going to pull the engine so come on down and I'll show you what to grab

Dang - missed them by a day. Thanks for the herads up. Actually considering an SJR lift now. Gotta decide which way to go...

I want one too but can't afford it at the moment. If you get one and need help putting it in let me know. I would love to see how it all goes together.