uwjberg Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 (edited) 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, 2012 by uwjberg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthCoast Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 14, 2012 Author Share Posted February 14, 2012 (edited) 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, 2012 by uwjberg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 14, 2012 Author Share Posted February 14, 2012 Also - did you have to lenthen your steering shaft or any other mods? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 14, 2012 Author Share Posted February 14, 2012 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red92 Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 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. :-\ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureSubaru Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 14, 2012 Author Share Posted February 14, 2012 So the struts give around 2.4 - 3 inches of lift, huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthCoast Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Research jberg....research. It's all in the sticky at the top of this forum. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=122152 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthCoast Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthCoast Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthCoast Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 (edited) 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, 2012 by NorthCoast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 Word - thanks for all the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 19, 2012 Author Share Posted February 19, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthCoast Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthCoast Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uwjberg Posted February 22, 2012 Author Share Posted February 22, 2012 Dang - missed them by a day. Thanks for the herads up. Actually considering an SJR lift now. Gotta decide which way to go... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthCoast Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.