Hello all. I had a few questions for any suspension guys here.

I need to stiffen it up and raise it about an inch above where it should be. The springs and struts are all shot now. From what I've read 97-99 outback struts are compatible but an inch longer? Is this correct?

And are wrx struts the same length as outback or impreza? I would use outback length springs also.

Also, OEM or aftermarket? My last set of rear struts only lasted a couple of years.

I'm looking to do this with minimal other parts and linkages to replace, that's why I was hoping to go with an outack setup instead of forester.

Will I have swaybar issues or anything else I will need?

This car gets heavy duty use in the Rockies almost daily and usually carries weight. I hope someone can help! Thanks.

Pretty sure 96-99 Legacy Outback struts and springs will give an Impreza about 2" lift. You'll be at the limit of what the axles can handle without adding subframe spacers.

 

If you just need about an inch lift, get King lift springs for it. Primitive racing sells them.

 

Get KYB struts. Don't even consider anything else.

Forester or Outback struts and springs will give you what you want.  Find a good used set of KYB complete struts and springs.  To center the rear wheels, you need the trailing arm mounting bracket that goes up to the frame.  To correct camber, I've used a second set of rear trailing arm bolts in the top strut hole.  It allows you to tip the hub in about an 1/8" and that is just about perfect.

 

I watch for the KYB at the self-serve yards and grab them when I see them. 

I did this for a lift on my old 97 Impreza OBS. Yields about 2 inches of lift and will let you clear bigger tires. Stiffened the ride a lot. Hauled lots of weight that way. Rear swaybar will reattach just fine. I never reconnected the front swaybar (didn't need to. I'm not an aggressive driver)

 

You'll want trailing arm brackets from a 97-99 outback as well to keep the rear wheels centered. If you haven't read it yet, there's a sticky in the off road section that covers this pretty thoroughly. Feel free to pm me with any questions when you lift it. I've done it and with a rusty car so I've got most quirks figured out.

Maybe I should go with kyb impreza size struts with same size king springs? Would that be around an inch and would my trailing arm brackets still work or would I need outback brackets with that setup? How much will a king spring raise it on average from stock? I already run 205/70r15 which is only a little bigger than stock but I'll keep that size for now. I have another subaru (98 outback legacy) and I run them the same size because we get a lot of flats and its just easier. No need for bigger wheels or tires for this. The rear tires rub bad with much weight in the car and even worse packed with snow and ice.

I haven't ordered anything yet, still trying to weigh the options and figure this out. Thanks for the info!