Hi ya’ll

 

I’m wondering how feasible it is to put a 1 1/2 to 2” ‘lift kit’ on a 1998 Subaru legacy outback? If so, where did you find the parts and how much, more or less, did it cost? Are there any potential problems to consider?

 

Can this be done without changing the steering column and would the stock struts work?

 

Someone on another Suburu board mentioned Scorpion kits. Has anyone here had experience with them and their product?

 

Also, I'm no mechanic so I was thinking of ordering the kit and having my local Subaru mechanic install it ... is that something any Subaru mechanic should be able to do properly?

 

Thanks!

 

gringorio

I have a 97 OBW. I installed the Scorpion springs and a set of KYB GR-2 struts. It gave about an inch & a half to two inches of lift. It doesn't seem to have put too severe an angle on the CV joints, and I haven't had any issues at all since I did it almost three years ago. My struts needed replacing at the time, but the stock ones will work. Good luck.

Thanks for the info! Did you order your kit directly from Scorpion or is there a dealer in the States?

 

I have a 97 OBW. I installed the Scorpion springs and a set of KYB GR-2 struts. It gave about an inch & a half to two inches of lift. It doesn't seem to have put too severe an angle on the CV joints, and I haven't had any issues at all since I did it almost three years ago. My struts needed replacing at the time, but the stock ones will work. Good luck.

I got the springs here http://www.renickmotorsports.com/oscommerce/catalog/ and the struts from Tire Rack. I had the service dept at the dealer do the install since I got new brakes and everything at the same time and they've got all the right tools.

The struts don't do any lifting, but they are a good upgrade.

 

Personally, I really dislike spring lifts, since they decrease downtravel/articulation, and without locking diffs, as soon as one tire gets light or lifts off the ground, you are stopped unless you use lots of momentum.

OK, this is a quote from another forum:

 

"scorpion lift springs sure will give you close to 2" lift on stock struts, I've them in person and they look really nice, otherwise you need the lifting blocks/spacers, and all that jazz"

 

Based on this comment and those above, it sounds like the lift springs will achieve the 2" lift without needing a full lift kit?

 

If I am doing this, should I upgrade the struts as well? If so, what recommendations do you have (the uses will be city, highway, then rough dirt roads...not fast, just getting from A to ? And, for that kind of use, is 2" adequate?

 

thanks!

 

gringorio

(the uses will be city, highway, then rough dirt roads...not fast, just getting from A to ? And, for that kind of use, is 2" adequate?

 

thanks!

 

gringorio

For that kind of use, stock is adequate.

IMHO the stiffer springs made the handling better and did not cause any great decrease in ride comfort. The Outback isn't a true 4X4 it's true, but it is very capable within it's designed uses. I went with the lift because some of the roads I have to travel get pretty rutted and I don't like the screech of under-carriage on rocks & dirt. It's all about what you need your car to do.

I chose Kingsprings to lift my outback try www.Kingsprings.com.au

I have almost 2" of suspension lift and love them.

i actually have some of the scorpion lift springs for a 98 outback hanging around collecting dust...... would consider selling them for around $250 plus shipping........brand new, never been used....

_{I have a 1998 legacy outback and was wondering about the forester struts what year do I need, and how much lift will they give?}

_{I have a 1998 legacy outback and was wondering about the forester struts what year do I need, and how much lift will they give?}

98-08 will bolt right in, but won't give any noticeable lift.