I have been doing a lot of searching on the site and have gotten some great info, I am lifting a stock 97 Legacy sedan and have already ordered the KYB GR-2 Outback struts and Scorpion Lifter Springs. But I have a few questions that I couldn't find the answer too:

 

First is, do I need to replace the Strut tops from the stock Legacy to the Outback? Some say the stocks will bolt to the new springs/struts and some say that I need to get the Outback ones.

 

Second is I want to put 225/70/R15 light truck tires on it, but have heard that some strut "shaving" is required to get larger tires to fit. Does anyone have experience with this size tire, or know how much mod is needed to the struts without compromising them?

 

Thanks for helping!

I have been doing a lot of searching on the site and have gotten some great info, I am lifting a stock 97 Legacy sedan and have already ordered the KYB GR-2 Outback struts and Scorpion Lifter Springs. But I have a few questions that I couldn't find the answer too:

 

First is, do I need to replace the Strut tops from the stock Legacy to the Outback? Some say the stocks will bolt to the new springs/struts and some say that I need to get the Outback ones.

 

Second is I want to put 225/70/R15 light truck tires on it, but have heard that some strut "shaving" is required to get larger tires to fit. Does anyone have experience with this size tire, or know how much mod is needed to the struts without compromising them?

 

Thanks for helping!

 

With your setup, you are going to have some rubbing issues with the 225/70's. Trust me

 

Try a set of 205-75 r15's.

With your setup, you are going to have some rubbing issues with the 225/70's. Trust me

 

Try a set of 205-75 r15's.

 

 

Any recommendations on a tire that has some good off road tread? I chose the 225's originally because that is the smallest size they make for an off road tire. All I've found in the 205's are all season passenger tires. I'll take your advice on the size though, rubbing is no fun!

There aren't many in this size, but I am very happy with the one's I picked. I run the Firestone A/T in that size. General make the Grabber A/T tire in that size, and they are rated pretty well.

 

Here is a link you can use as a starter:

 

Tire Rack search for 205-75 r15's

There aren't many in this size, but I am very happy with the one's I picked. I run the Firestone A/T in that size. General make the Grabber A/T tire in that size, and they are rated pretty well.

 

Here is a link you can use as a starter:

 

Tire Rack search for 205-75 r15's

 

 

The Firestone looks like a great choice, I guess I didn't look hard enough! Thanks for the info. Any pics of those tires on your car? I am curious as to the total lift I will be getting.

 

Now, I was thinking that the top strut mount only has to be replaced if you have a gen 1 legacy, and that the mounts are all the same on the gen 2's? I'd hate to have to find out the hard way when I am doing the swap!

The Firestone looks like a great choice, I guess I didn't look hard enough! Thanks for the info. Any pics of those tires on your car? I am curious as to the total lift I will be getting.

 

Now, I was thinking that the top strut mount only has to be replaced if you have a gen 1 legacy, and that the mounts are all the same on the gen 2's? I'd hate to have to find out the hard way when I am doing the swap!

 

Here is the only pic I have at the moment, but there are a few more on this site somewhere... my approach angles rule.

 

 

I think the mounts are the same for all of the 95-99 Legacy/Outbacks.

hey i have the same exact car as yetidon and am planning on raising it. i can find the struts on ebay but don't see the springs anywhere. any suggestions would be great!!!

 

 

 

 

1997 Legacy Outback 2.5 256,000 miles and going strong!!!!!!!!!!!

I ordered my lifter springs from Renick motorsports. They are an after market set that give another 1.5-2 inch lift. They are made by Scorpion in Australia, and are on backorder, 6-8 weeks. Kinda pricey, but I think the right way to go. Gotta look taller than a stock Outback!

Here is the only pic I have at the moment, but there are a few more on this site somewhere... my approach angles rule.

 

 

I think the mounts are the same for all of the 95-99 Legacy/Outbacks.

 

 

Yeti...

 

Did you do those wheels yourself?

What type of wheels are they, what is that color you used, and would I be able to do roughly the same thing with the 96 OB wheels?

I did do the wheels myself. Just find a set of Forester steelies and a few cans of gunmetal spray paint. You should be good to go :cool:

You just rattle canned some steelies? They look damn good. How does the paint hold up to the elements? I was thinking about going the powdercoat route for a strong finish.

Would rattle canning work on the OB aluminum wheels?