Legacy coil springs and sway bar comparison

[Frank B]

I know I've seen this info on here before, but of course I can't find it now.

I remember seeing a chart someone posted showing the different coil spring sizes for the different model legacys. And also one showing the different size sway bars. Does anyone have these and could post them?

 

 

I have a 96 Brighton and want to improve the handling but I really don't want to go buy all new parts and spend more than the car is worth.

 

Thanks

[uniberp]

The best thing you can do for this car (in my opinion and experience) is KYB struts for an Outback. The spring seats are 1.5 inches higher, so the car sits up a bit, but not enough to make it feel tippy. They will also improve (firmer) handling immensely. Feels like a much newer car after. Springs may or may not make a difference. I don't even think bushings make much difference. Change the balljoints while you are at it.

The sway bars are already beefy enough. Heavy bars cause bad bangs on expansion joints.

 

It's a legacy, not a short wheelbase impreza.

[ocei77]

See following stickys:

http://legacygt.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/suspension-brakes-20.html

 

O.

[Frank B]

See following stickys:

http://legacygt.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/suspension-brakes-20.html

 

O.

 

 

That's what I need, thanks.

[Fairtax4me]

I didn't know there was any difference in the springs between Legacy models, but the struts will make a bigger difference than springs.

New struts alone (even just OE replacements) will make a difference.

 

Sway bars, The best bang for your buck upgrade is to go with a set of Outback bars. Both Outback Wagon and SUS Outback Sedan models have the same size sway bars. Up front you go from Base model size 19mm to 20mm. Rear size from 15mm to 18mm. The additional size of the rear bar will help keep the back end from rolling so much in curves, this is a major help on a wagon where you have extra weight up high.

 

I'm making a junkyard trip tomorrow... well today I guess... I can look for a set for you if you want. The place I go to in Richmond charges about $15- 20 for a sway bar. They've raised the prices since the last time I bought one there.

[Frank B]

I didn't know there was any difference in the springs between Legacy models, but the struts will make a bigger difference than springs.

New struts alone (even just OE replacements) will make a difference.

 

Sway bars, The best bang for your buck upgrade is to go with a set of Outback bars. Both Outback Wagon and SUS Outback Sedan models have the same size sway bars. Up front you go from Base model size 19mm to 20mm. Rear size from 15mm to 18mm. The additional size of the rear bar will help keep the back end from rolling so much in curves, this is a major help on a wagon where you have extra weight up high.

 

I'm making a junkyard trip tomorrow... well today I guess... I can look for a set for you if you want. The place I go to in Richmond charges about $15- 20 for a sway bar. They've raised the prices since the last time I bought one there.

 

I appreciate that offer, but I just wanted to gather info right now. The car is on the list after a few other things. I just bought a full size dodge, a 78 powerwagon that needs some tlc, then I'll move on to my skidloader that needs an engine replacement, then I hope to tinker with the car.

 

I've been to a couple of those u-pick junkyards in Richmond, I like the set up. You just don't know what's going to be there until you get there. I wish there were some closer.