Strut compatability/ride height '01 struts on a '92 wagon.

[Gnuman]

The struts I'm considering are from an '01 Legacy GT sedan 5MT (anyone need any of the other parts? Engine is taken already, most body parts are toast, but the interior is untouched, except for the deployed airbags. . .) to replace the totally gone struts on my '92 wagon. the GT weighs 200Lbs more than the wagon, so I know they are strong enough. I'm just wondering what this will do to the ride height and handling (I suspect that GT struts should give a good showing). I'm also considering swapping on the 16" wheels at the same time. This may be a bit tight, though, as that would be going from a 14" tire to a 16". . . Will post pics if I do the swap and it works well. I was wondering if any of you have any input on any of these mods. My usage is "mostly on road" " 'Spirited' driving" and a bit of towing. I do hit dirt from time to time, and would like a setup that will handle this usage when needed. . . I do not want to loose any ride height (would rather gain an inch or two, particularly in back), or handling ( This car holds the road like it is bolted to it).

[HooptyGL]

The struts I'm considering are from an '01 Legacy GT sedan 5MT (anyone need any of the other parts? Engine is taken already, most body parts are toast, but the interior is untouched, except for the deployed airbags. . .) to replace the totally gone struts on my '92 wagon. the GT weighs 200Lbs more than the wagon, so I know they are strong enough. I'm just wondering what this will do to the ride height and handling (I suspect that GT struts should give a good showing). I'm also considering swapping on the 16" wheels at the same time. This may be a bit tight, though, as that would be going from a 14" tire to a 16". . . Will post pics if I do the swap and it works well. I was wondering if any of you have any input on any of these mods. My usage is "mostly on road" " 'Spirited' driving" and a bit of towing. I do hit dirt from time to time, and would like a setup that will handle this usage when needed. . . I do not want to loose any ride height (would rather gain an inch or two, particularly in back), or handling ( This car holds the road like it is bolted to it).

 

well this is way off track but...im not too sure that this is the right swap for you to do. i would look into swaping in struts from an gen 1 outback along with the various other goodies that make it a basic plug and play change like...frame spacers and control arms and...well the rest i kinda forget:drunk:

 

the end result will be your lego sitting about 2" taller and riding much smoother. i really liked it back when i still had a lego.

 

good luck

 

neal

[Gnuman]

the end result will be your lego sitting about 2" taller and riding much smoother. i really liked it back when i still had a lego.

 

good luck

 

neal

Hmmm, the OB sits 3" higher that the Leg. You gained 2". Does that mean I would loose 1"? I may have to go with the OB W struts that are also in the shop. Don't want to, though, as I have driven OBWs. they are like boats compared to my Leg. When I hit a curve fast, they dip like they want to roll over. They never do, mind, but the one I would be grabbing the struts from did. . . I can't afford to loose any height as the hitch already hits on steep driveways and such. Perhaps if I used my old springs? Perhaps the GT struts and the OBW springs (for height)?

[jamal]

Rear suspension from an 00+ does not fit.

[Strakes]

About the suspension, I don't know but here's what I do know about the rims:

 

We've gone from stock 14in (185/70R14) to 16in (205/55R16) on our 93 wagon with no issues. Our 93 is a FWD.

 

The 2002 GT Rims fit the 1993 Legacy Wagon with the stock 205/55R16 Tires with no rubbing issues. I've sold those rims and now have 2002 WRX rims with 205/55R16 tires on it now. A lot of people run 205/50R16s for the clearance issue. The rubbing issue is of concern in the rear. The fronts have lots of space.

[Gnuman]

Update: I'm not going with the swap. The struts do not work (and that is one of the most important things to me), and there are two issues with the wheels/tires.

 

The first issue is that I would be going from a tire that I can get (in good quality) for $60 or so. The new tire size would require twice that for the same quality. No go.

 

Second, I test drove those wheels, and on my chasis/suspension they "stick" in hard turning (stop to stop), meaning I have to pull them off of the stops instead of just letting the steering recenter on it's own. I do a bit of tight clearance driving, and this is a deal-killer for me. The main advantage with trhis setup would have been the brake upgrade that it would have made possable, and the sexier wheel set. What I would have gotten out of the deal does not offset the added costs. . . so I'm back on my older alloys, and looking for new rubber to put on them. . .