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How did subaru increas the ground clearance on the new outbacks


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Note to all who write after this...

 

NEVER argue with Wikipedia...it DOES know everything...

 

The only way to know how they increased ground clearance is to know exactly where they measured on the car. It seems that no one has come to a conclusion with that...

It was easier to find the SAE definition there - most of the SAE websites require membership. If you don't believe the definition is as quoted please supply an alternative.

 

Here's a picture of the underside of my car. The lower rear suspension arms seem to be the lowest point. The exhaust system is the lowest hanging part for most of the length of the car. Most of the car has 10" of ground clearance.

 

Here's another picture showing over 8" on a ruler, measured to the low point of the rear suspension arm. The car had a full tank of gas less two gallons; I had about 100 lbs of gear in the trunk; and the tires have 10/32nd tread depth and are inflated to 38 psi.

post-156-136027618411_thumb.jpg

post-156-136027618417_thumb.jpg

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Here's a picture of the underside of my car. The lower rear suspension arms seem to be the lowest point. The exhaust system is the lowest hanging part for most of the length of the car. Most of the car has 10" of ground clearance.

 

Here's another picture showing over 8" on a ruler, measured to the low point of the rear suspension arm. The car had a full tank of gas less two gallons; I had about 100 lbs of gear in the trunk; and the tires have 10/32nd tread depth and are inflated to 38 psi.

Thanks for the pics!! What is the clearance under the Y-pipe, which is the low spot for the Forester and probably also the older OBW.

 

If I were Subaru, I wouldn't use the lower control arm for my measurement, if I could get away with using a higher point somewhere along the center of the car.

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I think the reason that the 00-04 OB's ground clearance looks less is because of the plastic body strip/molding that runs underneath the doors. If that were stripped off I have a feeling it would change the appearance, but I won't be the one to test my theory.

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It was easier to find the SAE definition there - most of the SAE websites require membership. If you don't believe the definition is as quoted please supply an alternative.

 

Here's a picture of the underside of my car. The lower rear suspension arms seem to be the lowest point. The exhaust system is the lowest hanging part for most of the length of the car. Most of the car has 10" of ground clearance.

 

Here's another picture showing over 8" on a ruler, measured to the low point of the rear suspension arm. The car had a full tank of gas less two gallons; I had about 100 lbs of gear in the trunk; and the tires have 10/32nd tread depth and are inflated to 38 psi.

 

i have a membership :)

 

nipper

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  • 4 weeks later...

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