Suspension Swap Questions

[Mr. Wob]

I know the dead horse may be kicked a few times in here, but I'll try my best.

 

I have a 93 Loyale Wagon that has been a beater since last year. Body is so-so, engine runs strong, and could use some tie rod ends, and another ball joint. I havebeen having some visions of upgrading to some new parts though. I have been thinking WRX knuckles/hubs, struts and springs for the front. And I would like to use similar parts on the rear.

 

First question - Do regular Impreza parts work in conjunction with WRX parts? For example, can I use base Impreza hubs/knuckles and WRX struts and springs? Likewise, what brakes will fit this setup?

 

2nd, How about the rear? In my searches I have found only info on Accord springs or XT6 five lug swap. Are Impreza or WRX parts possible?

 

Will a WRX steering rack or master cylinder fit?

 

I am thinking I want to tackle the suspension first, then do an EJ swap, so perhpas that needs to be kept in mind for the best answers.

 

As usual, thanks in advance

[rllywgn]

first and foremost use the search function for 5 lug swap info..

 

thats essentially the information you need.. theres also a how to in the ultimate subaru repair manual under steering and suspension. under subaru retrofitting you will find several current threads pertaining to this topic.

 

if you go wrx/impreza suspension.. 5 lugs come with it..

 

goodluck

 

rllywgn

[idosubaru]

EJ stuff (impreza, WRX) will not work in the rear. completely different set up, design and construction. i guess with some serious fabrication, money, welding and metal, machining skills you could get it to work but i'm guessing that's not what you're asking.

 

EJ stuff will not work in the front unless you do the 5 lug conversion. do a search, there are comprehensive write-ups on the 5 lug swap. read up on that before asking too many questions. if you got with a XT6 5 lug swap you'll be able to use EJ hubs and struts.

 

i do not know for sure, but i am betting that an impreza rack will fit an EA82. i've installed XT6 power steering racks in EA82's and i use impreza WRX steering rack bushings on XT6 power steering racks...so they are at least very similar. my memory is vague but i think you'll need XT6 or EJ tie rod ends to work with an EJ or XT6 steering rack...but that's not difficult anywya and if you do the 5 lug swap first you'll already have XT6 or EJ hubs anyway for the tie rod ends to bolt to.

[Caboobaroo]

I have done quite a few 5-lug swaps. Here's the info you need to get started on what parts you need in order for you to bolt everything into the car...

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=50400

[Mr. Wob]

I know some of these have been asked, I apologize, I can only seem to find 50% of my answers.

 

I know I have to do a 5 lug conversion and I have read what is required, but I can't seem to find whether all Impreza and WRX parts are interchangable for it. It seems to easier and cheaper to find Impreza hubs and WRX struts. Thanks Caboo, that link seems to answer some of these questions. Its ashame though because its so hard to find XT6 parts. I found a few parts cars, but I have no room for that.

 

Is there a way on search to include words as a phrase? If I search WRX suspension it brings up suspension and WRX hits.

[86BRATMAN]

You can use wrx stuff on the front. Only the rear coilover kits will work of your rear stuff however.

 

 

As far a the search function, if you are entering it in as such: wrx suspension, phrase it as "wrx suspension" and it will only search for those two words as a phrase and not seperately

[Caboobaroo]

to answer your WRX interchangability question. Yes, you can interchage some of the parts that you can get from the Imprezas with WRXs BUT I'm not 100% sure which parts they are. I do know that there have been a few people who used WRX front brakes on their 5-lug conversion, have seen the 200SX rear ebrake mod done a few times and other stuff like that. When it comes to trying to interchange parts that not a lof of people have done in the first place, its going into new territory basically. If you feel up to the challenge, I can give you a helping hand. My '89 RX which I did a 5-lug conversion on which is now under my '87 GL coupe has the following parts in it...

rear XT6 hubs and calipers

rear XT6 swaybar

front XT6 swaybar

front XT6 control arms

XT6 tie rod ends

'96 Impreza struts

Impreza knuckles

Impreza axles

Impreza hubs and calipers

 

I have also upgraded my springs to a nice set of coilovers and ocne I get my new rims, I'll be setting them down to the desired ride height and doing a full alignment. The reason for the XT6 swaybars is the fact that their the largest stock swaybars you can get that work in any EA82 car. Also, the stabilizer rods on the XT6 control arms are also bigger in diameter to give it less flex and better handling. One thing I should mention that I also mentioned in the USRM article I wrote. I have had issues with the bolt that connects the engine crossmember to the XT6 control arms. The XT6 control arms that I have ever used have had a larger bolt then the EA82s. I drilled the hole out in the crossmember to a 1/2", then used the original EA82 bolt. I have also come up with a design for this bolt to help adjust the camber at the bottom but thats something I'm still working on;)

[idosubaru]

XT6 parts are the hang up for sure, there's no easy way around that.

 

be advised the search function here doesn't like acronyms unless they are at least 4 letters long. so WRX won't yield any returns. try WRX* or *WRX and see if that helps.

[Mr. Wob]

Thank - this helps a lot for both the suspension and search function.

 

XT6 parts really are the biggest hurdle for me, thats why I am interested in alternatives. Maybe I just need to get an Impreza at this rate lol!

 

Actually I see lots of Legacy wagons for cheap, maybe I should look that way. But I must say, for a city beater, I sure do like my Loyale. It has its quirks, but its fun for sure.