Mugs Posted August 6, 2007 Share Posted August 6, 2007 Ok so it is time that I "raise" the 96 leg wagon. I have read the post on installing forester struts, But I was parking lot comparing forester and baja next to my car (I had the advantage to be parked between the two) and I have to say the Baja is higher. Is this true or is it my eyes. Can I put Baja struts on my legacy or do I have to stick to the Forester struts. Either way it will be higher than it is, which will get me up the trail better. By the way what is a decent rim size and tire combo to put on this configuration. Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbchux Posted August 6, 2007 Share Posted August 6, 2007 AFAIK, baja, outback, and forester will all yeild about the same height. but I believe early outback ('97?...maybe '99) stuff would fit easiest on your car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mugs Posted August 9, 2007 Author Share Posted August 9, 2007 I would like to have at least the height of the Forester. I have strong mechanical skills (used to be an ASE cert) so that is not a problem. Will the forester struts fit, and then do I just use the forester rims and tire configuration or do I have to come down in profile height because the aspect ratio is now changed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xrturbo Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Your best bet would just be get some 96-99 Outback take offs. This is the change it made on my 92. I just sold the 92 to my friend that owns Area1320 and we are going to bring both of them in the shop and start fabbing a lift. If it works out nicely enough we would probably make more to sell at a FAR better price than we have seen for these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newsoobdude Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 I'd also say go with the Outback struts and if thats not enough, grab some scorpion springs for the Outback struts and you should be set. How high are you wanting to go? Just as high as the Foresters or higher? Here is a pic of a 96-99 Outback with the scorpion lift springs (2 inch) and one of stock height Outback I forgot where I saw it but there is a pic floating in Subie land of a regular Outback next to a lifted one and the difference is definitely noticeable. Also, for what it's worth and if memory serves me right, some people are taking LGT struts and springs and putting them on their Outbacks and dropping 2.5 inches alone through the strut/ spring swap. So, in "theory", going to LOB struts and springs should raise you at least 2 inches. Alright enough rambling enjoy and good luck. I know you're definitely not the first to do this so check other boards too like sl-i.net, subaruoutback.org and nasioc.com for more info. Also check the Offroad forum here on the USMB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mugs Posted August 13, 2007 Author Share Posted August 13, 2007 How high are you wanting to go? Just as high as the Foresters or higher? I read some where in here that it was possible to lift the stock up to 4.5in with forester struts. I would like to go a high as possible with out having to do any mods expcept for larger rims (15-16in compared to my 14) tires and an alignment, so at least Forester height. Considering that my 96 legacy is stock height, I scrape sometimes going up BLM and fire/logging roads getting to some of the trail heads that I need to get to. Granite I have gotten into some hairy places but would like that "little" extra clearance to make an easier trip into the woods. I guess even Outback height would be better than what I have now. I'd also say go with the Outback struts and if thats not enough, grab some scorpion springs for the Outback struts and you should be set...Here is a pic of a 96-99 Outback with the scorpion lift springs (2 inch) and one of stock height Outback I am understanding you correctly: If I put outback stuts on it will raise my car up 2in and then if I put on scorpion springs on it will bring it up another 2in, for a total of 4in lift. On a side note: what is the heigth difference between my stock 96 legacy wagon and a new Forester/Baja? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbchux Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 I am understanding you correctly: If I put outback stuts on it will raise my car up 2in and then if I put on scorpion springs on it will bring it up another 2in, for a total of 4in lift. no, outback/baja/forester struts will yield about 1.5-2", stock outback/baja/forester springs will yield another 1.5-2". Scorpion lift springs for an outback would yield ANOTHER couple inches. outback, baja, and forester stuff is virtually identical in height. but ever so slightly different in dimensions (spring diameter, upper strut bolt patter, etc.). Meaning forester stuff would have the same result, just more work to get there. also, I'm fairly certain that the forester is lighter than the outback, so when installed under a legacy, forester stuff might even be lower. fender, overhang, and wheelbase dimensions make a forester seem taller than an outback (not to mention the body is taller....making the roof taller). but the suspension is virtually the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mugs Posted August 13, 2007 Author Share Posted August 13, 2007 So were talking a potential 3-6in lift with OB struts and scorpian springs? Sorry for the NEWB post and sillyness of the post, but I just want to get my facts straight before I go on a ordering frenzy. Also what is the resonable lift limit of the legacy w/o having to modify anything? Maybe I should have asked that question first From looking at the pictures it appears that the body has been lifed off the ground more (hence body lift) than a stock OB. So in therory the runing gear is still at OB stock height but the Body is not. Is this correct. So one is still limited to the running gear height regardless of how high their body is. The only remidy for this would be to put on larger rims and tires. But then that would throw you aspect ratio off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Numbchux Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 So were talking a potential 3-6in lift with OB struts and scorpian springs? Sorry for the NEWB post and sillyness of the post, but I just want to get my facts straight before I go on a ordering frenzy. Also what is the resonable lift limit of the legacy w/o having to modify anything? Maybe I should have asked that question first From looking at the pictures it appears that the body has been lifed off the ground more (hence body lift) than a stock OB. So in therory the runing gear is still at OB stock height but the Body is not. Is this correct. So one is still limited to the running gear height regardless of how high their body is. The only remidy for this would be to put on larger rims and tires. But then that would throw you aspect ratio off. I don't really have any clue what you're saying there.... OB struts and 2" scorpion lift springs for an outback would yield 5-6". but stock outbacks have a small body lift (I believe it's an inch or less....just to ease axle angles). I wouldn't run the scorpion springs without it. besides, 29" tires are pretty much the biggest tire you can fit under the spring perches on the outback struts, and you'll easily fit that without the lift springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WoodsWagon Posted August 14, 2007 Share Posted August 14, 2007 This is a 95 legacy brighton wagon with ONLY Outback struts in it. The springs are stock legacy springs, and all other parts of the suspension are stock legacy. The tires and wheels are stock size Outback stuff. The wagon next to it is a stock 98 outback. Note the difference in clearance between the crossmembers, that's because the Outback has the crossmember drop blocks to keep the axle angles good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newsoobdude Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 This is a 95 legacy brighton wagon with ONLY Outback struts in it. The springs are stock legacy springs, and all other parts of the suspension are stock legacy. The tires and wheels are stock size Outback stuff.The wagon next to it is a stock 98 outback. Note the difference in clearance between the crossmembers, that's because the Outback has the crossmember drop blocks to keep the axle angles good. That was the pic I was looking for! Very good comparison shot. As I stated earlier, I, personally, would order the Outback struts over the Forester struts due to the fact of both being Legacies (granted Subies are like legos but still) and knowing that everything would be copasetic with weight issues and all. On a side note, does anyone know if the Outback crossmember drop blocks are integrated into the crossmembers? (haven't been under the ride yet to check, sorry) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WoodsWagon Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 The drop blocks are separtate blocks about 3/4" thick cast bits. You need the longer bolts to go with them if you put them in, plus the steering coupler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newsoobdude Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 The drop blocks are separtate blocks about 3/4" thick cast bits. You need the longer bolts to go with them if you put them in, plus the steering coupler. Cool!!! When I drop my Outback I'll remove them. Thanks:clap: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mugs Posted August 19, 2007 Author Share Posted August 19, 2007 Thanks, A picture is worth a thoudand words, as they say. I think I will start with set up A: Ob springs & struts, wtih 15 inch OB rims with tires that are more on the agressive side than street/touring. Try that out and then see if I want to go the additional two inches with scorpion springs. Like I said I am only looking to get up the BLM/fire/logging roads to the trail heads with a little more ease and less scrapage than I have been. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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