Gloyale Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 So here it is. Our first Lift kit. Fabricated all our own stuff. Here's what we started with 90 Legacy, 5spd, stock. This lift is a combination of suspension, using outback struts, and outback rear trailing arm mounts, and a body lift of 3 inches using blocks on top of the strut mounts and between the crossmembers and control arm mounts. These are a few pics of our rear strut top hanging for painting. rear strut block mounted to the strut. and the control arm and crossmember blocks still bolted to our *jig*, a chopped and flipped over legacy unibody section. Dropping the rear crossmember Adding the blocks And relocating the brake line bracket on to our block for flex. Installing the taller outback trailing arm mounts. Removing the front crossmember bolts is easy from below, but don't forget this screw holding the bolt/plate assembly. And here is the results (and me in the blue shirt) Still working out a steering linkage, we used on for an outback first, but it isn't quite right. Not sure if we can adjust the positioning or if we might need to lengthen it. If we do, it will only be 1/2 in or less. I was surprised the outback shaft was sooooo clkose to being the right length, i was expecting to have to extend it more. Also the trans rear crossmember is still hitting against the shift stay rod. And the driveline angle is a hair off what I'd like. Shimming of either the trans mount or the carrier bearing will be in order. And lastly, the rear wheels are to far forward in the well. I made a lengthened trailing arm to alleviate (only finished one) but now am thinking fabricating a new mounting bracket that would pout the pivot point for the arm further back. Not sure which one I'll end up doing. More details as things progress What do ya'll think???? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamCF Posted July 6, 2008 Share Posted July 6, 2008 Nice. Having a section of car around to use as a jig proly helped a ton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted July 6, 2008 Author Share Posted July 6, 2008 Nice. Having a section of car around to use as a jig proly helped a ton. Immensely. I have four *jig* sections from that car still. The front subframe mount section, the rear subframe mount section, and the front and rear end sections for bumper jigs. All the rest of the car's unibody was scrapped:clap: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
one eye Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Good to see that the day all the EA81's and EA82's are gone we will all still be able to lift and wheel subaru's! I'll be able to sleep better tonight!! BTW it looks very good, I want one. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_postie Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Looks good. Can i make a suggestion. This bracket i've seen these mounts tear just like the old ea82 ones did.Quite a lot of force in that area. In Aus some lift manufacturers supply you with a flat bar that goes from one block back to the two holes you can see in the chassis,to brace it. Like this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 It's not drilled yet in this picture, but the longer of the 2 blocks got a second hole and bolt. That is where the crossmember for manual trans vehichles bolts on. (Autos come with plugs in those holes) But the bar suggestion is nice, I might end up doing something like that. Although that lift appears to be only 2 inches or so, so I'm not sure a *flat* bar would work for a 3 or 4 inch block, it'd have to be bent, which then means reinforcing it so it didn't just bend more when force is applied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott in Bellingham Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 looks like we both have the same painted grey tube supplier :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_postie Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 It's not drilled yet in this picture, but the longer of the 2 blocks got a second hole and bolt. That is where the crossmember for manual trans vehichles bolts on. (Autos come with plugs in those holes) . Yeah that would of been my second suggestion.Another local lift builder does the double bolt/one block and hasn't had any problems so the bar isn't necessary.That is how i'm replacing the one in my 00 OB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRX2FFU Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Looks good! Now, make a "kit" to swap d/r trannies in the ej cars and you'll have a huge seller. I have a d/r in my 90' lifted(4 1/2") legacy. IMHO, the trans is just as important as the lift for off roading. Keep up the good work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted July 8, 2008 Author Share Posted July 8, 2008 Looks good! Now, make a "kit" to swap d/r trannies in the ej cars and you'll have a huge seller. I have a d/r in my 90' lifted(4 1/2") legacy. IMHO, the trans is just as important as the lift for off roading. There are at least 3 sources of adapter plates currently avavilable. I don't really have an interest in it. We are going to be further building a motor up for more power and there is no way I'm running it through a beat a** old 20+ year old GL trans. And have to drive in 2wd on pavement? No thanks. I could try to find a RX *fulltime* tranny, but again, not really what I want to do. We have wheeled PLENTY with a few Legacies not even as lifted as this, but with way bigger tires, and only feel a tad more horsepower is nessecary. And we got the Ponies coming. If it does get a D/R, it will be a real EJ D/R imported from Down Under Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazy D Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 very cool. -Dalton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superu Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 NICE WORK!! I've got some questions for you... Just PMed.. -mw- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ford'ssubaru's Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 What angle are the upper strut spacers cut at? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWDriverPNW Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 So how much for a complete kit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now