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Old 06-13-2001, 07:50 PM   #1
legaliztik2001
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Post Wagon Suspension (Need Help)

Hey fellow Legacy'ers....

I'm planning some 'slight' (and I emphasize the word) perfomance suspension modifications on my MY98 Legacy Brighton Wagon (actually, it's far beyond a Brighton now with the many upgrades -- the only technicality which still makes it a Brighton are the rear brake drums). Anyhow ...
I just placed 17*7 Motegui powdercoated Alloy wheels with Falken ZIEX 205/40/R17 rubber. I'd like to lower my car just to finish and outline the whole look of it -- plus for some more handling integrity as well. My questions are as follows ...

*which lowering springs should i invest in? eibach pk, whiteline, H & r ?
*which springs work best with stock struts since i can only afford springs for this season...?
*which set is optimized best for a wagon's purposes?

I have a 18mm SB already on the works .. I'd just like some guidance on the actual lowering of my car ... plus, I'd still like to preserve the utility of the car in the winter ... I don't want the car "slammed" .. just profiled closer to the ground and the continuity between the wheels, the fender gap and the car is balanced... thanks
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Old 06-13-2001, 11:50 PM   #2
anotherB4
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I run 17" w/snow tyres + OE ride height in winter and find problems with guards filling with snow and not being able to clear it. It ends up packed in and can get so hard that sus movement is affected

Also, one of our members here has his car 30mm (1.2inches or so) lowered, and to quote him, "does free snowplowing."

If clearance is any worry, standard height with better swaybars and end links to keep things tidy maybe a conservative, but safe & sure route - does not help the looks though, sorry.

But as I always say, each to his or her own!

Enjoy
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Old 06-14-2001, 12:33 AM   #3
nuburu2
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Looks like the WhiteLine Select "Wagon Specific" Spring is the way to go for you. Talk to Don at PDM Racing as he's getting a set for yours truly to go with the AGX's sitting in my garage. I want a spring that takes the cargo carrying capacity of the wagon into consideration and doesn't drag the exhaust over every speed-bump.
http://www.pdm-racing.com/products/subaru_corner.html

Don's prices can't be beat and he's a conscientious businessman too! He'll treat you right.

Glenn O
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Old 06-14-2001, 09:56 AM   #4
dvancleve
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nubaru2,

Are you getting the ones that are wagon specific and (supposedly) stock height? I didn't hear back from Don last time I e-mailed him for a price quote including shipping on these. I will probably order straight from Whiteline (the shipping is a killer, but the price is so low that it comes out about the same).

Doug
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Old 06-14-2001, 11:45 AM   #5
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Legal, my suggestion would be to stick with the Whitline. I am saving up for some, after tyres that will be my next purchase. The other companies will sell springs that will fit the Legacy but IMHO only Whiteline really specializes in selling and making components that are specifically designed with our cars in mind. It is one thing to buy a part that will fit a car, vs. one that was designed for it.
How is the weather down in Missisauga? My wife and I will be there next weekend visiting her relitives in TO (Bathurst area).
Cheers.
TIm
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Old 06-14-2001, 06:59 PM   #6
legaliztik2001
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Many thanks guys ... it seems the majority are recommending the oZzie Whiteline springs -- what is the approximate drop height for these springs?
Tim, I understand the logic of your response -- but what I don't get is, especially from supposedly reputable aftermarket companies like Eibach and Tein ... is why they would manufacture products for ours and not be 'designed' for them? Do the whitelines work well with stock struts? does anyone have any experience with this?
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Old 06-14-2001, 07:03 PM   #7
legaliztik2001
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BTW, Tim the weather in 'Sauga is fantastic !! Today was blazing hot and the humidity was killer .. had to blast the AC to recover ... but it is well deserved heat. especially with the long winter that passed.
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Old 06-14-2001, 07:34 PM   #8
nuburu2
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Doug, Yes I've requested the "Wagon specific" springs and Don called me last weekend to verify the MY. Apparently some communication problem with the WhiteLine folks , but I'm sure they'll be worth the wait. Let us know when you get yours, like to hear what you think and I'll do likewise.

Glenn O
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Old 07-25-2001, 11:16 PM   #9
legaliztik2001
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any update on the Whiteline "wagon" specific springs?
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Old 07-25-2001, 11:25 PM   #10
crusey
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Guys,

If you need a contact at whiteline try emailing Jim Gurieff directly on [email protected] I am sure he will be glad to assist.

They also have a suspension related newsgroup set up on yahoo at the following location and the archives may help.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/whiteline

Cheers,

Scott
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Old 07-26-2001, 10:00 AM   #11
Radio Flyer
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Lightbulb Just my 2 cents...

Personally, I plan on getting the Ground Control coil-overs. These will allow the ride-height adjustability to keep from being forced to offer snow-plow services <b><i>and</i></b> I'll be able to jack up the rear to counter the extra weight with a full load.

&nbsp;&nbsp;- Eric
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'98 2.5 GT Wagon - Pics - Page -
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ICQ #: 9292601

<small>&lt; Doh!! The subject line doesn't accept html code... Shoulda been "2***162; ..."&gt;</small>

Last edited by Radio Flyer; 07-26-2001 at 10:02 AM.
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Old 07-26-2001, 02:36 PM   #12
remarcable
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Nuburu... Where did you get AGX's for a legacy?

Those are the adjustable KYB struts, correct?

So far I have only seen them for the impreza, and 90-94 legacy models.
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Old 07-26-2001, 04:33 PM   #13
gtguy
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Ohhhh no. The AGX that our cars use is the same model that is listed for the Impreza. Bolts right up, and they're cheap, too. They make a nice combo with the Whiteline spring, which gives a moderate drop. Of course the guy who modified the crap out of his Legacy GT wagon's suspension had to chime in here...

Keep in mind that with the Legacy wagons, the springs are the weak point...hard and unrefined in ride quality. Obviously, the ideal would be springs and struts, which you can get away with for around $700...

Talk to Dale at Teague's about the Whiteline stuff. The drop, as I understand it, is less than an inch. Your car will look awesome with just a bit of drop. Mine sure did.

The other thing you will want to consider is either a 19mm, or an adjustable bar. An 18mm bar is still 1mm down from the front bar (unless the Brighton has a smaller front bar than the GTs). I had a 19mm bar on the rear of my Legacy GT wagon, from a Legacy Turbo wagon, and the car was fantastically neutral. Turn-in was unreal, but with no oversteer tendencies.

I have a WRX wagon now, but my memories of my wagon's handling are very fresh...

Kevin
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Old 07-26-2001, 05:28 PM   #14
Farfrumgerman
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Default mine should be on the way!!

I just sent in my order form to Don for the Whiteline Selects in a standard ride height - Sedan style. I figured I would stick with the *rally* height as I do A LOT of deep snow winter driving (CO. snowboarder here ).
I really wanted a <1" drop set, but the Whiteline guys I conversed with said the low springs drop the car 30-35mm (1.2-1.4") a bit too low for me and my AGX's waiting patiently for partners in the dance of suspension harmony.

Don said his next order is going out within 2 weeks - (about a week now) so I will most likely have them on my '98GT by mid August .... I will post a full report of ride height and driving experience soon after! I have yet to find anyone that actually has a set of Selects on a Legacy, so this will prove to be interesting I'm sure...

Glen O - are you getting the Low set? for a wagon right...

adios!
Chad
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Old 07-27-2001, 01:38 AM   #15
remarcable
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Wow this is great news for me.

Now I just need to come up with $700 or so to give to Mr Teague for some struts and springs. Hell, I guess I could even schedule a time with them perhaps to stick them on the car for me! It's only a 5 hour drive or so.

I wonder if my current outback 205/70/15 tires would still fit after dropping the car?

I'd be looking for the least amount of drop, seeing as I'm going to lose an inch or two anyway.

Thanks for the AGX info kevin, and rest assured your stromung isn't rusting yet.
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Old 07-27-2001, 09:20 AM   #16
legaliztik2001
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Argghh!!! So many decisions to make!! Anyone heard of and have experience with the B&G sport springs Carparts.com is offering for our cars?

All I want to do is reduce that fender gap properly!! LOL

thanks for the info guys, keep it comin'!!
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Old 07-28-2001, 12:23 AM   #17
nuburu2
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remarcable, I got the AGX's from PST for less than $400

http://www.p-s-t.com/kyb.html#agx

Had some trouble convincing them I wanted the Impreza listing for a Legacy, as KYB does not list them for our cars


farfromgerman, yes I'm hoping to eventually get the low (not super-low) for the wagon, with 3/4inch drop. Still remains to be seen whether I can really get these springs. Fingers crossed and hoping!


Glenn O
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Old 07-28-2001, 12:02 PM   #18
dvancleve
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The Impreza AGX fits, but it is designed for the Impreza not the Legacy. I don't know that the valving etc. is really correct for the heavier, larger cars or what the long term ramifications are of using them on a Legacy. I just did some quick research, and the KYB part numbers for Impreza GR2 struts IS NOT the same as it is for Legacys (ie. they are not the same struts). This would lead me to believe that while the AGX for an Impreza seems to fit fine, KYB does not consider it to be appropriate for Legacy use. Otherwise why wouldn't they recommend the same part #? It would potentially sell more struts for them if there is no downside. Just my opinion...

remarcable, I don't think the big tires will fit with any non-Outback struts (rears will rub the spring seat, I think). You are also going to be over an inch lower just by changing struts. I don't know if a shorter spring will make it impossible to properly align an Outback since there are welded in steel spacers about an inch thick that are apparently not in regular Legacys. I am just going with struts since that apparently still allows for decent alignment specs (at least one guy has done it with no apparent problems).

Doug
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Old 07-28-2001, 04:32 PM   #19
remarcable
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So you are suggesting that I replace the struts, but keep the outback sized springs?
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Old 07-28-2001, 06:09 PM   #20
dvancleve
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Default Yup!

Quote:
Originally posted by remarcable
So you are suggesting that I replace the struts, but keep the outback sized springs?
Why yes, yes I am

I think all of the Outback's extra height comes from the struts and the taller tires. I don't even know if the springs are any different at all. I have actually wondered if they might be shorter than plain Legacy springs. Here is why. Outbacks are only about 1" higher off the ground than plain Legacys. The 205/70-15 tires alone are over an inch bigger in diameter, and the spring seats on the Outback struts are set at least an inch higher up on the strtu (based on the only pictures and measurements I have ever seen). Now it seems to me, based on these two things that it's possible that Outback springs are shorter, but I really doubt they are taller.

Doug
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Old 07-29-2001, 01:59 AM   #21
legaliztik2001
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Fine!!! Guys, I'm going with the Eibach Pro-Kit ... it claims a 1.2-4" drop on front and rear .. not bad I say ... that's a workable and obvious drop, especially with 17 x 7's ... I've always been one to trust heavy names in the industry and Eibach is definately a force to be reckoned with in the world of performance suspension ... plus, I've got a brand new set of OEM struts (OEM Subaru struts are made by KYB BTW) and Eibach PK's are functional with OEM struts ... I'm not a racer remember, just a performance sport enthuasiast ... Coilovers will have to wait.
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Old 07-29-2001, 01:42 PM   #22
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Sorry to toss a wrench into your works ace, but very few people have gotten an actual specified drop from the Eibach Pro-Kit. My drop was 1.5" front and 1.75 rear. I called Eibach to say what the??? And they said that the springs were within spec. I resolved never to buy another Eibach product.

Other Legacy folks had the same problem with their Eibach springs. I might buy them from a place that would allow you to return them if they're outside of spec like mine were.

Kevin
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Old 07-29-2001, 06:05 PM   #23
GTMAN
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Well, my Eibach/Agx drop was opposite. I had 1.8f/1.5r inch. Car looks nice and leveled and shoulda come like that as a GT. Performance, it took me a while to get used to the firmness, but the more time I spend driving the car, the more I love it. Dynamic transitions are just awesome.....left turn right turn brake turn accelerate....just going through all those transitions without thinking weather the car can stick to the ground is no more an issues. Driving 80mph and just jerking the wheel left right left right (like slalom) is no longer scary. At 2/4 setting. The car just does exactly what you tell it to do like ...right now. No fuss. Rock solid as they say. Talkin last minute 90degree right hand turns, within 40 feet of the turn, at 50mph is a piece of cake. But the weakness you will find in the car after that mod is the Re92's.

Awesome mod for around $700.

GTMAN
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Old 07-29-2001, 07:56 PM   #24
legaliztik2001
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Not too many people like a massive drop ... but I can work within both the specified drops and the drops that many have claimed received with ther cars ... just as long as the functionality of the handling and the ride is not comprimised (yes, I am expecting a firmer ride, but that is expected) ... with the type of drops you guys have received with your pro kits, were camber kits required? any obvious contortion or dipping of the front and rear wheels?
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Old 07-30-2001, 01:27 AM   #25
remarcable
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How durable are the AGX struts?

Can they handle a heavy load?

What about really nasty offroad driving?

Speed bumps at 60?

Better yet.. Speed HUMPS at 60? (I love those things).
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