Lift Styles: Spring, Spacer, Forester - Pros/Cons of each?

[slygg2]

Looking to lift my 2005 WRX wagon, been doing a lot of research on here before I pull the trigger. Problem is, I can't find any info that does comparisons between the 3 and need to draw my own conclusions. I was hoping to get some feedback on those who have experience between some or all three.

Some topics I'm interested are:
Front CV axle angles, especially when using STi aluminum LCA on a 02-07 Impreza Wagon of any trim
Front CV axle lengths when using STi aluminum LCA on a 02-07 Impreza Wagon of any trim with a 6MT. Use wagon, sedan, or STi axles?
Using OEM spacers on Impreza from Forester/Legacy

So far I have:

Springs:
Pros:
Ride quality.
Rear springs provide slightly higher lift in the rear, eliminating need for saggy butt spacers.
Increased load capacity for equipment.
Cons:
Cost, especially if new struts may be paired with new springs.


Spacer:
Pros:
Cost, can be cheap for small lifts.
Different lift heights can be purchased to dial in your desired height.
You may reuse your old struts.
Cons:
Cost, can be costly for higher kits.
You may reuse your old struts.

Forester Struts:
Pros:
Can be bought used cheaply.
Complete assemblies can be purchased new, readily available at local parts stores.

Cons:
Can be bought used cheaply, aged components if used.
Some owners exhibit higher than expected lifts, some as high as 4 inches.

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[REX_WGN]

I don't have any experience in doing any. I have plans to go the opposite - remove the "oem lift" components so I am on Impreza ride height and suspension geometry.

Certainly sounds legit the pros and cons you've listed. I guess your decision point is going to be based on how big of a lift you want.

[TitoBandito]

Feedback on spacers:

I opted for the spacer option with an old GC sedan that I use for rallycross. My goals might have been different to yours but hopefully this can flesh out some of what you're looking for.

I needed some extra height for not bottoming out in ruts or minimizing scraping the inevitable unearthed rocks on course. Went with just a 1" lift front and rear so I wouldn't mess with the suspension geometry too much and to not wear out the CV axles too much more. Also, since I went with spacers, I chose a HDPE over solid metal spacers as I wanted some amount of 'give' to absorb a small amount of the heavier impacts, instead of a solid metal spacer transmitting all of the load that the shocks/springs don't absorb directly to the shock tower. Was recommended from Primitive Racing that rear trailing arm spacers are not required until you lift greater than 1 inch, but that even at 1 inch it is recommended to help the rear alignment. (I am running the trailing arm spacers)

Had to remove the studs in each strut top hat in order to use the longer bolts that come with the spacers to compensate for the extra thickness. Was a straightforward job using a vice. After 4 years and maybe a couple thousand miles plus 15 or so rallycross events, have not had any issues with the CV axles themselves though I **** about 4 or 5 of the rubber boots within the first year. Because it happened within a relatively short span of time and have only had to do one more in the couple years since I am not sure I can blame the 1" lift as the root cause and maybe the boots just failed around the same time because the car was 20-21 years old at that point and who knows how long those rubber boots were on for.

[leasedSTi]

Hey! I used B6 struts and 1" King Lift springs on my '17 sti.
The main con was waiting for Bilstein to restock the driver front strut, and it sounds like they have a history of slacking in the stock-department. Pro is that they provided a comfortable but rigid suspension feel. The increased clearance is a nice benefit.

If you go this route, I also suggest having new top hats and bolts prior to disassembly. Misc stuff like new bushings is an easy thing to add as well, and it greatly increases confidence in your suspension!