Lowering a JDM 1994 Legacy GT Wagon (BG5)

[Canuck 2.5GT]

Hey Guys,

Picked up my JDM 1994 Twin Turbo leggy a couple of weeks ago. Its getting a custom exhaust built for it today. I don't want to go to crazy with it, just JDM STi Version 4 seats and lowering it and I will be happy (for now anyways). Its NOT a GT-B unfortunately so I don't get the Bilstein suspension. I want to drop it a decent amount. What are my best options? Can I still use the stock struts? They seem to be in good shape, car rides nicely, just want to sit lower, quite a bit lower. Should look really nice, the car has optional BBS rims from japan. Is there a spring that willl fit the stock strut and drop 1.5 to 2"?

Thanks guys,
Jason

[Huffer]

You can use the stock struts, but with that kind of age it's not ideal.

If you want, you can grab some USDM STi suspension (04-05) or any WRX/Impreza suspension - you may have to use rear spacers to raise the back up a little, but it will get you a nice drop.

Alternatively you can buy all new struts from KYB, pair with new tophats (or at least regrease your old ones) and some H&R springs. iON Performance is up your way and should be able to provide some springs too...

[mike-tracy]

If you go STI suspension, make sure you get '04 fronts, because 05+ have different bolt patterns to the hub. The rears still work through 07.

[Grafton]

huffer, how long do you figure old struts will last with new springs?

[Huffer]

^^how long is that piece of string grafton? ;)

it depends entirely on the overall condition of the car. My personal belief is that at 100k stock suspension components are done for. Lowering the car accelerates this wear as you're putting additional stress all the time.

[Grafton]

^^how long is that piece of string grafton? ;)

it depends entirely on the overall condition of the car. My personal belief is that at 100k stock suspension components are done for. Lowering the car accelerates this wear as you're putting additional stress all the time.

that piece of string is always about "yay long" ....
,
well when one finally quits completely it'll be a repair not a mod :D budget trickery ftw

[wrxya33]

You guys get these in canada? Or was it a swapped car? If its a jdm car how did you go about titling it? Thanks for any info on your awesome car and sorry for the thread hijack. You should post some pics of her.



Hey Guys,

Picked up my JDM 1994 Twin Turbo leggy a couple of weeks ago. Its getting a custom exhaust built for it today. I don't want to go to crazy with it, just JDM STi Version 4 seats and lowering it and I will be happy (for now anyways). Its NOT a GT-B unfortunately so I don't get the Bilstein suspension. I want to drop it a decent amount. What are my best options? Can I still use the stock struts? They seem to be in good shape, car rides nicely, just want to sit lower, quite a bit lower. Should look really nice, the car has optional BBS rims from japan. Is there a spring that willl fit the stock strut and drop 1.5 to 2"?

Thanks guys,
Jason

[SOREN]

You guys get these in canada? Or was it a swapped car? If its a jdm car how did you go about titling it? Thanks for any info on your awesome car and sorry for the thread hijack. You should post some pics of her.
We are fortunate enough in Canada to have a 15 year rule, you can import and legally register any car that will pass inspection from out of the country. Sometimes this means replacing some parts, depending on how anal the inspector is, but it's a pretty easy process. In the US, you guys are stuck with a 25 year rule, so another 10 before you can get the '95's. :(
Quebec is different though, you can't get a RHD there for the moment.