Pictures Please!! 1997 Outback Wagon

[Subieee]

Does anybody have pictures they can post up for me of installing wrx/any struts onto a 97 legacy outback wagon?
Im gonna do it soon and i just want a few guidelines!!
Thanks!

[TheSiege]

No pics for you but I can tell you that I'm almost positive your front struts can be unbolted from under your hood and your rears on each side
Of your trunk behind your back seat. Besides that your other bolts are down behind your wheels (2 on each strut) and the new ones should fit back in just like the originals. Watch your CV boots when you take the struts out so you don't rip them (it would be advisable to wipe them down after each strut replacement just to check for grease). Also have a sawzall on hand in case you need to cut the brackets which hold the brake line (unless you prefer bleeding your brakes). That's about it, 3 bolts up top, 2 very stubborn bolts down low (I needed a breaker bar). Just make sure all of your pillow ball mounts are symmetrical (ex. All pointing outwards) especially if you have camber on your new struts.

[decke48]

on a rs 2.5 but similar. dont need to remove seats. theres just covers behind the seats
http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t70898- ... -pics.html (http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/t70898-diy-strut-spring-install-pics.html)

[Subieee]

Thanks
This seems very simple

[BKiller]

It's a pretty simple remove and replace, except you need the right rear hat for the WRX spring.

Here are my before and after pics from my install.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/12/out003-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2009/12/lowered001-1.jpg

[Hooper]

Can you just replace the stock springs with WRX springs? Or would you need to do the struts as well?

[Huffer]

Strongly suggest reading some of the other suspension threads on suspension replacements for the BG/BK chassis... it's nothing new.

[dvancleve]

So is this a stock WRX suspension and if it is, is it from a wagon? I want to do either a WRX wagon swap or an STi swap on my '97. WRX wagon seems like the no-brainer and is cheaper and easier (to find), but I wonder if the stiffer springs and stronger damping of the STi wouldn't be better for an Outback? Anyway, tons of Outbacks with WRX swaps but very few that don't have lowering springs in at least the front. Any thoughts on whether saggy butt spacers would be a good idea, and if yes, which thickness?

Thanks, Doug

P.S. I am sticking with OB size tires, at least for now. Mine are 215/60-16 on Impreza RS wheels...


It's a pretty simple remove and replace, except you need the right rear hat for the WRX spring.

Here are my before and after pics from my install...