04 STI struts/springs in 97 OB

[SVO1]

For anyone that searches.
Here is how it looks with a paranoid fab 3/8" spacer in the back. Used the STI top hats all the way around, and camber bolts in the top rear.

Stock:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/IMAG0505-1.jpg

lowered
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/IMAG0509-1.jpg

[chuckthefuk]

So let me get this straight.

Your Outback has the body spacers?
Your Outback is using stock tires?
Your Outback is sitting on STI struts w/ upper/lower perches.
Your wheels are not hitting the struts?

-Chuck

[ikeepblowingengines]

i spy hatch wing

[anothernord]

Nice comparison. Were the camber bolts totally necessary in the rear?

[SVO1]

Chuck- Yep, it is on the stock tires, stock STI top hats, still has the body spacers, and the tires are not hitting the struts. I was not totally sure if they would fit with the stockers, but they clear no problem! I will try to grab a couple pics showing how much room there is.
I keep- Yeah while I had it in I threw the spoiler on it, it's been in the garage for several months!
Another- Yeah It appeared to have a bit too much Neg camber with the stock bolt in. with the camber bolt in the top hole and maxed out it was only at like +.2* so it was a good idea that I put it in :)

[SVO1]

here is a couple quick pics i got, hard to get a clear shot, but my hand easily fits between the strut and tire.
front
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/IMAG0516-1.jpg

rear
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/IMAG0517-1.jpg

stock size
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/IMAG0518-1.jpg

[SVO1]

and in my build thread I have pictures of the measurements before and after

[Lsnaple]

I would like to add,though I have a 97 gt sedan, installing 04 sti struts and top hats (lowering springs though), I actually got more clearance/space between my struts and tires. I'm not running stock wheels or tires or have camber bolts in the rear, but it was definately a much tighter fit.

[Bd4mp-dub]

Damn that is exactly how i want my wagon to sit!

[Bd4mp-dub]

Do the 04 Struts n springs bolt right up?

[Lsnaple]

Yes 04 sti bolts right up.

[SVO1]

it literally was about an hour and a half from the time I pulled it in until it was on the ground. Very easy direct swap.
I have put about 1300 miles on it now and it's still great, I will say I am glad I went with the spacer or it would have had the illusion of sagging badly.

[grayguy]

Looks great! The only good wagon is a dumped wagon haha. I just put 04' take offs in my L and the rear drop is perfect but the front is too high, so I need to work that out.

[mycargoesvroom]

Looks great! The only good wagon is a dumped wagon haha. I just put 04' take offs in my L and the rear drop is perfect but the front is too high, so I need to work that out.


I just did something similar but I used 05 springs front/stock lgt springs in the read. It's not as low as I want it but the ride hide is pretty even.

[grayguy]

I think I'm jus going to try to find a set of Wrx/STI frot lowering sprigs than are like 1"-1.5" on nasioc.

Also, what camber bolts did you use in the rear SVO? Stock front ones or aftermarket?

[SVO1]

Gray- you have a pm back
For anyone looking, I used Ingalls 81260 camber bolts in the rear.

[csweston]

Are the STi struts the same as WRX struts? I have a set of 06 WRX struts and springs sitting in the garage. I thought it was going to rub so i was waiting to put them on. But if they'll clear too ill throw them on now

[mycargoesvroom]

IIRC WRX Springs are taller then OEM LGT Springs, but should lower you about .75"-1" but don't quote me on that.

[SVO1]

I honestly don't know on the WRX, it's been a while since I put them in my FXT so I don't recall how different they were.
If the perch to bolts distance is the same from sti to wrx then yes the stock wheels will fit.

[65pontiac]

Stupid question but is it one camber bolt per strut?

[chuckthefuk]

Yes 1 on each side. 2 are not recommend....

[65pontiac]

thanks! the ingalls site said 2 per wheel so it threw me off

[Baddog]

Which camber bolts did you use? I got Eibach 02-07 WRXcamber bolts. They say they don't work on the 04 STI. I tried to put them in and they get stuck.

[dvancleve]

Which camber bolts did you use? I got Eibach 02-07 WRXcamber bolts. They say they don't work on the 04 STI. I tried to put them in and they get stuck.



For anyone looking, I used Ingalls 81260 camber bolts in the rear.

[dvancleve]

Well I am just about set to copy SVO1's suspension and I am pretty excited about it. I scored a set of complete STi struts with only about 26K miles super cheap because the threads on the left front strut shaft are damaged. I have a Snap-On rethreading die on the way. If the cleaned up threads don't seem like they'll hold, I will figure out some sort of spacer to raise the nut so it is mostly on good threads.

FWIW, the Paranoid Fabrications 3/8" spacers are cheaper from TiC than directly from Paranoid, $25 total. The cheapest Ingalls 81260 camber bolt I found were from clubrsx.com, also $25 total. I am going to do the zerk fitting mod on the rears before I start taking the car apart, should be a permanent fix for the rear clunking that can occur.

My STi stuff is 05, so my last big(ish) decision is whether to slot the lower front hub mounting holes or keep looking for some 04 fronts to use with my probably lower mileage inserts. There are lots of guys in Forester XTs that seem to be running slotted STi front units with no issues. Assuming that I don't mess anything up, that will be cheapest (important on an old, low value car ;^) by at least a hundred bucks and probably more. Also, everything will match (otherwise the fronts will be red and the rears black). That said, bolting on is always easier than modding. Any thoughts :?:

Thanks, Doug

[Navi271]

I would try to find the 04's still. Just seems safer, ya know? But looking for cheaper options on an older car is a good idea. As long as you notch it in a way that it is almost impossible to come undone I'd say go for it. Of course, if you mess it up, bolt it up anyways, and then have it come apart driving down the interstate, it will suddenly costs more than it would have to just go find those 04 struts. It's all about how much you're willing to spend on your car, what exactly YOU want to do with the car, and how safe you want it to be.

[dvancleve]

It is probably a moot point. I think I found somebody to weld up the bottom holes so they can be redrilled in the correct spot, as shown here: http://www.scoobymods.com/modify-05-sti-front-struts-t12527.html.

Thanks, Doug

P.S. I got the camber bolts and rear spacers in the mail today, pretty quick for both...


I would try to find the 04's still. Just seems safer, ya know? But looking for cheaper options on an older car is a good idea. As long as you notch it in a way that it is almost impossible to come undone I'd say go for it. Of course, if you mess it up, bolt it up anyways, and then have it come apart driving down the interstate, it will suddenly costs more than it would have to just go find those 04 struts. It's all about how much you're willing to spend on your car, what exactly YOU want to do with the car, and how safe you want it to be.

[Navi271]

That looks like the best way I've ever seen to make it work.