just lowered 99 OB, lower than anticipated?

[ivanwakeup]

ok guys so i just finished up installing my suspension today, and the results are awesome but unexpected. I went from a stock OB suspension to aftermarket GR-2s and H&R sport springs for the WRX. i have seen other pictures of guys doing the same setup and i feel like they aren't quite as low as what i have. I'm more than certain I installed it correctly, maybe the fact that i used aftermarket monroe top hats for the rear has something to do with it? they look slightly thinner than the WRX oem hats.

anyway, here is what it looks like:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2012/06/24pgghc-1.jpg

the rear sags quite badly i think, so a set of spacers are in the works. I think i'll need to roll at least the rear fenders (i have maybe 3-4mm between the tire and the wheel well), the fronts should be OK. does this look significantly lower than it should be? i haven't gotten the chance to take it for a ride yet because the battery died while it was sitting.


thoughts?

[AdamH]

Hard to say from the photo but doesn't look too bad... I've seen lower!! What size wheels are you running?

[kimokalihi]

You need shot looking straight at the sides. Can't really tell the difference but I think it's pretty typical when installing impreza suspension on legacys. My 1st gen sedan was way higher in the front with STI suspension so I got rid of it and bought coilovers.

[lancerswimmer89]

I got the same results from using a set of stock Legacy L KYB struts, w/ some B&G Lowering Springs. you WILL need to roll the rear fenders, as that sh!t is gonna rub like a mofo. I have 16" rims w/ a 45 series tire, and it rubs pretty good.

So in short, I would say that you have a fairly normal end result from your chosen setup. Just be sure to roll those fenders, and when you go for a alignment, make sure its a 4-wheel alignment, and ask for a bit of negative camber if at all possible to also help w/ the rubbing.

[ivanwakeup]

ok, after thinking about it more the front actually looks how i expected, the rear just sags (was hoping i'd get lucky but this was expected too)

already ordered the spacers for the rear.

oh and to those who are curious:

wheels are xxr 006s 18in. wrapped in 225/40/18 rubber


i'm actually going to be doing a mini-faq on this install because i know i had a lot of unanswered questions going into it myself, so hopefully it will help future visitors to lower their OBs!

[lancerswimmer89]

those are 18's?! damn dude, they will for sure rub. If my 16's are getting eaten by the fenders, your 18's are probably making constant contact

[Wiscon_Mark]

FWIW, the "saggy butt" on wagons is partially just the wheel arches. It not necessarily that the suspension in the rear is sagging lower than it should, but that the bodywork makes it look that way.

[ivanwakeup]

yeah they are 18s, but because the tire is a 40 profile they are actually smaller in diameter than the stock 195/70/15s. like i said, i have about 4mm clearance right now, hoping to increase that with the spacers and rolling the fenders.

[mapexdave7488]

How much did all.of this cost. Im.wanting to do the same to my legacy wagon but didn't know the price

[ivanwakeup]

new rear top hats were 50
hr springs were 235 shipped
kyb struts were like 280 shipped

under 600 with everything.

[mapexdave7488]

How was the installation process...and can you give me a site to find these products at? Thank you

[Wiscon_Mark]

www.ebaymotors.com (http://www.ebaymotors.com)

:lol: If you want to get it all in one place, that's it. Amazon may have all of them as well.

[lancerswimmer89]

yupp, my KYB's and springs were about $500 total w/ shipping

[ivanwakeup]

as i said i will be doing a mini-faq when i have some extra time....overall the install was fairly easy, i just ran into a lot of frustrations not being ready with the correct parts/tools. i used a makeshift vice grip/17mm socket combo with the allen wrench to get the top nut off the struts for example- and that was a MAJOR pita. next time around i will shell out some extra money and buy a proper deep offset 17mm wrench and probably save about 2-3 hours on the install time.

this job does require a fair but of muscle and grit, especially if your existing suspension is rusted/corroded. i wouldn't reccommend it for a complete beginner unless you are extremely confident, but overall a pretty simple install procedure wise.

[mapexdave7488]

One.last question...did u.order wrx.struts or subaru legacy struts and springs?

[ivanwakeup]

wrx struts, wrx springs. 04-07. if you get the 04-07, you ALSO need 04-07 wrx top hats for the rears.

if you get the 02-03, i THINK you can use the OB top hats in the rear.

you need 93-07 impreza front spring perches no matter what, if you use the OB spring perches it will more than likely ride horribly because they are too big, and you'll hear metal rubbing on metal.

[mapexdave7488]

Ok thanks for everything

[mapexdave7488]

Anyone on here...I've been looking for the 04-07 wrx struts and Im seeing prices around 378 to over 400 on ebay...any where else you guys recommend i look to find them cheaper?

[lancerswimmer89]

Anyone on here...I've been looking for the 04-07 wrx struts and Im seeing prices around 378 to over 400 on ebay...any where else you guys recommend i look to find them cheaper?

You can get regular Legacy Struts brand new @ Carquest, the KYB's are about $298 out the door for a full set. Then, just grab up some nice lowering springs. I paid $215 and free shipping for my B&G's that lower 2" in the front, and 1.75" in the rear of the car.

[mapexdave7488]

O ok man thanks..you got any pics of what yours turned out like?

[lancerswimmer89]

yes....if i could figure out how to post them...lol

[Navi271]

The "How to post pictures to SLi" page!
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=23411