BE lift? Forrester struts and what I'll need to do it?

[Querkle]

So, I've been looking around on SLI and havent been able to find a thread that answers all of my questions. I've got an 03' sedan and its time for new suspension, she's definitely ridden smoother. I have been waiting to do this because I want to get some extra height out of the replacement suspension. I'm thinking I want to use some Forrester struts and springs but I was hoping to get some real clarification and instructions because I want to do this the right way. If anybody could tell me EVERYTHING I will need to make this work and how labor intensive it will be, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Garrison]

You cannot use forester struts.

The rear struts are vastly different on the BE/BH legacy models, than previous years. Sorry buddy.

[Querkle]

Well shit, I appreciate the info though. So what're my options then?

[decke48]

00-04 outback suspension?

[GTDrifter]

You can find lift spacers for about $250. Subtle solutions makes a set I thimk

[Querkle]

Any chance I could do both? Meaning the 00-04 outback suspension and the subtle solutions spacers.

[GTDrifter]

Yes. The lift kit gives you an inch and the outback suspension will add to your lift. Toss on some off road tires for more lift

[GTDrifter]

Here you go

https://bluprd0810.outlook.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=vuoZVXBWFkOz2pLo9f7sMgeerZESt88IRGZ2oN5sPOtZjudQBP0132iE54qtuvWE4Z3EvXRxpHI.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.subtle-solutions.com%2fproduct_info.php%3fproducts_id%3d140

[Querkle]

I scoped out the subtle solutions spacers, and the legacy and outback sets look the same. Would I get the outback spacers to match the suspension or are they really identical?

[GTDrifter]

Identical but I'd go with the outback set just in case. There isn't a price difference I don't think

[Querkle]

Word, appreciate all the info. Should I look into some heavier duty sway bars if im gonna be lifting her a few inches?

[Querkle]

And would anybody be willing to give me a list of EVERYTHING I will need to do this? I mean struts and springs but a full breakdown would be awesome. Also, if anybody knows of a reliable online parts warehouse to get these parts from, I would appreciate there address as well.

[GTDrifter]

You wouldn't need bigger sway bars but you will need an alignment afterwards. Also you can only use 00-04 specific rear sway bars. They're different than the rest of Subaru

You need struts, springs, top hats, and lift kit. Tools you'll need an impact gun or breaker bar with 19mm sockets. The top bolts are 10 or 12mm if my mind serves right.

You could either remove the brake lines the correct way or cut the side of the brake line mount on the strut, bend it out of the way to remove the brake line and do the same with the new struts. Secure with a zip tie for extra security

You'll also need tools to access the top of the strut on the car. I haven't done this on a 3rd gen but my best guess is to remove the trunk liner via the clips and you should be able to identify it.

[Querkle]

Awesome, it'll be a couple weeks before I have any pictures to post but when its all done I will make sure t slap some up on here.

[Wiscon_Mark]

You cannot use forester struts.

The rear struts are vastly different on the BE/BH legacy models, than previous years. Sorry buddy.

I've seen BP/BL Legacy struts being used on 09+ (SH) Foresters and BP/BL stuff seems compatible to BE/BH so it might be possible to run SH forester stuff on the BE/BH.

I've never really seen it done though. The SH Foresters have some pretty good clearance too.

[GTDrifter]

You cannot use forester struts.

The rear struts are vastly different on the BE/BH legacy models, than previous years. Sorry buddy.

I've seen BP/BL Legacy struts being used on 09+ (SH) Foresters and BP/BL stuff seems compatible to BE/BH so it might be possible to run SH forester stuff on the BE/BH.

I've never really seen it done though. The SH Foresters have some pretty good clearance too.
I read on subaruoutback.org that the rear strut top hats the bolts are a little closer together on a be/BH than bp/bl and you cannot swap them. You might be able to elongate one hole if the difference isn't too great. We did this on a friends GC when we installed bugeye coilovers and it still worked fine

[Querkle]

I'll probably just end up going the Outback route, seems to be a sure thing.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I read on subaruoutback.org that the rear strut top hats the bolts are a little closer together on a be/BH than bp/bl and you cannot swap them. You might be able to elongate one hole if the difference isn't too great. We did this on a friends GC when we installed bugeye coilovers and it still worked fine

I wonder if the springs are the same though - you could swap the struts/springs and just reuse your stock tops. I know I've seen BP/BL stuff put on a BE/BH, but never really many details about what it took to make it work.


I'll probably just end up going the Outback route, seems to be a sure thing.

Yep, you're probably a lot safer (and richer) going that route. It can take some adventure and $$ to be the pioneer.

[Caboobaroo]

You will need most, if not all for the following....

Engine crossmember spacers
Front stuts
Rear position front lower control arm bushings
Transmission crossmember
Steering U-joint shaft
Rear suspension spacers
Rear shocks
Carrier bearing on driveline might be different
Axle back might also be different


I think that's what is involved. Looking into doing the opposite to my Outback, go to Legacy GT height.

[GTDrifter]

You will need most, if not all for the following....

Engine crossmember spacers
Front stuts
Rear position front lower control arm bushings
Transmission crossmember
Steering U-joint shaft
Rear suspension spacers
Rear shocks
Carrier bearing on driveline might be different
Axle back might also be different


I think that's what is involved. Looking into doing the opposite to my Outback, go to Legacy GT height.
If you're just changing the springs/struts and adding tophat spacers you don't need any of that.

[Cooper197]

I know that to achieve a lift in my 1997 Legacy (realizing this a different model and may not work for you), I installed struts from an Outback Sport on my original springs. This got me about a 2 inch lift, and if I would have swapped up to Outback springs I probably could get another inch or two out of it. Then add in that I went from 70R14 wheels to 50R17's and they added a significant lift too. If you change tires though, careful not to go too wide and then have issues with the fenders rubbing on the tires, it sucks and can be difficult to fix.