Lowering a BH5 Outback - JDM Bilsteins vs. Koni inserts/H&R springs

[Somac]

Hi guys,

I have a 2004 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 5MT wagon. I'm looking to lower it a bit from the current height for the summer time as I plan on tracking it every now and then. I'm not going to bother with junk coilovers and don't have the $1500+ to spend on quality coilovers, so I'm sticking with a quality spring/shock setup.

Right now, I'm stuck between two options:

1) JDM Bilstein struts/shocks and either leaving the stock springs or throwing STI/H&R springs on

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-Subaru-Legacy-BILSTEIN-Shocks-Struts-Springs-Suspension-1999-2004-BH5-/262854139503?hash=item3d3353de6f:g:GCQAAOSw14xXFR2d&vxp=mtr

2) Stock struts with Koni inserts and H&R springs

I live in an area with heavy saltings and bad roads, but I don't mind a harsher ride since I'm used to cars with blown out struts. I prioritize handling over harshness here.

The JDM struts are going to be a bit cheaper, but they're also used and offer no adjustability like the Konis do.

Any opinions between the two?

[rkrenicki]

I have no experience with Koni inserts.. but I will say that the Bilstein and GT-B spring combination will be significantly lower than the stock Outback height. You will need to at the very least change out your rear bump stops and rear upper lateral link with those from a Legacy, otherwise you will be constantly riding on the stops.

[Somac]

Thanks for the tips!

I went through the "Lowering the Outback the right way" thread and I was trying to compose a list of all of the parts needed to be taken from a donor Legacy and it almost seems like a better option to buy a donor car, haha. Unfortunately no junkyards around me have regular Legacies so I'll have to grab parts somehow.

Looks like I'll be going with the JDM Bilsteins along with the H&R Sport springs as I've seen a few pictures now and it's just about the exact height I'd like. I won't need the adjustability of the Konis so that's a good amount of money saved that can be applied toward getting 4/2 pot brakes.

[Huffer]

So, I'm planning on going with Outback fitment KYB struts, strut tops, and H&R lowering springs. This should tuck the stock 16" wheel + tire nicely inside the fender without sacrificing a ton of ground clearance. I was never much of a slammed ride guy.