wanting to stiffen supension without lowering

[svynx]

Hello all. New member. I just picked up a 1997 Legacy GT wagon with 160k on the clock. I'm an Impreza guy, so I'm unfamiliar with the Legacy chassis. Any suggestions on what to get would be appreciated.

Here's what I'd like to do:
Stiffen the ride a little. Doesn't have to be much. The car doesn't wallow around like a Buick, but it's more than I'd like. Plus having the rear loaded with stuff...
Increase size of swaybar. Nothing to drastic. This car definitely has some body roll which will never go away, but I'd like to diminish it a little.

I've started the normal maintenance items...brakes, rotors, fresh oil, spark plugs. I will be replacing ball joints and outer tie rods in the near future as they have never been done.
Please ask any questions if it would help narrow down your selections.

[98legwag]

02-07 wrx wagon stock suspension. I had it on my 98. It was perfect. Maybe a half inch lower. Attached is a picture of it before I sold it to a friend/fellow SLI guy.

3108

[svynx]

Thanks 98. I read that the Impreza suspension drops ride height by a good 1" to 1.5", which is too low for what this car will be used for. I'll have to see what it's like in person.

[98legwag]

Mine was no where near that much lower. Maybe a half inch lower than stock.

[Radio Flyer]

KYB GR2 (now Excel?) struts are a great improvement.

As to swaybar, the BG Outbacks came with an 18mm rear sway bar, compared to the 15mm in the GT.

[svynx]

Hi Radio,
Definitely going to the GR2/Excel struts. I'm sure the ones on the car have never been changed. I'll also put new top hats on while I'm at it.
I will say that finding a spring that is Impreza OEM height, but has a slightly higher spring rate is proving to be difficult. At first I was hoping that Rallytek had a set as they are a happy medium between OEM and King's, but as of right now I haven't been able to find a set.
I'll look into the BG swaybars.

[svynx]

Looks like I'm going to have to go with King springs. Most likely the lowering version and then using strut spacers to adjust the height to what I want. Going off what 98legwag said, the stock Impreza suspension will lower my Legacy 1/2". The standard height Kings for the Impreza will raise and Impreza 1/2". Put all that together, and the Legacy's ride height won't change. The mildest lowering version has a 1" drop, which would equate to a 1-1/2" drop on the Legacy. I'll add a 1" spacer to the rear, and a 1/2" to the front. I'm hoping that the added spring rate will assist with everything being lower, and then the larger swaybars to help with turning. I'll get before and after pics for people.

[kanner95bk]

I know this is 10 months old now but did you ever complete your suspension setup? Would love an update/pics if so!! Thanks.