Baja Question?..........

[LunchBox04V]

Ok, a question regarding the Baja. My girlfriend is in need of a new work/medium duty vehical. She is a farrier (she shoes horses). She currently has a less than reliable '88 GMC Sierrra Regular cab. She needs to carry about 400-600lbs of equipment a day (that is for any situation). Now she also dirves about 100-300 miles per day to get the job done. In addition, she goes in and out of some very challenging terrain.

Now, when she met me, she had never driven a car that got any better than 20 mpg. After a little modfication to my 2.2, I was averaging (city and highway) about 32 mpg. With gas now approaching the $3.50 make, she would like to get in on the Subaru secret.

Now, too the point. She has been looking into the Baja. Would the suspension be tough enough to deal with this work load? She would also be concidering doing "better" springs. A little lift (less than 3 inches) would be nice. The big thing is maybe increasing the spring rate.

What do you guys think? I know this is a Legacy site, I was just looking for some information. Thanks again!

[ten80]

It's definitely possible to lift the baja a bit. I know that there are lift springs available as I ran across them the other day, but I can't remember where. You can also stick slightly larger tires on for a little lift, cushier ride, and better highway mileage.

[Huffer]

Scorpion lift kits are available for the Baja.

The Baja is essentially a 00-04 Legacy Outback Wagon with the back end cut off. Would it cope with the weight load - yes, but it's not going to haul quickly, it's still only 165hp crank.

[shazapple]

Unless you get the turbo Baja!

according to http://www.cars101.com/baja.html

Cargo bed: weight capacity 1050lb
Tailgate holds 661lb

Your not going to get much over 20mpg, especially with 600lb in the back

[Plays_with_Toys]

I'd look at some of the 3rd gen toyota 4runners. They are very reliable and still get pretty decent mileage. They're also pretty good off road, and you wouldn't need to lift it.

Here's a resource if that's something you want to consider:

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

[LunchBox04V]

Thanks guys. To only problem with the 4 Runner idea is that she needs a seperate compartment. Have you ever smelled horse shoeing tools? I really hope that you don't, they are a little smelly.

I still think that the Baja is going to be the best (plus I love that I converted her :grin: ). I didn't know if the suspension was different from the Outback wagon. Thanks for the info, I think that we will start looking soon.