'03 BE sedan - easy spring/shock swap options?

[Markus]

Hello -

I have an '03 Legacy that I'd like to mildly enhance. It's my daily driver and I have a Miata for a track toy so I don't want anything too hardcore.

I've tried to research some options on here, and it seems like you can make most any WRX/STI shocks/springs fit...as long as you get different tophats or are willing to modify other stuff.

What I was wondering - are there any easy suspension improvements available from other Subie's that bolt right on to an '03?

Where I'm going with this - I'd like to improve my handling a little bit at a reasonable cost, basically make the car more fun to drive to work on a daily basis. Should I:
a) Buy KY2 shocks and lowering springs specific to the BE (probably $400 total new)
b) Buy takeoff shocks/springs from 200_ WRX and bolt them right on

Thanks!!!

- Mark

[Mr. Sociable]

Your rear suspension has a different design than the Impreza/WRX/STi, which means that the rear suspension components made for those cars will not fit yours. Just fyi.

[sansMYSTi]

I would go with a set of JDM B4's for your car, like the ones below with Pinks. I have the JDM GT-B set and they are friggin sweet. I just have to find some springs to give me the right drop in the front.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/01/th_BEbilsteinpinks-1.jpg

This set up, without the pinks are for sale here...
http://www.5mileimports.com/

[Markus]

Thanks for the tip, those do look good but for $600 + cost of springs not sure I could justify doing that over the GR2's and lowering springs...

- Mark

[JLav211]

Thanks for the tip, those do look good but for $600 + cost of springs not sure I could justify doing that over the GR2's and lowering springs...

- Mark

I've had GR2s for about a year. They're decent, but pretty much the same as stock. My BE is lowered with Whitelines/GR2s and the first time I really noticed a difference in handling is when I did the RSB. I'm anxious to swap in the Bilsteins to see what the difference is like.

Just FYI.

[Markus]

Thanks for the info JLav.

Question: Can you run lowering springs with the stock shocks or does the car end up being oversprung/too rough?

I can't afford good shocks like the JDM Bilstein's for awhile (year or two?), not sure if I should do something in the meantime with lowering springs or just wait until then...

Either way, I'll probably go with a rear sway bar for now.

Thanks!!!

- Mark

[dodik]

not sure what diam RSB you are looking for but the cheapest one is from Baja its 18 mm diam and new one is around 60 bucks, it should fit since its the same platform

[LegacyRob]

Thanks for the tip, those do look good but for $600 + cost of springs not sure I could justify doing that over the GR2's and lowering springs...

- Mark

Why would you have to buy the springs too? They are mounted on the strut already, if you buy the ones from 5 mile imports.

[blackgtbeauty]

Thanks for the tip, those do look good but for $600 + cost of springs not sure I could justify doing that over the GR2's and lowering springs...

- Mark

Can't justify BILSTEIN'S over GR-2's?

oh my...

[Markus]

Thanks for the tip, those do look good but for $600 + cost of springs not sure I could justify doing that over the GR2's and lowering springs...

- Mark

Can't justify BILSTEIN'S over GR-2's?

oh my...

OK...the original link that was posted was to a set of Bilstein's only, no springs. Now there is a set of Bilstein's on that website with springs.

I know it's not that much of a difference in some ways, but it is a difference in my budget.

For what it's worth, I'm now thinking of adding a rear sway bar and leaving my suspension at that until I can get the Bilsteins and some springs. The GR2's seem like a good low cost option, but yeah I might rather wait until I can afford something better.

- Mark

[JLav211]

Thanks for the tip, those do look good but for $600 + cost of springs not sure I could justify doing that over the GR2's and lowering springs...

- Mark

Can't justify BILSTEIN'S over GR-2's?

oh my...

OK...the original link that was posted was to a set of Bilstein's only, no springs. Now there is a set of Bilstein's on that website with springs.

I know it's not that much of a difference in some ways, but it is a difference in my budget.

For what it's worth, I'm now thinking of adding a rear sway bar and leaving my suspension at that until I can get the Bilsteins and some springs. The GR2's seem like a good low cost option, but yeah I might rather wait until I can afford something better.

- Mark

I'd recommend this option heartily. My rear sway was the biggest difference I've made yet to my car, so this should hold you over until the budget straightens out.

Believe me, I'm right there with you! Lots of strategic planning involved when spending money on the car...

[sansMYSTi]

Yes, the RSB is the best and cheapest handling improving mods you can do - especially for a wagon like mine.