98 outback with wrx suspension

[98legoutbk]

Hello. I owned my 98 outback for a little more than a year and its time to upgrade. The word around the net is that 04-07 wrx stuts will bolt right up to my 98 legacy outback. Was wondering if anybody has done this and if coilovers would work as well. Any info would be great!!

[squeethebee]

I had heard it was 02-03...

ed

[Seraphinwolf]

I had heard it was 02-03...

ed

+1 and I heard the 04's too but would have to double check first. I hear they work and I hear the rear hats don't work. :shrug: So I'd go with 02-03' like Ed(Sqee) there said. GL. Have a glance through the classifieds and maybe pick up a set for cheap! :up:

[squeethebee]

02-03 are different top hats then 04. the top hat and spring are where the differences lie, any strut but 05+ STi will work.

ed

[subaru_crazy]

04 sti struts bolt right in. thats what im doing to my 96 leggy. squue you should know that you sold me the sti struts.

[squeethebee]

Oh, maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm so out of the Legacy loop already, sorry OP!

ed

[Seraphinwolf]

Should still be same as any 93-03 Impreza. Only thing to watch is the rear height. AKA "saggy butt syndrome" on most wagons that run a sedan rear spring and strut combo. Plenty of spacers out there aswell as plenty of wagon bugeyes that you can nab parts from. GL hunting.

[subaru_crazy]

Should still be same as any 93-03 Impreza. Only thing to watch is the rear height. AKA "saggy butt syndrome" on most wagons that run a sedan rear spring and strut combo. Plenty of spacers out there aswell as plenty of wagon bugeyes that you can nab parts from. GL hunting.
the rear strut has a differant bolt pattern then a 93-01 impreza. its the same as a forester

[Seraphinwolf]

If it's different than the "classic" Impreza then how does the 02-03' WRX, and 04' STi bolt right in which also goes right into the "classic" Impreza chassis just fine from what I remember. Well I guess best we can all just agree as a good plan, reuse the Legacy top hats and there isn't any more questioning.

[squeethebee]

No, 02-03 stuff fits "classic" Imprezas, 04+ fits Legacy and Forester. And you can't just throw the Legacy top hat on any spring you want a viola, it fits. Sti suspension bolts straight into SF Fozzy's, I know that for a fact, and should be 100% the same on the 96-99 Legacy.

ed

[squeethebee]

If it's different than the "classic" Impreza then how does the 02-03' WRX, and 04' STi bolt right in which also goes right into the "classic" Impreza chassis just fine from what I remember. Well I guess best we can all just agree as a good plan, reuse the Legacy top hats and there isn't any more questioning.

Fronts fit everything, rear of 04+ will NOT fit 93-01 Impreza's, the inner most bolt is almost an inch too far in, and raised center bulge on the top hat wont line up either.

ed

[98legoutbk]

So 04+ wrx/sti good to go then? I wanted to run coilovers will that be a problem on the top hats?

[98legoutbk]

if not wrx what else would work, i see there is a bunch of coilover kits for the wagon. Car is daily drive so it sees all weather. Something i can lower for summer months and lift back up for winter, for under $1000 would be nice.

[subaru_crazy]

o4 sti only.

[squeethebee]

But 04-07 WRX.

ed

[subaru_crazy]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-97-98-99-Legacy-D2-Springs-Adjustable-Coilover-/360191718649?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53dd1974f9

[98legoutbk]

Next question is there a coilover kit thats not to stiff, car is primary mode of transportation for my 15 month old and dont wanta break his spine. Or should i go with lowering springs instead. I had a full race coilover set on my civic and that was super stiff so anything to me would probally feel better.

[squeethebee]

Coils are quite firm, cheap ones will bounce a lot usually too. May want to look into a "looks" lowering spring in that case.

ed