Subarus: Suspension Overhaul - feralcoder/shared GitHub Wiki
Top Level Public Wiki: feralcoder shared I do car, sewing, wood, and other work in my SHOP One level up: Car Work
BOTH NEED IT
My older 2005 has newish control arms and front bushings, but they're degrading in the rear. My newer 2007 just needs bushings all around, they're decomposing, so this is happening.
This model also ships with sad springs. The unloaded handling sucks, which is disappointing because the H6 engine's great. And any real hauling also sucks, this thing drags badly under load. Both cars get this upgrade, in different forms.
This model has insufficient struts, at best. I have mid-range aftermarket struts on my older Subie, which quickly became bouncy. I assume I have dealer struts on my newer car which may or may not be degraded, but they're a less bouncy kind of bad.
Finally, my newer car, at least, is getting stiffer anti-sway bars.
There may also eventually be spacer lifting or additional stiffening, but let's not get too excited just yet.
ROLES
Off-Road Beater (2005)
My older 2005 will be built toward off-road ability and less toward comfort / speed. As such, it gets:
- off-road springs (1" lift front and rear, higher load rear for hauling)
- track/trail struts
- poly bushings all over
- wheel / tire upgrades
- stiffer anti-sway bars
- LATER: 1" spacer lift
Road-Trip Cruiser (2007)
My newer 2007 will be the one I take cornering, and will always lean more toward road performance.
- performance springs (no lift, high load rear for hauling)
- track/trail struts
- poly bushings all over
- stiffer front and rear anti-sway bars
- LATER: 1" - 2" spacer lift
- LATER: wheel / tire upgrades
- LATER: stiffening between struts
THE UPGRADES
Both will be expected to haul trailers, both will be driven off road, and both will be taken on road trips. Here's the parts lineup for my 2007, minus rear anti-sway bar and some engine / tranny mount stiffeners.
Control Arms (placeholder): Restoration and Poly Bushings
These things get their own page.