Suspension Lift Opinions

[Ewok77]

I have thrown the odd idea around on the New Member Welcome threads and have decided to branch out to the more specific section.
Whats everyone's opinion on the different types of lift for a 2002 MY03 Forester XS. I have made some enquiries with Dobinsons Springs and can replace the original springs with 30mm lift springs all round,I have checked the suspension with the neighbourhood mechanic and they seem fine. I was then going to add a 1" body lift kit to get it somewhere close to 2". I was then talking to a mate of mine and he suggested I should see if I could go with a straight 2" suspension lift.
A couple of questions that spring to mind are;
If I put the 1" body lift kit in do i have to lengthen anything like brake cables and the sort and;
Can i even put a straight 2" suspension lift (using springs) and keep the same shock/stut?
I know this topic has probably been beaten to death, so even if you can point me in the direction of an earlier thread that would be fastic gravel.

 

[taza]

Ewok77, Im running Dobinson Springs in my Forester all round with 1" lift blocks. Its a great combination.
I would recommend it over straight 2" blocks as now your stock springs are 9 years old they might collapst with the extra force of the blocks (seen it happen on an Outback). Plus when you load the car up the heavy duty springs keep the car quite level.

You don't need to lengthen anything for the lift, only if you go 3" or more so thats not an issue. Plus you would do strut lift not body lift if you went with 1" blocks and raied heavy duty springs.

You will have self-leveling rear strut since your foz is an XS. This means you will have to replace the rear with KYB shocks/struts. Alot of people on here have done this also.

Here is a before and after with mine. Look at the distance between the rear wheel and body in both pics. In the after pic the boot is half full to the roof and you can see it sagging slightly but not much.

Before

After

Taza

 

[Ewok77]

Damn self levelling suspension!!!!

Thanks Taza,
Think I will go with option number 1.

• Rear KYB Shocks/Struts (maybe fronts as well, depending on $$$$)
• Dobinsons HD 30mm lift springs
• 1" Strut lift

Seems like the way to go.
I think OFFROADSUBARU.com is more addictive than eBay.

Ewok77.

 

[taza]

Its a good choice and as I said a number of guys on here run a similar setup. Most using King Springs. Im very happy with my Dobinsons though, I would pick them again over Kings too.

Let us know when you order them and when you get them in. Take some before and after pics too

Taza

 

[NachaLuva]

Thanks Taza,
Think I will go with option number 1.

• Rear KYB Shocks/Struts (maybe fronts as well, depending on $$$$)
• Dobinsons HD 30mm lift springs
• 1" Strut lift

Seems like the way to go.

'02 is a SF? I would put in SG rear struts so you can fit bigger tyres if you want to. I didnt & I regret it heaps!

I think if I was gonna do my springs again I'd use Dobinsons, Not so happy with the Kings...

I think OFFROADSUBARU.com is more addictive than eBay.

Hahaha yeah me too lol

Its a good choice and as I said a number of guys on here run a similar setup. Most using King Springs. Im very happy with my Dobinsons though, I would pick them again over Kings too.

Take some before and after pics too

+1

 

[taza]

Nachaluva the Forester changed to the 2nd Generation in mid 2002. So early 2002 is SF and later is SG, I think Ewok77's is SG so thats not an issue.

Really your not happy with the kings?
I love my Dobinsons; great ride, good lift and only sag about an inch (25mm) when the car is loaded upto the hilt (tailgate full to roof and uptop front seats) and with a trailer on.
Only issue is I have some surface rust on the rear springs but since I mostly drive on the beach everyday and have done for the past 8months my springs have been in thats to be expected.
No wonder the exhaust has completely rusted out after 2 years :lol:

 

[mr turbo]

Ewok77, Im running Dobinson Springs in my Forester all round with 1" lift blocks. Its a great combination.

I went with the same set up, however I used King Springs instead of Dobinson's :iconwink:
Yes my Kings have sagged a little, but not that bad really. I'd have to measure them to be sure though (upto 10mm at a guess)
Then again I've had them on for a few years now, so I suppose I can' really complain

I think OFFROADSUBARU.com is more addictive than eBay.

You got that right

Take some before and after pics too

Yes definitely get some pics. Aswell as that, you'll have to let us know the before & after measurements too :ebiggrin:

Regards
Mr Turbo