Legacy Outback spacer questions

[Blue Brapsody]

So, last weekend I swapped my tired Impreza Outback Sport struts with a salvage yard set from a 1999 Leg Outback! Also nabbed the rear sway for better on-road handling.

Gotta say, I absolutely love it. Gained about 1.5" up front, and 2-2.5" in the rear. But it's still not high enough. Going to be doing a set of Geolanders here soon, 215/70/R15 should round the lift out nicely.

What I've noticed is a bit of possible binding. I've heard axles should be okay with just a strut lift, which is what I have. But ehhh, not sure. So, I have some questions for people who have lift GF-chassis Imprezas:

- I have an auto (4EAT, I believe), so I've heard I don't need the trans cross member from the 97-99 Leg Outback. Can anyone confirm this?

- Assuming I get all necessary Leg OUtback subframe spacing parts, should I be able to also add strut top spacers and still be okay? That would essentially be a Leg Outback with a 1" lift, correct? Can someone confirm that as well?

- Final question, for anyone. As far as cheap wheels go, I've always liked the SG Forester steelies. There's a set for sale near me that says they're 15". Can someone confirm that the Forester steelies actually came in 15"? I always thought they were 16"...

Thanks for any help! My build is going a long really well, and hopefully one day I'll do a build thread!

 

[Kevin]

I think we're lacking a bit of knowledge for the OB Sport as we don't get them down-under and not many have lifted Imprezas. However, yes axles should be OK. But isn't the Leg Outback and Outback Sport different platforms i.e. Legacy and Impreza? So not so sure about compatibility of subframe parts.

Older Foresters had 15" wheels (at least here) but they will not clear the front brakes on newer models.

 

[duncanm]

The naming and model years are all a bit confusing AUDM vs USDM.

The Impreza outback sport is (obviously) based on the Impreza platform.

The US '99 Legacy Outback is what we would call a gen2 Outback. Aus had gen2 only up to '98 I think, and gen3 from '99 onwards.

The gen2 legacy/liberty platform has many more interchangeable parts with the Impreza than the gen3 - I think mainly due to the change to the multilink rear suspension.

Now - as for the factory lift (which is really a body lift relative to the engine + drivetrain), if the gen2 lift is anything like the gen3, then you need all the spacers, including the gearbox/trans subframe ones - otherwise your engine won't be at the same height relative to the body a the transmission. On the gen3, the spacers are tack welded onto the subframe - so it may be easier to source a 4EAT legacy outback subframe.

You may find more specific information here: https://www.dirally.com/