EDM: 05-09 Outback - Self-Levelling to Normal Rear Conv

[Kaan]

Title: EDM: 05-09 Outback - Self-Levelling to Normal Rear Suspension Conversion

The Problem: I've been driving my mother's 98 Outback, recently bought my own 07 EDM H6 Outback, love the car, but the rear suspension is jumpy, don't know whether it's the age or the general characteristic

Since I drive alone, I don't really need the self-levelling rear suspension, also, the 3X cost for the struts and the non-existent availability of replacements is a bummer

I was going to buy King springs, KYB struts and strut tops for USDM Outback's, yet, after checking out the King website: https://kingsprings.com.au/catalogu...en-bp-6cyl-3-0l-self-level-rear-9-2003-8-2009 - and contacting King, I've discovered that they have a KSRS-29SPC spring specifically for this conversion, and a KSRS-29 for USDM Outback's - they've indicated it's because the strut tops are large for self-levelling cars

My main question: If I replace the strut tops too (I'm going to anyway) - Can I use all USDM parts, and just buy the "KSRS-29", along with: https://get-primitive.com/fully-ass...bled-rear-struts-2000-2009-legacyoutback.html and https://get-primitive.com/struts/87-kyb-excel-ggr-2-2005-2009-outback.html ? (If this is the case, I think they produced KSRS-29SPC for nothing, since those who make the conversion will likely change the strut tops too, it doesn't make much sense that they would add this spring just to use OEM-size strut tops, so I'm wondering whether there is another reason I'm missing, a possible incompatibility that USDM strut tops would have with the EDM self-levelling Outback)

Thanks in Advance,
And Hello, the forum is awesome, I've been a lurker for a while

 

[Kevin]

G'day & welcome Kaan!

I can't help with the USDM Vs EDM question but I can say that I do not recall my MY'97 Outback (H4) being "jumpy".

 

[Kaan]

Thank you!

Exactly, coming from that some Outback, the '07 one is very jumpy/flimsy

Even while braking, the rear dips considerably

 

[Kevin]

Hmmm yes it does sound like the suspension is shot! I imagine, as it's 10 years old, if the suspension has not been maintained in good order then you're on the right track to replace it. The main difference between your Mother's car and your car (if I recall correctly) is that the early OBs did not have multi-link suspension.

 

[Ratbag]

I replaced the SLS on Roo2 a couple of years ago because it had a terminal case of saggy butt syndrome.

I used full replacement units from Pedders as they were a straight swap. Slightly heavier duty variable rate springs. I'm very pleased with the improvement in both handling and ride. Better for towing too.

Fronts are still OEM.