Coming - My New Setup

All going well! The car is capable of carrying a big load without a problem and handles well; but it is a little harsh when unladen.
 
Kevin said:
All going well! The car is capable of carrying a big load without a problem and handles well; but it is a little harsh when unladen.
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Do you reckon the harshness is a function of the springs or the struts? I find my to be very firm when there's no load in it: I think I have much the same springs as you. The struts are what interest me though.

A mate who did his apprenticeship on subies reckons that they used to reinforce non-gas struts for WRX in much the same way that you have reinforced yours. Says it was pretty standard for rally/ (He used to work on Possum Bourne's cars as well).

After bending the struts in the Coorong, and hearing about others doing the same, I want to have something up my sleeve if it happens again. Your solution sound like the answer, short of coilover conversion which is expensive.

BTW, how exactly did you use "undersize high tensile bolts" to temporarily change the camber with bent struts? Can't quite picture it.
 
"Do you reckon the harshness is a function of the springs or the struts?"
Yes, the 250 lbs/in springs in the rear will do it!


"BTW, how exactly did you use "undersize high tensile bolts" to temporarily change the camber with bent struts?"
You remove the non-camed static bolt and substitute a smaller bolt. This allows more movement to get the strut off the tyre wall.
 
kevin.

thanks for answering the questions.

Is your trailing arm the original spec? If so, I wonder if an extended trailing arm would reduce the likelihood of struts bending. Ultimately I'll go for a setup like yours, but not until my rear struts **** themselves or are over two years old and therefore out of warranty.

My hypothesis is this: a lifted rear end changes the geometry, and this is evidenced by the wheel being further forward in the arch. Hence, at full extension, the strut bottom takes a heavier load pushing back on it, rather than in more of a downwards direction. This is hard to explain, but I think you get the drift.

I'd be interested in people's thoughts on this.
 
Kevin: as always with the helpful answer. Thanks!

Now, given that my SF has a body lift, I'll have to look and see if the trailing arm is mounted on a block. My suspicion is that it is not, but I could be wrong.
 
Hi Kev,
I have been looking for a way to life my 2010 Forrester and with vertually no luck. How has your upgrade worked out and can you give me the contact info of the fellow who did your job please.
 
They have worked on my car also & did a great job. Yes I would highly recommend them too :)

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Given that my trailing arm blots have ripped out, and I noticed one of the struts leaking, I think it's time to do this mod when I get the Dulagarl repaired in coming weeks.

I'm thinking of getting Ralf at Trutrak to do the work, and to replace the rear springs with custom made at the same time.

As for the struts: I have some old OEM struts to use as a basis for this mod, but what I need to know is which inserts.

Kevin: I read in this thread:

https://www.offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?p=11909&highlight=trailing#post11909

that you substituted the first inserts (outback) with Koni V8 Holden Commodore front struts. Have you still got those? Any chance of a part number?

Cheers.
 
Ah yes, (btw "inserts" not "struts"). No, as best I recall I do not have a part number for the rear inserts but I will check the invoices at home.
 
Thanks Kevin.
Part number is not critical but would be very helpful, but I'm confused now, so will re-ask the original question: Inserts from the front of a VR commodore on the rear of your subie?
 
Dulagarl said:
Thanks Kevin.
Part number is not critical but would be very helpful, but I'm confused now, so will re-ask the original question: Inserts from the front of a VR commodore on the rear of your subie?
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Sorry for the confusion - yes, it was the front that were replaced after sidways stresses. I did check the invoices, which revealed the stresses in the front, but no part number I'm afraid.
 
Kevin said:
Sorry for the confusion - yes, it was the front that were replaced after sidways stresses. I did check the invoices, which revealed the stresses in the front, but no part number I'm afraid.
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No worries. Therefore, since I am only interested in the back at this stage, your original part numbers for the rear are correct I think. i.e. it was the legacy / liberty inserts in the back, and commodore in the front. Am I right?

Thanks for being so patient!
 
After just going over the thread I could do with this being done to my struts in my Forester. I've bent a rear one, although not badly but it is rubbing against the tyre.. :(
I think I need to sort my engine out first though.
 
@Kevin
So they extended and build custom longer insides too , or just extended lenght on existing shocks? If custom build why not build body from new , why those welds in bottom.?
And how it got more travel with longer shock you need longer springs for that as well yes? Those kings springs longer?
 
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