ape

ok well I have picked up a 05 forester XT and love it but im used to having lowered cars LOL and have found a little info on using wrx parts to lower it but I havnt found a good parts list of what I will need....susch as am I using the stock struts or swaping them and top hats and what springs I found a few things about wagon springs for the rear but are we talking about outback springs Im assuming? Im just not a big fan of jumping into things like this with out proper info and parts on hand it tends to make a bad time LOL but if somebody can get me a list of what i will need that would be a great help.
thanks much
ape

NorthernXT

I too am planning on changing my springs on my 05XT. Swift springs are the consideration at the moment, keeping my stock struts of course. I have a rear jdm sti sway bar, klc139 endlinks and whiteline kb16 r lat link weldmount supports (for a definite reinforcement)

Adding the stiffer springs and lowering the ride height, should compliment the RSB upgrade quite well.

google under the shopping search section : forester+swift springs


Congrats on your purchase.

funkymonkey1002

For wrx you can use any 04-07 wrx (or 04 sti), The 04-08 forester tophats are the same as 04-07 impreza. Wagons springs are the wrx wagon, as they're a bit taller than the sedan springs (the rear wrx struts are a bit shorter so the springs make up for it a bit and give a more level ride).


I swapped in full sedan takeoffs (ie all 4 assembled struts with springs, tophats etc) and then swapped in some rear wrx wagon springs. If I was to do it again I'd probably go with stiffer springs.

If you're looking at the stock wrx stuff, you might want to consider going to just swift forester springs on forester spec struts. It will handle similarly, you'll be a bit higher so the suspension geometry will be better, and you keep a more even stance. However with wrx fitment you can use all the nice aftermarket stuff thats available.

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04FXT/4EAT Snorkus Free, WRX suspension, sti up, prodrive ypipe, rota/falken/racingbrake/hawk

ape

Thread Starter

the main thing im looking for is to lower the forester with a nice oem'ish ride to it, I would like to have to the fender and quarter's at the same hight or a bit lower then the tire tread LOL I dont need a track feel to the car just a nice smooth ride!

canon882c

I am actually looking to do the exact same thing as you so I could definitely benefit from some info too. I have looked into doing the same thing that funkymonkey suggested.

To build on what that, there are also the GR2 struts which are essentially OEM. But if I could add a couple of questions to this thread:

Would we be looking at going for impreza GR2's to partner with wagon springs? (I assume that the forester GR2's with wagon springs would be to much for the struts).

Also you mentioned you wish you went for stiffer springs, but what springs would those be without dropping the car very much? I (and assume ape) do not want to be slammed but am looking more at a good OEM style WRX ride height that feels/handles well.

ape

Thread Starter

well im looking to put the wheel arch's right at the tread line so not super slamed but nice and low

ruhrohh

congrats on the purchase

with the FXT you have so many options to choose from if you wanna lower your car. like NorthernXT mentioned, swift springs are a nice upgrade. you can keep your stock struts and all you need to do is swap out the springs. not sure what exactly the drop height of those are (although theres an entire thread about springs, etc).

however, if you wanna go lower than the swifts, i suggest going WRX or STi takeoffs. theyll lower the car a decent amount but nothing ridiculous.

this is from personal experience and this is what I had on my old FXT

2004 WRX struts & tophats
2005 STi springs
3/8 inch saggy butt spacers from Paranoid Solutions.

this is just one of the ways you can lower your car. basically any or all WRX and 04 STi suspension set ups will work with the FXTs. i hope this gives you somewhat of an insight

if you have any more questions, stan_t is the man to go for suspensions

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2004 FXT - Journey to Low 'n Slow

ape

Thread Starter

that is right what Im looking for info wise thank you so much! one last question for ya where did that put it wheel gap wise?

PPI

To start off I have a 05 XT that that has stock wrx struts and springs.

They struts are worn out so I am looking into putting Koni inserts in them.

I have been researching suspension for a few days now. What I would like is a ride height that is not too low (I do take it on 2tracks) but stiffer springs are fine as I will do a track day or two a year for fun.

-Would forester or wagon springs be the best option on wrx struts?
-Should I just use wrx/sti spring rates with saggy spacers in the rear to keep it even.

The springs I have been looking at are RCE wagon springs and Epic springs.

Any others people would suggest for wrx struts with konis to firm up handling and not be too low?

tronsteezz

I just bought some 05' sedan WRX struts/springs and I am going to try and put them on this weekend. If I have enough posts by then I'll post some pics in here for the OP and others.

stan_t

I ran WRX sedan struts with Koni inserts with RCE wagon springs and Prodrive STi red springs, which are identical to the EPICs. I ran a few other springs too.

The RCE wagons will have you slammed, I would advise against using those springs. The EPICs will still be low, but will work okay more or less. I'm actually running Prodrive reds now with 1" spacers and STi-fitment struts, the height is perfect to me, but may be too high for some.

Stock WRX wagon springs felt horrible on my car with the Konis, but that may be subjective. IMO, the compression on the Konis is way too high for the soft WRX springs, the car handled crappy and rode harsh. You can't change compression with the Konis, only rebound. This means it's critical to pick the right spring rate to match these dampers.

Stan

__________________
Shocks > struts.

PPI

/\ You have me thinking now...maybe my best solution is to find Forester struts for cheap, put Konis in them and use the wagon springs like RCE or Swift.

That way the ride height should be good and and it will be level with no need for spacers.

Would 03 forester struts fit my 05? I found a set to pick up cheap.

Thanks!

stan_t

I actually did that on the rear to gain 1/2" of height. Front perches are about the same on Impreza vs. Forester struts, rears are about 1/2" higher. So, you would only gain height in the back. Also, you'll have about -2 degrees of camber on the rear with Forester housing, not good.

Picking springs is hard, there aren't many choices. EPICs is what I'd run, they are tallest and rates are okay. OEM STi springs are nice, too. if you consider using 1" spacers, you have more options.

Stan

__________________
Shocks > struts.

NorthernXT

I've "bounced off" many ideas through tech's, friends @ meets and other forums. From what I have gathered, the most suitable and way of going about lowering our fxts would be the following: In order of the least to greatest, financially speaking.IMO:

1. Swift specific FXT springs on oem FXT Struts. No pre-mature strut wear, peace of mind!

2. The Petey mod. 04' Sti take-offs with an FXT pink spring. However, if you're buying used Sti parts, chances are they're aging, a strut bearing replacement would provide peace of mind:)

3. Completely Aftermarket wagon Coilover specific pacakge. Eibach, Tein, whatever.

I will admit that my knowledge of suspension is quite limited. From my research findings, practicality and reliability are my 2 main considerations. The stock height on our beasts, is high, especially if you're auto-x-ing.

Maybe we can throw some photos on this page, considering there has been alot of recent activity. Summer is coming, an inch or two lower would be nice.

Beaubaz

I have a 2006 forester and I've just bought a set of 2008 wrx springs 20k on them for $10.00 and I have orded a set of 2006 wrx stock struts will this work? I'm so concussed I have no clue about subaru's I'm a Holden commodore guy I'm just trying to help my girl friend out she wonts it to bassicy sit guards at the tyers. I just don't wont to kill her or anyone by messing it up also no mechanics around here have no clue