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2010 - Lowering SH Forester options

('09-'13) 
516K views 851 replies 138 participants last post by  Vaughn_P 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION....MY HEAD STARTED TO HURT!
Preface: Original poster was "stoney98", he/she started this thread, to help us all. I (FXTerrific) have since updated this OP, to include additional setups, as well as update some info in general, based on findings from members, since the original post date.

**If you are unclear on how to install, ask for help or find a professional. If you aren't sure what you are doing, don't do it!**

Options for lowering your SH (09-13) forester. These will work on both XT and non XT models, with the exact same outcomes. All spring rates are in "LB/IN" spec, unless otherwise noted.
So, in no particular order:

*Pedders Springs on OEM struts
Drop: 1.6". Rates: ?.
@Galager has some nice info on these.
Galager's install thread


*Swift Springs on OEM struts
- First version - Drop: 0.8". rates: ?.
"jesusv":
@jkoppee (old car): - stock springs vs swifts springs


- Second (current) version (#4F908) - Drop: 1.6". rates: 213F/202R.
???? who's got pics?


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*Impreza/wrx strut/spring complete "takeoff" assembly options. About a 3" drop, with some variation, based on model year chosen.
These are all bolt-in ready. No fabrication or spring removal necessary. These are going to be the easiest to install.

+08-14 impreza (non wrx) model = they'll all work, not sure on rates, but they'll be soft. maybe too soft. i think theyre the same as 08 wrx - 151F/136R.
+08 wrx model = 151F/136R.
+09-14 wrx model = 217F/194R.
***08-10 wrx model struts have a shorter body length then 11-14 model ones, by about 0.5". this will effect things like tire clearance vs the lower spring seat...as well as ride height.***

2011 wrx oem takeoffs with 3/8" rear butt spacers:



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*sti strut/spring complete "takeoff" assembly options. About a 3" drop, with some variation, based on model year chosen.
Fabrication on the front struts is necessary (but the rears bolt on directly). ....see this thread for more info as to how/why: Raptr's install thread: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f70/08-sti-struts-09-fxt-65674/

+08-10 sti model = 217F/194R.
+11-14 sti model = 250F/297R.
+08-14 sti "pinks" = 280F/224R.
+ sti SE springs = 250F/250R.
@RAPTR - 08 sti stuff:




With 1" strut spacers , all four corners.

@GTEASER:


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2010+ Legacy takeoffs
Drop: ~2", but the rear sags
*** 2013+ are a little better, and preferred. The rear struts are shorter, so a 1" strut spacer should be considered. Needs WRX/STI/Forester tophats....Legacy ones won't work.

Shown w/ 1" spacer in rear:


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Aftermarket spring/strut options:
@BlackwellBoostGC8
08-10 wrx koni struts (the "new" ones, where front is a fully assembled unit)..with 2011 wrx oem springs.



GTWORX WRX Bilstein/RCE setup @Nollie:

...Same, but now with RCE yellows:
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbull...n-swap-writeup-127829/index3.html#post2565266

- Other (WRX/STI) spring options that come to mind (make sure you pair these with the appropriate strut!!!):
RCE black
RCE yellows
Epic Engineering
Mann Engineering
Whiteline
Eibach
King lift springs wrx 1.25" and are about 25-30% stiffer than stock (rates not advertized)
...then all the others like Tanabe, Megan, etc etc.

@dazzz shows some nice different combos/examples in this post ( http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/3279898-post31.html )

@STIdarkside posted a great list on some other Forester specific options:
SPRINGS


- Tein High Tech (SKS94-G1B00)
Fr: 3.9kg/mm -45mm
Rr: 3.2kg/mm -40mm

- Prova Sport Springs (31330TH2010 - XT Turbo)
Fr: 4.19kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.89kg/mm -15mm

- Prova Sport Springs (31330TH2040 - XS NA)
Fr: 4.21kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.89kg/mm -15mm

- Syms Racing Springs (Y0700SH001 - XT)
Fr: 4.20kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.91kg/mm -15mm

- RS-R Ti2000 Springs (F605TW - XS)
Fr: 3.72kg/mm -35mm
Rr: 3.92kg/mm -30mm

- RS-R Down Springs (F605W - XS)
Fr: 3.72kg/mm -35mm
Rr: 3.92kg/mm -30mm

- Tanabe NF210 Springs (SH5NK)
Fr: 3.5kg/mm -65mm
Rr: 2.5kg/mm -45mm

- STI Damper Kit (XT Turbo or S-Edition) INCLUDES SPRINGS AND DAMPERS
Fr: Unknown -15mm
Rr: Unknown -15mm


STRUTS/SHOCKS

- Cusco Touring A Dampers (677 65T F/677 65T R - 40way Adjustable)

- KYB SR Special Shock Absorbers ()
- 180% rebound and 150% compression over OEM
- Suitable for -30mm drop max

COILOVERS

- Mann Engineering Type 25 AST Coilovers (MEACS-SUB1302)
Fr: 7kg/mm
Rr: 5kg/mm

- Cusco Street Zero S Coilovers (677 60P CB)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8)
Rr: 5kg/mm(6)

- Cusco Street Zero Coilovers (677 61P CB - Non-Adjustable)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8) -20 to -80mm
Rr: 5kg/mm(6) -25 to -65mm

- Cusco Street Zero A Coilovers (677 61N CN - 40 way Adjustable)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8) -20 to -80mm
Rr: 5kg/mm(6) -25 to -75mm

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aftermarket coilover options
@Cruzinrain:
Mann Engineering Forester Coilovers
Swift Springs - 7" 2.5 I.D.
Hyperco Helpers - 4" 2.5 I.D.

@FXTerrific:
*2011-2014 WRX OEM "donor" front struts w/ Koni 8610-1453Sport inserts
*Koni rear shocks - 8010-1055Sport
*GroundControl - 08+ impreza Coilover conversion kit
*GroundControl - "GC150.64.77" springs (6" - 440lb/in)
*Eibach - "SPACER250" 2.5" I.D. Spacer/couplers
*Hyperco - "CS100" 2.5" I.D. Helper Springs

@Shansen:
*09-13 Forester BC coilovers


*08-14 WRX TEIN coilovers
 
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18
#20 · (Edited)
I have a ton of info on various springs, struts/shocks, and a couple coilover setups.

I'll update this post over the next few days as I have time.

SPRINGS

- Tein High Tech (SKS94-G1B00)
Fr: 3.9kg/mm -45mm
Rr: 3.2kg/mm -40mm

- Prova Sport Springs (31330TH2010 - XT Turbo)
Fr: 4.19kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.89kg/mm -15mm

- Prova Sport Springs (31330TH2040 - XS NA)
Fr: 4.21kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.89kg/mm -15mm

- Syms Racing Springs (Y0700SH001 - XT)
Fr: 4.20kg/mm -20mm
Rr: 3.91kg/mm -15mm

- RS-R Ti2000 Springs (F605TW - XS)
Fr: 3.72kg/mm -35mm
Rr: 3.92kg/mm -30mm

- RS-R Down Springs (F605W - XS)
Fr: 3.72kg/mm -35mm
Rr: 3.92kg/mm -30mm

- Tanabe NF210 Springs (SH5NK)
Fr: 3.5kg/mm -65mm
Rr: 2.5kg/mm -45mm

- STI Damper Kit (XT Turbo or S-Edition) INCLUDES SPRINGS AND DAMPERS
Fr: Unknown -15mm
Rr: Unknown -15mm


STRUTS/SHOCKS

- Cusco Touring A Dampers (677 65T F/677 65T R - 40way Adjustable)

- KYB SR Special Shock Absorbers ()
- 180% rebound and 150% compression over OEM
- Suitable for -30mm drop max

COILOVERS

- Mann Engineering Type 25 AST Coilovers (MEACS-SUB1302)
Fr: 7kg/mm
Rr: 5kg/mm

- Cusco Street Zero S Coilovers (677 60P CB)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8)
Rr: 5kg/mm(6)

- Cusco Street Zero Coilovers (677 61P CB - Non-Adjustable)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8) -20 to -80mm
Rr: 5kg/mm(6) -25 to -65mm

- Cusco Street Zero A Coilovers (677 61N CN - 40 way Adjustable)
Fr: 6kg/mm(7 or 8) -20 to -80mm
Rr: 5kg/mm(6) -25 to -75mm
 
#24 ·
says 09-13 Impreza/WRX. I believe the STI's are the one's that you may have to mod a bit. There is more info in the forum...prob be a good idea to search the member builds.

I'm more than likely buying the Peddlers springs which install directly on the stock struts, and have a lower stance than the Swift springs. WRX suspension is slightly too aggressive for me...being from NYC there's no such thing as flat pavement.
 
#26 ·
I wanted to chime in here with info and pics on correcting the suspension geometry when going to WRX/STi levels on the 09+.

I've wondered for a long time exactly how Subaru "lifted" the 08+ Impreza to create the 09+ Forester. Previous generations had subframe risers in the front and taller subframe in the back.

Some people have said there are no risers, they just installed taller struts/shocks... I found that hard to believe.

I havent seen anybody really document how this was done in the 09+ (sorry I'm sure its been covered).

I had the opportunity to have an 09 WRX on a lift right next to a 2010 Forester.

Here we go!

Forester front control arm rear mount:


WRX front control arm rear mount:


Forester front subframe to chassis mount:


WRX front subframe to chassis mount:
(sorry bad pic, but you can see there is no spacer there)


Forester rear subframe mount to chassis:


WRX rear subframe mount to chassis:


So thats all I got right now. I'm sure there might be a few more little details to fully convert but someone will need to blaze that trail and document it all.

If you want optimal suspension performance and handling on your SH at Impreza ride heights, you'll really want to look into making these changes to correct suspension geometry to improve your camber curve and roll center.

Again sorry if this has been covered... Hope the pictures are helpful.
 
#33 ·
So thats all I got right now. I'm sure there might be a few more little details to fully convert but someone will need to blaze that trail and document it all.

If you want optimal suspension performance and handling on your SH at Impreza ride heights, you'll really want to look into making these changes to correct suspension geometry to improve your camber curve and roll center.

Again sorry if this has been covered... Hope the pictures are helpful.
Very helpful sooblover! While i dont need "optimal" susp perf on my way to the grocery store, work, DDing (as much as i would like it!) Ive looked at those on my forester and tried comparing to WRX pics ive seen of the areas in general and thought the same things. thanks for sharing...more research time!
 
#34 · (Edited)
3/8 for sure man. obviously it depends on if "cr#p" is referring to 30LBS or 300LBS. When i load up a bunch of stuff in the back, 99% of the time its little in comparison (heavier/bigger things going up top). When ive had a freezer chest or 10 or so mulch bags in the rear it sagged/rubbed a little over big bumps...but im not driving around like that. It's a point A to point B only trip only. plus both of those times were before i added my 3/8 spacers....well see what happens now.
 
#29 ·
yes please. I usually have crap in the back due to driving the family around so right now i have some definite sag. im leaning towards the 1" but i can always change upon install since it seems like its super easy to do
 
#31 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've had a few different setups...

On my 1st Forester back in 2010/2011:

Setup 1 - Gen 4 Legacy (Liberty in Australia) Bilstein front takeoffs with 08 STi rear take offs. Rode very nice, handled well, but the rear 08 STi spring was not up to the task of supporting the Forester and started to sag over time and bottom out in the rear. Replace the rear springs with something like Pedders and you're good to go.








Setup 2 - Kido Racing Coilovers. Rode very very firm, handled insane, but the ride quality was a little harsh for daily commute on Sydney roads. Perfect for track though!


On my Current Forester
Setup 1 - Gen 4 Legacy Bilsteins with Gen 4 Legacy STi pink springs plus 20mm spacers up front, 2010 STi rear struts with Gen 4 Legacy STi Pinks in the rear. Setup rode and handled very well, firm yet fine for daily commute.





Setup 2 - Same as setup 1 above, but STi pinks replaced with Pedders Gen 4 Legacy springs in the front and Pedders Forester Springs in the rear. The ride was very comfortable, handling is great. A little less firm than with the STi Pinks.





Setup 3 - JDM Gen 5 Legacy GT Bilstein B14 Coilovers. Rides and handles extremely well, arguably the best 'all round' suspension I've rode on in an SH to date.



I've had a couple of other setups that I've helped other people out with too, but didn't have the pics on hand to show height. If you would like more info on anything, just ask :icon_wink:
 
#36 ·
Setup 3 - . Rides and handles extremely well, arguably the best 'all round' suspension I've rode on in an SH to date.



I've had a couple of other setups that I've helped other people out with too, but didn't have the pics on hand to show height. If you would like more info on anything, just ask :icon_wink:
Damn dazzz.....great post man. Question, what was your spring rates on the JDM Gen 5 Legacy GT Bilstein B14 Coilovers? Great looking foz btw as well....excellent taste in wheels, well done!
 
#35 ·
dazzz-
I have had the bcr coils on for about 5K now with swift springs. They are ok for most daily activity, but a recent road trip up north proved a little much for me...
Have you found "the perfect" damping rates on the 32 way adjustments? I have about a 1.5 finger gap all around and wouldn't mind going a bit lower as I am running 18's/235/45, but they are stock 48mm offset, just 8" wide(no rubbing)
thanks and nice foz!
 
#37 ·
Hey mate and thanks! I have had no personal experience with BC coilovers TBH. But with Kido coilovers, it had 40 levels of damper adjustment yet I never went above 10. It's very subjective to personal preference on what one may consider to be good, but I never really found a sweet spot for them... maybe I'm just getting old hahaha!

I have to say though that with the Bilstein B14 coilovers, the ride is superb. Super fast damping, comfortable, and handles awesome at the same time. One thing to note though is they have no damper adjustment.

Damn dazzz.....great post man. Question, what was your spring rates on the JDM Gen 5 Legacy GT Bilstein B14 Coilovers? Great looking foz btw as well....excellent taste in wheels, well done!
Thanks man! The Bilstein B14 spring rates are 6kg front and 5kg rear with 1.5kg helper springs all round. Just want to mention the rear height in my pic is as high as it goes without affecting spring preload. The fronts still have 10mm more.



 
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