If you plan to use WRX shocks (OEM, aftermarket, whatever), then you need to use WRX springs. BTW, get WRX wagon springs and shocks - not sedan. Look on NASIOC.

If you plan to use your Forester shocks (OEM, aftermarket, etc) but still lower the vehicle then you need Swift springs.

If you do either of the above, your rear camber should be within specification and your front camber is adjustable, but should be easy to adjust to factory specs. You should not need rear camber bolts, unless your vehicle has suffered significant frame damage.

FWIW, both lowering options above are quite similar. Both are bolt-on. The WRX path will get you about 1/2" lower and provide a softer ride. The Swift springs option will be higher and the ride will be firm, but a bit different than OEM springs because the Swift springs are variable rate. Both installations will benefit (in appearance - not function) with a saggy butt spacer - 3/8" (use existing studs) or 1/2" (use longer top-hat studs).

 

Stock camber bolts work just fine unless you need more negative camber, like -1.5/-2 degrees at which point you need to use camber plates. Throw aftermarket camber bolts in the trash where they belong.

Stan

 

Thanks dave5358 and stan_t!

 

Stan has a good point. With aftermarket camber plates (and maybe even with stock bolts at max adjustment), you can adjust to a very aggressive camber setting - the wheels at a noticeable angle. It looks good and may help cornering. You might think this would wear the tires on the inner edge, but, from other forum comments, this does not seem to be a problem.

In Subaru's front alignment specs, they give an acceptable camber range as well as a range variation side-to-side. Regarding this latter range, I think Subaru is too generous. Regardless of what camber setting you end up with, try to make both front corners exactly the same. Keep this in mind if you have an alignment done. Some (most?) alignment shops are sloppy and hide behind Subaru's too generous numbers.

Changing struts and/or springs is a good DIY project - not much special equipment needed (that you can't borrow) and you'll get to know your vehicle.