This modification is really out there! I mean, come on - how much lift can a Normally Aspirated, mildly modified, 2.5RS make? Its not like I am transferring all that much weight to the rear of the car, am I?
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Well, since this modification has been installed, it really tightened up the whole front of the car. The suspension feels much more sorted out, and the car remains stable in a corner, even when I womp the gas. No longer am I experiencing mild understeer in a corner with the throttle buried in the floor plate.
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Of course, this is really just one more modification I made in preparation for the turbo. Its main purpose is to prevent rear weight transfer, by using less compliant bushings (Polyurethane) and creating .5 degrees static positive caster. In the handling department, we should, as noted above, no longer experience less traction on the front tires if I get exuberant with the throttle in a corner. This translate into less throttle induced understeer when exiting a corner, theoretically allowing me to exit a corner at a higher rate of speed.
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<IMG src=/mods/impreza/images/wlalk2.jpg WIDTH=459 HEIGHT=413 BORDER=0 ALT="Rear mount of the front suspension">
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This is the piece we are going to replace. It is a photograph of the rear mount on the front wishbone. The instructions task you with removing 3 bolts only. Disconnection of the entire wishbone assembly is not required. The big bolt is a real pain in the ass to remove, so bust out with some WD-40 and your box end wrench. We used a hammer, striking it against the wrench to make the nut turn. The instructions call for you to remove this nut first, before you tackle the 2 mounting nuts.
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Here is the view looking towards the rear of the car. Those 2 bolts are supposably 66lbs/ft of torque, but I had to upgrade twice to larger air guns to remove them. They probably were torqued in there closer to 100lbs/ft of torque. Thats more than a lug nut, and in that confined area, it can be really frustrating. Also note the close proximity of the front transmission crossmember. You won't have to remove it, but its going to appear to get in the way several times.
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<IMG src=/mods/impreza/images/wlalk3.jpg WIDTH=567 HEIGHT=367 BORDER=0 ALT="Differnt Point of View">
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<IMG src=/mods/impreza/images/wlalk4.jpg WIDTH=492 HEIGHT=422 BORDER=0 ALT="Removed suspension bolt">
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We finally loosen that big one up. You don't have to worry about being kind to the big nut either, as this part is replaced with a better nut in the White Line Kit. The 2 mounting bolts on either side you must save.
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In order to remove the old mount and install the new one, White Line recommends using a large pry bar to seperate the wishbone from the body. Careful you don't use that prybar on the smooth area of the mount. White Line also recommends you clean the whole area to make sure it is free of contaminants. One swipe of the shop wrag, and everything appeared to be in order.
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<IMG src=/mods/impreza/images/wlalk5.jpg WIDTH=483 HEIGHT=425 BORDER=0 ALT="Pry it out">
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<IMG src=/mods/impreza/images/wlalk6.jpg WIDTH=474 HEIGHT=385 BORDER=0 ALT="New Mount in position">
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White Line recommends that you cover all visible areas of the Urethane Bushing in their wonderful black grease. Once you do this, you can pry the suspension down again, and wiggle that mount in until it snaps into place. Once its in place, thread the 2 body mount bolts in, but don't torque them down yet!
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Now take your domed washer, and install it onto the wishbone mount, domed portion touching the domed portion of the polyurethane bushing. Install the new Nylon Lock-Nut and torque it down. We did this by reversing our hammering procedure. Once the nut is tight, crank the 2 mounting nuts up into the body. Now you can tackle the otherside. Once finished, you can immediately feel the difference the first time you get on the throttle.
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<IMG src=/mods/impreza/images/wlalk7.jpg WIDTH=507 HEIGHT=345 BORDER=0 ALT="All bolted up">
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