JDM Forester STi Suspension (Take-off)

Peaty · 06-05-2005, 07:28 AM

OK first off what is a "Take-Off" Suspension? Well, a "Take-off" anything is something that was removed from a car or taken off; sometimes not even driven off the new car lot. I was very lucky to get this JDM Forester STi suspension as it was in pristine condition. I'm not sure they even have 50 miles on them. They don't import the Forester STi here to the US yet only the WRX STi. So they are not easy to come by. Previously I had the JDM Forester Pink STi springs installed on the OEM Struts.

There was some question as to the difference between the Pink and Black springs. The struts are definatly different. The STi struts are of the inverted type. After some measurements I can say for sure the springs are not the same.

The front coil springs are the same diameter 14.08mm (0.55") but installed on the strut the Pink spring is about 19 mm (3/4") taller than the Black ones.

The rear coil springs the height is the same however the diameter of the spring itself is different. Pink springs are 12.9mm (0.50") and the Black springs are 13.5mm (0.53")

I purchased the set from JDM Parts:

http://www.jdmpartstx.com/

A very good vendor to deal with I highly recommend them. Questions were answered quickly and when the parts arrived they shipped them promptly. Keep in mind these things come over to the us on a boat so if they don't have something on hand you will have to wait. Not much you can do about that. Once the stuff arrives on our shores they do ship quickly though.

OK what about the install? Well it's exactly the same as this link here:

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2666

The only thing you won't have to do is worry about swapping out the springs. That will save you a lot of time and effort. I did the swap from start to finish in 1.5 hrs. You will need to get an wheel alignment though since you will be messing with the camber bolts.

Here are some photo's of the Springs.

Peaty · 06-05-2005, 07:34 AM

These struts are of the inverted style as mentioned. This means the dampener tube is upside down relative to the standard type of strut. This gives better lateral stability and reduces unsprung weight.

Peaty · 06-05-2005, 07:50 AM

After I wash the car and the suspension has a few days to settle I'll post some pics. The total drop is about 19mm (0.75") when combined with my wheel and tire combo:

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3025

Stock ride height (stock tires and suspension) is about 736.60 (29") front and rear to the wheel well arch, now I'm at 717.55 (28.25") front and rear. If you take into account the drop from the tire wheel combo (~ 10mm) then the overall drop from just the suspension is only 9mm (0.35")

I will re-measure the ride height after driving around some more.

Initial impressions are the ride is taught but not anywhere near bone jarring. It's still comfortable. Much closer to my old RS than the wallowing Forester when new. When I have more seat time I will update this thread.

Peaty 6/5/2005

Peaty · 06-05-2005, 11:17 AM

Sold - BTW my previous set-up is for sale details here:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...41#post9998841

Peaty · 06-17-2005, 01:32 PM

Some pics of the suspension installed 6-17-05

Peaty · 08-06-2005, 01:41 PM

Some stock VS the Forester STi suspension side by side

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