89 liberty, cheap ride?

PhilSubi · Post by **PhilSubi** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 8:31 pm

Hi All, Am a newby here needing advice. This is my first subaru after owning diesel 4wds for quite some time. What i need to know is can my wagon be sorted into a reasonable offroader to be taken camping, fishing etc and used for a daily drive?
So far have had to change cam shaft and crankshaft oil seals and timing belt. Still smells oily at times but doesnt seem to go through any between services.
The next thing i need to rectify is the issue with ground clearance, or lack of i should say, originally it had height adjustment but was replaced at some stage, present suspension is too soft for my liking and i need to know which is the best option, body lift or suspension lift??
I am trying to do this on the cheap as much as possible but any advice or comments will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers. Phil ;-D

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 8:54 pm

Hi and Welcome Phil

Firstly you said your car had Height Adjustable Suspension so I'm guessing it is a AWD model but is it Auto or Manual? If it's Auto there is a quick and easy mod to convert the AWD Centre Diff to a Locked Diff (part time) with a switch (offroad only) which makes the car awesome on sand and some slippery mud. The other thing is a definately a Lift Kit of some sort. I'd recommend a 2" body lift with a 3" suspension top lift and maybe some 15" Forester rims and tyres (cheap at the moment around the traps)

These cheap and easy mods makes the ealy Libertys a great getaway vehicle as well as a reliable city car.

Cheers,
Paul

PhilSubi · Post by **PhilSubi** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:37 pm

Thanks Paul, Yes, it is AWD, and manual.
Gives me something to think about.

Cheers. Phil

PhilSubi · Post by **PhilSubi** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:38 pm

By the way, i may be ignorant but what do you mean by suspension "top"lift?

Cheers. Phil

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:02 pm

Ok Phil.. Manuals are harder (more expensive) to make them locked but it can be done with a DCCD gearbox from an STi Impreza. As for the Suspension Top Lift (or strut top lift) is just part of the standard lift kit but when you buy a 2" lift kit, you will get 2" strut top blocks but instead of 2" strut tops ask to get 3" ones

You'll need to ask as most places will only give you 2" as that is the maximun lift that is legally allowed but it's very hard to see the strut tops in a Liberty so you can get away with it

Cheers,
Paul

PhilSubi · Post by **PhilSubi** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 10:17 pm

Thanks once again Paul, 3" sounds good if i can get away with it, lol