Outback MY08 Rear Suspension & Towing

tadhg · Post by **tadhg** » Tue May 26, 2009 6:52 pm

Hello folks,

This is a bit of a gumby question here.

My Outback MYO8 sags at the rear when towing.

I believe the best first option would be to put in a heavier rate spring (have done as much as possible to reduce load on the towbar).

Is this correct?

Have spoken to a local WA suspension shop - but they have had trouble getting details from Subaru. They are prepared to do the necessary R&D to measure and have a spring manufactured - but surely this must already have been done?

Is there a reputable spring distributor/supplier that you would recommend that would have details of the spring required for the MY08 Outback?

Any other items/advice? - for example self levelling suspension an issue?

Many thanks in advance,
T.

Outback bloke · Post by **Outback bloke** » Tue May 26, 2009 7:57 pm

Sure is. Look in to a set of level rides. There is a number of different styles out there ranging from $120 to upwards of $500.
http://www.hardingscaravans.com.au/towing4.htm

Checkers · Post by **Checkers** » Tue May 26, 2009 9:21 pm

Just be careful as the MY08 will have adjustable ride height crap on it and putting heavier rear springs on may create issues with it.

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Tue May 26, 2009 9:33 pm

Kings has raised springs for Outback - would that help?
Can I ask - what you're towing? and are you towing all the time or often?
Cheers
AP

tadhg · Post by **tadhg** » Wed May 27, 2009 10:16 am

Thanks for the replies folks...

Outback bloke wrote:Sure is. Look in to a set of level rides. There is a number of different styles out there ranging from $120 to upwards of $500.
http://www.hardingscaravans.com.au/towing4.htm

Thanks ... that will be my first port of call then ... if I don't have to mod the car suspension that will suit best.

Checkers wrote:Just be careful as the MY08 will have adjustable ride height crap on it and putting heavier rear springs on may create issues with it.

.. yes, that's what I'm worried about.

AlpineRaven wrote:Kings has raised springs for Outback - would that help?
Can I ask - what you're towing? and are you towing all the time or often?
Cheers
AP

Not sure, I guess looking for a higher preload for towing - but if a weight distribution hitch would level the car I'd be happy with that. I tow 4 dirt bikes (guess ~450kg) - with a kids-bike across the drawbar (guess ~70kg) - and that would be ~10% of the time or ~2000km per year.

tadhg · Post by **tadhg** » Wed May 27, 2009 6:19 pm

Just checked the price $650-$680 ... yikes!

Outback bloke · Post by **Outback bloke** » Wed May 27, 2009 7:16 pm

What style of level ride was that for? My brother just bought a brand new 4 spring type for his car and it was around $200. They suit the Haymen reece style towbar. I'll get the name/address of the place if you like.

tadhg · Post by **tadhg** » Wed May 27, 2009 7:22 pm

Outback bloke wrote:What style of level ride was that for? My brother just bought a brand new 4 spring type for his car and it was around $200. They suit the Haymen reece style towbar. I'll get the name/address of the place if you like.

Thank Outback Bloke,

It was the Hayman Reese Weight Distribution Hitch - I was quoted on...

250Kg = $650
250Kg+ = $680

Actually that's what I asked (oops) - only about the Weight Distrib hitch - I should have also mentioned the "Level Rides" option (or the "Mini Hitch
Weight Distributing System" as quoted on the Hayman Reese site ... http://www.haymanreese.com.au/index.htm Products->Weight.

I would certainly be keen in finding out about the $200 option that you mention.

Thanks.

Suby Wan Kenobi · Post by **Suby Wan Kenobi** » Fri May 29, 2009 6:44 pm

Probar was the name of the place that they where purchased from as i brought a set as well. Check them out at www.probar.net.au

tadhg · Post by **tadhg** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:45 am

Thanks Suby ... I'll check it out.

PeeJay · Post by **PeeJay** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 9:31 am

I think all the suspension in the MY08 outbacks is way too soft, if you go over a bump any faster than walking pace the whole thing bunny hops.

I guess it just wasn't made for the outback!

Suby Wan Kenobi · Post by **Suby Wan Kenobi** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 3:47 pm

PeeJay wrote:I think all the suspension in the MY08 outbacks is way too soft, if you go over a bump any faster than walking pace the whole thing bunny hops.

I guess it just wasn't made for the outback!

Have you not seen the mountainous speed humps at Coles carpark and the deep ravines you need to traverse taking kids to school?

:???:

My guess is they have to compete with all the other 4WDs that spend thier life in the city so its made a little softer and to be honest even if you have just forked out for a brand new one the extra money for firmer springs wont break the bank. Biggest worry i think is the strut design in the first place (rear) but the new model will have double wishbone setup.

tadhg · Post by **tadhg** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:05 pm

Suby Wan Kenobi wrote: Biggest worry i think is the strut design in the first place (rear) but the new model will have double wishbone setup.

Another gumby question ... does this mean that an "airbag" is not an option?

(Any links to explain the strut design would be appreciated).

Thanks.

The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Outback MY08 Rear Suspension & Towing

Outback MY08 Rear Suspension & Towing

Thanks for the feedback...

Hayman Reese Weight Distribution Hitch...

Thanks ...