Getting rid of self-levelling suspension in Gen 3 Outback

adamjgs · Post by **adamjgs** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:22 pm

Hi,

I need to replace the struts in the rear of my Gen 3 Outback (ltd), which are self levelling. I can't quite afford the $650 for each strut Subaru is asking for, so I'd like to use a standard strut. I know others have done this, and that the spring will also need to be replaced with a standard spring. My question is, are there any other mounts or housings that need to be installed or replaced?

Thanks!

Adam

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:18 am

G'day,
From what I know about Gen 1 Liberty had self leveling - Gen 2 missed out unless it was imported.
Anyway I know that you'll need to remove the compressor/pump which is in engine bay or under the guard - I think it was in Passenger's side guard¿ and for the suspensions - the tower mounts are the same so is the hubs area. You will need 3 different items -

Hat (with rubbers etc)
Struts
and Coils.

Because what I know is that the springs are different between self leveling and standard.

You could consider getting raised springs to lift your Outback - with Kings Raised coils is $120 a pair. - you gonna end up paying for springs anyway and its roughly close same prices as standard coils..
Cheers
AP

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:27 am

Struts - I remember last time I bought rears was $220 a pair. They were Monroe standard ones.
Cheers
AP

stamp_licker · Post by **stamp_licker** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:56 pm

You just pull em out and put in normal ones.They are not like the early airbag ones.Not to sure but i think the hats are the same its just the strut and spring that differed.

stamp_licker · Post by **stamp_licker** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 2:01 pm

Here's a pic of a self levelling strut

madmat · Post by **madmat** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 3:15 pm

i have a 97 Outback that you can make an offer on for the 2 rears struts with springs and the left front strut. (right front is damaged but some of it may be usable. if you bought the other struts i would throw it in for you)

PM me if interested

adamjgs · Post by **adamjgs** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 1:00 pm

Thanks everyone for your replies, I have the struts and the springs (raised) are on their way. I will post the result for future reference...

LUXO_8 · Post by **LUXO_8** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 1:17 pm

adamjgs wrote:Thanks everyone for your replies, I have the struts and the springs (raised) are on their way. I will post the result for future reference...

excelent, i will be raising my outback when i get it, look forward to hearing your results.

will you be doing much off roading in it?

Barry1956 · Post by **Barry1956** » Sun May 30, 2010 10:50 am

adamjgs wrote:Thanks everyone for your replies, I have the struts and the springs (raised) are on their way. I will post the result for future reference...

So how did it all work out?

Barry1956 · Post by **Barry1956** » Sun May 30, 2010 9:12 pm

stamp_licker wrote:Here's a pic of a self levelling strut

I don't have a separate canister attached to the side / rear of the shocker / strut, as in this drawing. However there appears to be a 'bulb' on the bottom of the shock - about the same height as the diameter of the shock and as high as it is wide.
Is this the 'self levelling' mechanism on an Outback (05 Model Year)?

pachilla · Post by **pachilla** » Tue May 24, 2011 6:18 pm

You need to collect standard version Shocks + Springs + Rear Top Hats.