Gen1 Liberty suspension options. Seeking advice!

simondavid · Post by **simondavid** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:31 am

hi all,
i am now a proud owner of a 92 liberty wagon, which i got cheap and am hoping to fix up and get regod here in Melbourne. I am new to Subarus and i need some advice as to what i should do about my air strut suspension.

the air bags seem fine, it has been sitting on the street at full height for over a week without dropping at all however, if i start her up and try lower and raise it again, the back does its job but it takes ages for the front to come back up. I am wondering if its an electrical issue and could be fixed easily?!

otherwise id like to put some coil struts in it and forget about suspension for a while. Would be happy to use decent used parts but im wary of wreckers supplying the wrong/dodgy parts and ripping me off. Theres two sets of Impreza sedan struts on gumtree at the moment:

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/belgrave ... 1028707596

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/springva ... 1030495449

Would either of these fit with little or no mods?

Do any of you guys (VIC) have some struts for sale that would suit my needs?

Can anyone recommend a trustworthy wrecker in Victoria who knows Subarus?

Any other suggestions for replacement suspension? i.e cheap decent coil overs?

Thanks for any help!

-Simon

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 12:05 pm

G'day Simon, welcome to AUSubaru

Where in Melb are you?

Try these:
[font=&quot]Volks-Baru - John[/font]
[font=&quot]Ph: 03 9793 5655[/font]
[font=&quot]5/1362 Heatherton Rd, Dandenong[/font]
[font=&quot]
Subabits - Brian
Phone: 03 9558 5722[/font]
[font=&quot]Mob: 0419 569 069
Factory 4&5/6 Graham Rd. Clayton South. 3169
http://www.subabits.com.au[/font]
[font=&quot] [/font]
[font=&quot]Mordialloc Auto Wreckers[/font][font=&quot]
[/font][font=&quot]Phone: 03 9580 6099
252 Lower Dandenong Rd, Mordialloc. 3195[/font]
[font=&quot]Email: [email protected][/font]
[font=&quot]http://www.mordyauto.com.au[/font]
[font=&quot]
S*baru Parts - Brett
Phone: 03 9555 9333
88 Levanswell Rd, Moorabbin. 3189[/font]
[font=&quot]Email: [email protected][/font]
[font=&quot]www.sbaru.com.au[/font]

simondavid · Post by **simondavid** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 1:07 pm

cheers for the reply

im in brunswick. i just found this 99 forester wrecking nearby. ive read that some forester struts fit but havent been able to nail down exactly which year models. is this too late?

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/brunswic ... 1023271993

im looking for at least standard ride height, higher if anything as i want to be able to go semi offroad in it

from what ive read my suspension woes could be something to do with a solenoid valve? im terrible with electrical stuff so even though it could be an easy fix ill most likely put in coil struts and save myself some heartache. coil springs just seems like the way to go with these things. cant wait to get her fixed up and hit the road!

cheers for any help guys!! its muchly appreciated

Point · Post by **Point** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 5:22 pm

SF Forrie front struts will bolt straight in, and lift the car a bit too. The rear strut tops have a different bolt pattern, so you can either change them for the Liberty ones or re-drill the towers. I'm not sure if the tops on the airbag struts will fit or if you'll have to get some from a non airbag Liberty. I just re-drilled mine.

simondavid · Post by **simondavid** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:40 pm

sweet thanks for the info! sounds like forester struts could be the go. ill make a few calls tomorrow!

did you have any issues with the rear wheels being pulled forward in the wheel arches?

do you guys think theres any chance drilling the strut towers and fitting these struts could fail a RWC inspection?

thanks again!!

-simon

Point · Post by **Point** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 10:18 pm

simondavid wrote:did you have any issues with the rear wheels being pulled forward in the wheel arches?

It's not enough of a lift to cause any real issue, and the car I did it on still has standard size tyres

do you guys think theres any chance drilling the strut towers and fitting these struts could fail a RWC inspection?

They'd have to pull the interior trim out to check. I doubt they'd bother.

simondavid · Post by **simondavid** » Tue Nov 19, 2013 10:48 pm

cool, thanks mate! its always good to have some reassurance before i go spending money haha. forester struts it is!!

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Wed Nov 20, 2013 2:34 pm

mate I have a complete set of pedders replacement springs and struts from a low kms 1992 liberty wagon that was previously airbag. they have done around 50k and seem to be in great nick. I bought the car in newcastle and drove it back to brisbane and it handled great.

These would be perfect for you and would bolt straight up.

I am happy to pull these from the car and ship to you for the right price. I am wrecking the car and looking to get rid of a few parts.

if you are interested call me on 0438870184 or PM me here.

cheers
Dane

Liberty Valance · Post by **Liberty Valance** » Fri Mar 07, 2014 7:55 pm

Dane, just out of interest... do you know if gen 1 sedan and wagon struts are interchangeable?