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  #1  
Old 07-22-2004, 12:08 AM
kmin
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suspension problems?

My '92 LS-L is having suspension problems... I occasionally scrape the bottom going over humps, and going up an incline on my friend's driveway. If I approach the incline at an angle (the incline is sharpest where it meets the street), it clears okay, but straight on = *CRUNCH*.

I'm not sure how much ground clearance the SVX is supposed to have to begin with (anyone have any figures?), but I suspect that it might be time for a new suspension. So I'm looking for recommendations for a suspension swap/upgrade. I don't really want to lower it, and I'd like a firm ride with a little bit of comfort. Ideas, people?

thx,
kmin.
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  #2  
Old 07-22-2004, 05:15 AM
RSVX RSVX is offline
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4inches, and thats normal

adjust your driving practices
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  #3  
Old 07-22-2004, 09:50 AM
red95svx
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The SVX sits pretty low.....it's common to bottom out on a lot of things if you don't go slow enough. I've even bottomed on speed bumps. Your best bet is to slow down to a crawl for speed bumps and go in at an angle for steep approaches.





Dave
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  #4  
Old 07-22-2004, 10:20 AM
RojoRocket RojoRocket is offline
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Mine hasn't had problems with the speed-bumps that used to trash my lowered Integra, but the approach angle of the nose seems the biggest culprit. Previous owner had the same problem if all the scuff marks under the front lip are any indicator.

Glenn
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  #5  
Old 07-22-2004, 10:28 AM
Clydesvx Clydesvx is offline
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Those tow hooks on the bottom front usually take the brunt of the blow. Even though I try to be careful mine are both bent and I usually straighten them about every other year.
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  #6  
Old 07-22-2004, 10:42 AM
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Chiketkd Chiketkd is offline
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I've scraped my tow hooks a few times as well on steep driveways. Never bent them though...

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Quote:
Originally posted by Clydesvx
Those tow hooks on the bottom front usually take the brunt of the blow.
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  #7  
Old 07-22-2004, 10:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Clydesvx
Those tow hooks on the bottom front usually take the brunt of the blow.
Yes, they do. Subarus typically have a lot of front overhang because the engine (due to the drivetrain layout) is out in front of the front axles.

Second-gen Legacys were actually recalled to have their towhooks cut off because hitting those on a steep driveway apparently set the airbags off.

Nice.
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  #8  
Old 07-22-2004, 10:50 AM
kmin
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oh well

Hmm, from all the replies so far, I guess it sounds like I should just be resigned to approaching speed bumps SLOW, and carefully measure every incline before I approach it. So we're talking nothing above a 20-degree approach angle here?

Thanks for the replies guys, keep them coming, especially if you've got a solution. Maybe my Outback just spoiled me, but I really did kinda get used to not having to inch over every speed bump, and never having to worry about scraping the bottom as I entered or left every parking garage. Does anyone think firming up the suspension would help, or would that just make the ride intolerable in terms of comfort?

kmin.
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  #9  
Old 07-22-2004, 12:21 PM
red95svx
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Re: oh well

Quote:
Originally posted by kmin
Maybe my Outback just spoiled me, but I really did kinda get used to not having to inch over every speed bump, and never having to worry about scraping the bottom as I entered or left every parking garage. Does anyone think firming up the suspension would help, or would that just make the ride intolerable in terms of comfort?

kmin.


Yeah, my Outback spoils me too. I barley slow down for speedbumps in that thing And I've never bottomed out in the OB. But they are two different vehicles built to do different things so you can't really compare them.


Dave (when the going gets tough....the SVX stays home)
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  #10  
Old 07-23-2004, 12:10 AM
RojoRocket RojoRocket is offline
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I was just perusing the FSM (received today! Thanks Jason!!) for clearance in the specification section 1, and it states ground clearance should be 5.3" but it fails to state exactly where that measurement should be taken.
It does state to measure with the vehicle empty and measure ground clearance of front and rear suspensions to ensure they're within specified values. It states further that if the clearance is out of standard visually inspect following components and replace deformed parts.
Front strut assembly, sub frame, lower arm, etc
Rear strut assembly, lateral links, trailing link, etc.
Body parts to which suspensions are attached.
When none are deformed, adjust clearance by replacing coil spring in the part that is out of spec.
"Rocket Science"!!!

Glenn
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