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#1
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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. |
#2
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4inches, and thats normal
adjust your driving practices
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Chris SVX World Network Administrator -1993 Subaru SVX LS-L, Barcelona Red, #46, 160,000+ Miles (Sold to SomethingElse) -2011 Toyota Sienna SE, Black, 30,000+ Miles (Swagger Wagon ) -2002 BMW R 1150R ABS, Black, 26,000+ Miles (Daily Driver ) SVX Owner from February 1997 to March 2008 SVX Online Community Member since February 1998 SVX World Network Member since February 2002, Member #520 Life is a game. Play to win. The world belongs to those who can laugh at it. |
#3
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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 |
#4
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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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"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" Aaron Burke 1993 25th Anniversary Edition #63 of 301. R.I.P. Rojo 7/24/2008 She saved my life! 1997 Ebony Mica Pearl LSI. BLACKBERRY 1998 5-Spd Legacy GT Wagon in Glacier White: NUBURU 2005 Cadillac STS in Sandstorm Metallic: STORMY Veteran and farthest traveler of 1st SoCal2MuseumsMeet2010. http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?RojoRocket |
#5
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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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'92 LSL TEAL 277,000 miles Trans (on # 3) Engine (on # 2) "NEW" VISORS '03 Forester XS 214,000 miles '05 Outback 3.0R |
#6
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I've scraped my tow hooks a few times as well on steep driveways. Never bent them though...
-Chike Quote:
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"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
#7
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Quote:
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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2005 RX-8 Grand Touring 2005 Outback 2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 wagon END OF LINE |
#8
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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. |
#9
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Re: oh well
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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) |
#10
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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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"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" Aaron Burke 1993 25th Anniversary Edition #63 of 301. R.I.P. Rojo 7/24/2008 She saved my life! 1997 Ebony Mica Pearl LSI. BLACKBERRY 1998 5-Spd Legacy GT Wagon in Glacier White: NUBURU 2005 Cadillac STS in Sandstorm Metallic: STORMY Veteran and farthest traveler of 1st SoCal2MuseumsMeet2010. http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?RojoRocket |
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