Subaru Crew - Modifications II

locke2c · February 2003

juice-- lot of labor, also a lot of fun making sure you have the right double-offset joints, axles and hubs.

not worth it for a viscous coupling LSD. if anything subarus need a front limited slip a lot more than the rear...

-Colin

ateixeira · February 2003

$900 for a Quaiffe. But still more work than I'm willing to do for a non-track car.

50 lbs is 1/3rd of the roof rack capacity on my Forester, that is sort of heavy.

-juice

samlemay · February 2003

I read somewhere that the roof rack capacity of the outback is 100 pounds. Any way to increase that?

p0926 · February 2003

The issue isn't so much that the rack itself can't support over 100 lbs cause it probably can. The real issue is placing that much weight so high up has serious negative implications when it comes to handling. For instance, a standard emergency lane change manuever can suddenly becomes a potential rollover situation when you're carrying too much weight on the roof.

-Frank P.

rsholland · February 2003

rsholland · February 2003

Anyone else care to tell this guy no?

Bob

ducktapeguy · February 2003

You can't increase the rated capacity, but like Frank said, it'll probably hold it. I've put about 200+ lbs on top of my forester, but I rigged up a different way of mounting it directly to the roof rails because I don't think the crossbars are strong enough, and the handling was definitely affected. But I wouldn't want to do that regularly.

lucien2 · February 2003

paisan · February 2003

I believe the rear LSD from an SVX is a unique ratio? I know it's nearly impossible to find replacements for them, same goes for the AT version of the 2.2l Legacy Turbo.

-mike

hondafriek · February 2003

If you exceed the rated capacity you are defintely asking for trouble, Subaru or any other car maker is not issuing these guidelines just to be awkward.

They have spent many hours testing what is an optimal safe load on the roof before handling is adversally affected.

Cheers Pat.

paisan · February 2003

Then they take that load and show it to the lawyers, who promptly cut it in 1/2 and publish it

-mike

ateixeira · February 2003

If you need to haul more than 150lbs, I really think a small trailer would be better.

Hutch has one that is 4'x8' and must weight 400 lbs or less. That leaves 600 lbs worth before Subaru even recommends trailer brakes.

Those will give you plenty of capacity without making the vehicle feel tippy.

-juice

calessan · February 2003

I have a 2001 Forester and would really like to have an armrest. I use this car for long trips. Is the armrest extension worth having?

Also, where can I get it? I got a quote from a Subaru dealer - $93 plus $37 to install it! Can I buy it online and install it myself? (I'm not all that car-savvy, but I know how to use a screwdriver.)

What happens to the current storage area? Can you access it through the armrest storage area?

Thanks!
Cristina

hondafriek · February 2003

As you know I have finally gotten all of the Wilwood four pot kit, I am just waiting for warmer weather now to crawl under the car to install it.

Question I am still nervous of the fact that there are no dust seals on the Wilwood calpipers do you think I am worrying about nothing.

Cheers Pat.

bsvoller · February 2003

A must have item - should be standard, but Subaru wanted to claim 5 cupholders, I think.

Anyway, yes, it is very easy to install yourself, 5 minutes and a screwdriver should suffice. You'll remove the existing top piece with the cupholder (2 screws), and replace it with the armrest extension. You'll keep the storage area that you currently have, below the cupholder, and add an additional one (for a cell phone or whatnot) inside the armrest extension itself. Kindof hard to describe, hope that's clear enough...

As to OEM pricing, try liberty subaru over the web. There was also an aftermarket supplier for the '01's, but the name escapes me now. They sold an adjustable armrest extension (for and aft to account for the seat movement with different drivers), and one model even had cup holders, if memory serves... This was back in 2000 when we purchased.

Anybody heard about these guys besides me ?

-brianV

ateixeira · February 2003

I've installed a lot of accessories, but not that one - it already came on my Forester.

I've also heard it wasn't too bad, though. Just in case you don't feel like you could continue, do you have any handy friends that could help out? I'm in MD and I'd be willing to help if you're nearby.

-juice

calessan · February 2003

I found the site I was looking at yesterday for the armrest extension. Does anyone know if this site is legit?

Sounds easy enough to install. That's good. Now I know to make sure there's an armrest when I buy a new car! Never thought of it before.

Thanks again,
Cristina

ateixeira · February 2003

I have not ordered from them, but they have been around for a while.

I found the lowest price for accessories by e-mailing parts@libertysubaru.com. That was taking shipping into consideration. They delivered a cargo liner and leather shift knob very promptly.

-juice

lakepop · February 2003

A couple of other sources for this easy to install ...should have accessory PN J2010FC100

  www.allsubaru.com run by "subiegal" offers them for $70.20
  www.subaruxtras.com run by "mike" (formerly at Exeter......$66.00

  Hope this helps..........

hondafriek · February 2003

Anybody know if that armrest extension is available for the legacy, I know they are in the UK, but I have not seen them on subaru's accessory list here, must try a closer look at the forester maybe the same extension would work in the Legacy.

Cheers Pat.

locke2c · February 2003

pat--

just clean the caliper once every year or so. if the pistons are floating definitely remove them, otherwise just liberal squirts of brake-kleen and moving the piston by hand should be plenty.

lack of dust seals is not unusual in a high-end caliper because high temps just melt them. but if you take care of the caliper just a little there's no problem.

people normally do nothing with calipers except swap pads every 20k - 50k miles. so it is a case of some maintenance vs. almost none, but it's not asking much.

-Colin

ducktapeguy · February 2003

Allsubaru.com is a good place to get it. Subie Gal is great to order from, she'll help you. Installation is about as easy as it can get, if you can remove two screws and screw them back in, you could do it yourself.

jfl · February 2003

In the past, I found www.1stsubaruparts.com to be very polite and efficient. They accepted my Subaru bucks and had much lower prices than allsubaru. Both of them are on the west coast.

Jim

bluesubie · February 2003

Did you send them via regular mail?

I have read on nasioc where someone claimed they had mailed the coupons and the dealer claimed they never received them.

-Dennis

ateixeira · February 2003

I just spray them off with Brakleen every time I rotate the tires. Plus I check the pad thickness. Still plenty of life after 50k on stock pads, so I'm quite happy.

The system was bled once, during that brake master cylinder recall. I timed it just right, at about 30k miles, so the recall gave me new fluid and a free service, sort of.

-juice

hondafriek · February 2003

I appreciate the quick reply, I understand what you are saying about the dust seals, Lord knows I have taken off enough calipers and the dust seals were in tatters.

But I am a belt and braces kind of guy, so one last question to you, if you had a choice of Wilwood or Subaru STI four pots which would you use?.

Cheers Pat.

locke2c · February 2003

that's an easy one-- I nearly bought that kit you have from Rejean in the early days after they had just fabbed it up for one guy in Montreal. JF I believe his name was.

if I hadn't gotten fed up with the cooling issue and sold it I'm sure I would've continued to pour ungodly amounts of money into my Impreza. :-D

-Colin

hondafriek · February 2003

On another note, Lachute Subaru have really come along way in a short time,I think in 2000 they were just fiddling around in small performance upgrades like fabricating that brake kit.

Now they are into all sorts of engine swaps, and not just jury rigged stuff either, I am talking well engineered swaps, and they can source performance stuff from all over the world, its nice to see the small guy making it.

More than that they are very easy to deal with, give them a call and they will be only too ready to talk to you.

Cheers Pat.

jfl · February 2003

Sent them regular mail. No problem. Definitely plan to use them again.

Jim

moosejaw · March 2003

I need some advice on window tinting. Its a subject I know little about, so bare with me.

I have been asking people I know about it and have been getting conflicting information. My main concern is, if I tint my windows will I still be able to use my rear defogger? Or is there a certain quality of film that would allow defog use? Someone suggested getting them smoked. When I try searching the web on the window smoking Im not getting any hits. Is there such a thing? Is there a difference between that and tinting? Or is it all film?
And lastly (for this post anyways) any recommendation? Before I start visiting any tinting shops, I want to know what I should be looking and asking for. I dont want to get talked into something that your experiences have shown unnecessary or lousy quality.

I know thing is a pretty ambiguous post, seeing how my questions are on the entry level to the subject. I would appreciate any help.

Thanks.

Jim

paisan · March 2003

Send me an e-mail mike@iace.com concerning tinting in NJ, I know of a few good shops out there.

-mike

hypov · March 2003

Send mike [paisan] an e-mail about tinting in NJ.

-Dave

ateixeira · March 2003

I haven't heard about smoked windows. Sounds like a color for the tint.

Film can be dyed or metallic. Supposedly metallic is better, but my dyed film has not faded after about 5 years of use. Metallic film lasts forever but also costs more.

I have SolarGard dyed film, 35%. 20% is darker, 5% is limo-tint. The darker ones might attract unwanted law-enforcement attention. I paid $170 for 7 windows on my Forester.

Good luck.

-juice

lucien2 · March 2003

check your local regs about how dark you can go. But the shops Mike use probably have all that and can answer those questions for you.

bluesubie · March 2003

Definitely contact paisan. He has the hookup to a guy that has done countless tints in the Tri-State area. IIRC, the guy also did all of Newark's unmarked police cruisers. :-)

-Dennis

paisan · March 2003

In NYS you can have anything on the back windows (behind the drivers window) and nothing on the windshield and front 2 windows. Jersey is similar. I did 35% all around on the SVX, wish I had done 20%.

-mike

originalbitman · March 2003

Tinting definitely reduces interior temps and generally cuts UV by about 95% (not sure what the glass does by itself). You can get anything for 50% to 5% tint with the 5% being the darkest. There are basically 2 kinds of material.. dyed and metalized and some combinations of both. Metalized (not necessarily reflective) is most expensive and is usually warranted for life against fading where as dyed is less expensive and may fade or turn purple over time. All states vary in what they allow. Check out local shops and ask for referrals as the application is everything. Clean your windows and your car before your tint application as dust and dirt can and will get under the tint. When tint it applied it is usually cut and fit on the outside of the window before being applied to the inside of the glass so clean the outside of your windows too. Once applied you will not be able to lower the windows for 3-5 days as the tint cures. Prices vary a lot but a rule of thumb is somewhere between $25 and $50 a window with less per window the more windows you have done. The tint is hard to remove once cured so be sure you make the right choice. Visit a shop or two and look at some of the cars they are tinting or better yet if you see a tinted car you like ask the driver where they had it done and if they like the tint job.

Some useful sites
http://autowindowtintings.com/main.cfm?action=home
http://www.tintdude.com/

bit - 2001 GT Wagon

kens · March 2003

You may also want to inquire about a "legal" tint for the front side windows. I'm not sure about your state, but California allows tints on the front side windows that are no darker than 75%. 75% is practically clear but it helps immensly in UV protection. I had it put on my front windows and the difference was noticeable -- my arms in the summer were a lot less darker from driving.

You can still use your rear window defogger with tinting. Also, in-glass antennae are not affected.

Ken

forestergump · March 2003

I have a '99 Forester S with the side underbars and grill guard, and am currently looking seriously at getting the 2004 XT later this year. I checked out the specs on the second generation Foresters and it appears that the grill guard was changed and that the side underbars are no longer offered as an option.

Is this true, and if so, why the change?

I not only like the look on my current Forester, but the side underbars were helpful when tying stuff up on the roof and washing it (I'm not exactly what you would call a tall person).
-Bob

ducktapeguy · March 2003

What are these? Are these like the running boards on SUVS? and do they decrease ground clearance any?

forestergump · March 2003

They are similar to running boards or tube side steps. They do not decrease ground clearance.
-Bob

paisan · March 2003

They don't decrease ground clearance in the "theoretical" way but how could they not effect ground clearance???? That is kinda funny if the wrap around under the body, they are gonna definitely effect off-road ability.

-mike

ateixeira · March 2003

mike - does you source for nudge bars Down Under have any side steps like those?

FWIW, you can step on the tires to load the rack, or the rear door sill.

-juice

gened1 · March 2003

I Think I saw them available from the dealer in the US. I think they take the place of the side sills and mud guards so they may not take away any more ground clearance than those items do.

forestergump · March 2003

They don't affect ground clearance, because although the mounts are attached to the underside of the chassis, the actual bars sweep out and up to be even with the undercarriage. They do, however, extend out 2 or 3 inches from the lower body (doors), and offer some protection to the lower body.

Thanks Juice, I do understand that I can stand on the tires and the rear door sill. I just prefer the bars because I'm spoiled.

The question still stands: can anyone clarify whether or not they are still offered by Subaru, and if not, why they were discontinued?
-Bob

bsvoller · March 2003

I haven't heard that the side bars were discontinued, but assuming that they were I can offer a few possible answers as to why:

short answer - lack of demand. How many Foresters to you see with these installed ?

slightly longer answer - incompatible with side impact air bags. This is why I didn't get them on my '01 S+. I don't know if there was an engineering solution to get around this or not, but given the short answer above, they may have decided it wasn't worth the effort.

final thought - We were cautioned that the side bars tend to trash your clothes getting out of the vehicle if they're dirty, which is most of the time. Might be another reason why demand was soft.

-brianV

ateixeira · March 2003

E-mail parts@libertysubaru.com and ask them for a price quote. If they can't give you one, it's been discontinued.

-juice

paisan · March 2003

They would still take away from a clean underbody no matter how they are mounted, unless they remove a piece of the body like a side skirt or something.

My supplier down under can get them but shipping is crazy mad right now on all stuff from Australia since 9/11

It may have been discontinued much like the metal skid plate they used to offer for the forester due to lack of demand.

-mike

kens · March 2003

I would guess the lack of demand, if the side bars are indeed discontinued. Two of my friends with Foresters have them. I personally don't feel they are that useful since the Forester isn't that tall a vehicle. One could simply step on the tire or open the door and step into the door frame for extra height. Also, the bars tend to get in the way when stepping out of your vehicle and it obscures the ground effects of the Forester.

I believe there was an aftermarket company that made side bars that mounted without drilling. Anyone remember who they were? Perhaps they still offer a model for the Forester.

Ken

ateixeira · March 2003

I doubt they'd even pass paisan's ultimate test - standing on them and hopping up and down. I doubt they'd be that sturdy.

-juice

Subaru Crew - Modifications II

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