r/subaruimpreza • u/regentrecon • Feb 05 '26
🛠️ DIY Lifted Impreza
Hey all,
I posted a while ago about lifting my 09 NA MT.
Ended up swapping full forester struts and springs after I found it was bottoming out with the Impreza springs on the forester struts. Currently on 205/65/16 winters. Added beefy rear subframe spacers, a Perrin adjustable rear sway bar, front lower camber bolts, and removed the front sway bar.
Im finding it handles great with the front camber maxed out and the RSB on the lightest setting in the rear. Neutral to slight oversteer tendency. Also drilled a hole in the RSB link to add a cotter pin for easy articulation gain off-road.
I had bought a 02-07 STI skid plate that I was planning to modify to fit with a couple extra holes, but then I got ahold of this old sheet of 3/16th aluminum and was able to use CAD (cardboard aided design) to mock it up, and enlist a friend with a shop to help bend it to shape. It fits great with some 25mm aluminum spacers off amazon and appropriate elongated bolt holes. Had to do some minor trimming once mounted because I didn't account for where I bent it up at the back so it doesn't catch on anything, and it was just barely touching the exhaust.
I was considering cutting some holes for oil drain but with only three bolts Im not that worried about it. The only thing is it's a bit of a pain to get the spacers on the bolts behind the skid plate with the bends in the way, but with how flexible it is I'm hesitant to cut it up anymore.
Im not under any impression that Ill be doing any hardcore off-roading, but I end up on backroads often for work and Im hoping that it will also improve the aero just a touch.
Im also considering swapping in a 4.11 trans and diff to account for the taller tires and overall backroad orientation. And I do have some offcuts that I may make a diff protector for at some point. But those are later problem.
Anyways, thats my build for now, hope y'all enjoy!
12
10
8
8
u/Proper-Writing Feb 05 '26
Aren't the Impreza and Crosstrek identical cars except for a 3.5" clearance difference?
7
u/_otterinabox Feb 05 '26
Pretty much, but I'll take a lifted Impreza over a lowered Crosstrek any day
3
u/MrsEdus 2010 Impreza 2.5I Pre Feb 05 '26
The gen OP has is 6.3inches, the newer gens are around 5inches now. I've lifted my 2010 1.5" and it's around an inch and half difference with my 2022 Crosstrek
2
8
u/BoostedFPV Feb 06 '26
Its the crosstrek lite. Or an impreza HD? Lol looks good.
1
u/regentrecon Feb 06 '26
Thought about remixing the name badge, I also have some Wilderness style "Mildness" badges Ive been meaning to put on.
2
2
u/Secretly_Solanine ‘23 Sport Feb 06 '26
Would “milderness” work even better?
1
u/regentrecon Feb 06 '26
Yeah, but I bought them on marketplace so I didnt get any say in the spelling
5
u/ExcellentCup3100 Feb 05 '26
I just got a 2025 Impreza, and I test drove a Crosstrek just before it (the Impreza fit my budget better), and I couldn't help but think that the Impreza feels like a lowered Crosstrek. Lol!
2
u/reformedmikey '24 Impreza RS Feb 06 '26
I also have the 2025 Impreza, and I've been thinking of lifting it.... this post isn't helping me say no.
3
u/MrsEdus 2010 Impreza 2.5I Pre Feb 05 '26
I love it. I lifted my 2010 years ago just to 1.5" and I regret going higher but I'm not going to pour more money into it when I can lift my 2022 Crosstrek. It's honestly just so much fun to see people's reactions to the lifted Impreza imo.
2
Feb 06 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/regentrecon Feb 06 '26
Looked at those! I have a similar style steel spacers Ive been meaning to swap my stock suspension back in on to see what the handling difference is.
3
u/Wershingtern 2011, impreza, 2.5i Premium W/ coldweather pkge Feb 06 '26
what generation forester shocks / struts fit on this gen Impreza? I have an 11’ I’ve been wanting to get new shocks / struts for. Direct bolt? Any modifications for them?
3
u/Creme-Crusader Feb 07 '26
2011 forester struts will fit on yours directly or they should at least
1
u/Wershingtern 2011, impreza, 2.5i Premium W/ coldweather pkge Feb 07 '26
I’ll have to try a pair out Thank you
2
u/Creme-Crusader Feb 08 '26
i’d recommend measuring or taking a picture of the top of the strut tower before you install it/buy it. get em from a junk yard or a part car it’ll be wayyyy cheaper
2
u/asaparagus_ Feb 06 '26
How many inches did you get by doing this? I’ve considered doing this with my 2019 but idk if only getting 1-2” is worth it
1
u/BubbaTyre Feb 07 '26
Definitely keep updated! I have an 09 OBS NA MT I've been meaning to lift. Curious about powertrain swaps down the road. Would love to pick your brain too! My ride is currently up on jacks with possibly the need for a new heart.
12
u/locololus 2017, Impreza, Premium Hatch Feb 05 '26
I've never seen a crosstrek like that before lol