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Impreza · Handling

Impreza Lowering springs

Your Impreza

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the non-turbo Impreza, including the 2.5RS, Outback Sport and RS. It doesn't cover the WRX or STI.

Stance + less roll
Hard$300–$3504–6 hrs
All Impreza mods

Why do it

Drops the car about an inch, takes away the tall factory look and cuts body roll, while keeping your stock struts.

Heads up

Swapping springs needs a spring compressor, which can hurt you if it slips. Many people have a shop swap the springs on the struts.

Tools you'll need

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying.

Before you start

  • The RS-R F506W springs fit 2017–2023 hatchbacks and drop the car about 1" front and rear.
  • Book an alignment before you start; you'll need it right after.
  • The H&R 29472-1 springs fit 1993–2001 sedans, coupes and wagons and drop the car about 1.8" front, 1.5" rear.
  • Old struts are often worn out. If yours bounce or rattle, replace them at the same time.
  • Book an alignment before you start.

Steps

  1. Remove the front strut

    • Support the knuckle with a floor jack so the axle can't pull out. Remove the two lower bolts (note which is the camber bolt) and the three top nuts, then slide the strut out.
    Watch this step (Fix it Garage, on a 2022 Impreza Sport hatch) (2:00–2:47)

  2. Swap the front spring

    • Compress the spring until it's loose on its seats, undo the top nut, swap in the new spring and tighten the top nut before releasing the compressor.
    • A cheap spring compressor can fail. Use a good one, or have a shop do this part.
    Watch this step (2:47–4:47)

  3. Refit the front strut

    • Put the strut back in, refit the top nuts and the two lower bolts. Do the other side.
    Watch this step (4:47–6:35)

  4. Remove the rear shock

    • Pop the covers to reach the two upper shock bolts, undo them and the lower bolt, and pry the arm down to pull the shock out.
    Watch this step (6:35–7:38)

  5. Swap the rear spring

    • Swap in the new rear spring. The shorter springs often go on with just a push, no compressor.
    Watch this step (7:38–9:06)

  6. Refit and align

    • Refit the rear shock and bolts, torque everything with the car on the ground, and get a 4-wheel alignment.
    Watch this step (9:06–9:42) Watch why the alignment matters (12:51–13:07)

  7. Pull the struts

    • Raise the car and remove the wheels. Unclip the brake line, undo the two lower strut bolts and the top nuts, and lower each strut out. For the rears, remove the rear seat to reach the top nuts.
    Watch the fronts (Ginger Auto, on a 2000 2.5RS) (7:26–11:40) Watch the rears (11:40–16:25)

  8. Compress the spring

    • Clamp the spring compressor on both sides of the spring and tighten each side a little at a time until the spring is loose on its seats.
    • Never remove the top nut before the spring is compressed.
    Watch this step (on a 1999 2.5RS) (2:38–3:24)

  9. Swap the spring

    • Hold the shaft with an Allen key and undo the top nut. Slide the top hat and old spring off, fit the new spring, refit the top hat and tighten the nut before releasing the compressor.
    Watch this step (3:24–4:41)

  10. Do the rears

    • Refit the fronts, then do the rears the same way; the rear top nuts are behind the rear seat.
    Watch this step (6:18–7:22)

  11. Check the drop and align

    • Set the car down, bounce it to settle, check the fender gap, and get an alignment.
    Watch this step (8:30–9:34)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.