front control arms...

[bcmaxx]

Well it seems everythings is very interchangeable on these subes.. my front control arms are in bad shape, both sway bar link mounts ripped from the arms. I have instock a complete set (both sides_ with balljoints for $96 my cost i nstock for a 2002+ impreza ( cheap beacause the lower control arm recalls. will they fit?

[MConte05]

You will need WRX axles due to the increased track width.

[jamal]

If they're from a wagon they are the same width.

I have been meaning to go to a wider front track for the added grip and better balance. It's something like 10mm a side and was probably going to try it with the stock axles.

[MConte05]

If they're from a wagon they are the same width.

I have been meaning to go to a wider front track for the added grip and better balance. It's something like 10mm a side and was probably going to try it with the stock axles.

You might get away with it driving around on the street, but if you do any type of performance driving, its begging to ruin the axles in short order.

Case in point:

My old rally car had WRX control arms, and I had swapped to WRX axles. However I had not mentioned that to the new owner, and after one axle broke at STPR they were able to swap in a spare legacy axle they had, and promptly broke it again a few stages later since the joint was overstressed since it was too short, especially under power and near full extension.

They now have WRX length axles and spares.

[bcmaxx]

even with non turbo 02+ arms? wrx axles plug into a 4eat?

[jamal]

Non-turbo 02-07 impreza sedan is the same width as wrx/sti sedan.
non-turbo wagon and wrx wagon are same width as older cars.

Yeah I don't think I would try it on a rally car, but my suspension doesn't see a lot of travel, is lower, and the alignment moves the hub in slightly. At full droop is where it would be more of a problem I think.

[smh0101]

Now if I go with 02 WRX front control arms all I'll need to do is have an alignment done right? or will I need to buy camber bolts to replace the lower strut/hub bolt so I can get the correct alignment?

(My question is really does the stock upper bolt have enough adjustability to be able to compensate for the bottom of the hub being pushed out further)

[PhyrraM]

The front struts on '02-'07 sedans are drilled slightly differently to allow them more "slope" to accommodate the wider control arms, but the same upper mount and knuckle geometry.

Ideally, you would get struts meant for a '02-'07 WRX or '04 STI. However, many folks get a proper alignment with just camber bolts. Some have slotted the strut mounting holes.

[PhyrraM]

Also, keep in ind the front control arm bushing is different between GD/GG and earlier cars. IIRc, you need to cut a bit off the bushing center tube (or is it add spacers?)

[smh0101]

Good to know. Thanks for the info. By the control arm bushing do you mean where it mounts to the subframe or the back mount that bolts to the frame?

If it's the bushing where it connects to the subframe then I should be fine because I'm swapping a v9 spec c subframe in.

[jamal]

Front bushing in the subframe. Yeah it's wider. You can swap it for an older style bushing, or maybe trim it, which I vaguely recall hearing about.

I would not worry about needing anything extra for alignment with sedan arms. A touch more negative camber is a good thing and the stock bolts turned all the way out will get it to reasonable numbers. Plus it's generally not a good idea to put those smaller aftermarket bolts in the front.

[th3band1t]

I will give you all a heads up on switching control arms. If you go through your Subaru dealer use these part numbers.
The Impreza Wagon is a 20090FE000 and the Sedan is a 20090SA000.

So if I understand all of this correctly for the wider front track go with the sedan set. What I am trying to figure out is what axle to use up front since my 91 is a 4AT. Ive already ordered the inner transverse link bushing 20201AA000 so that the arms will fit properly as well.

[bcmaxx]

got my goodies today, now I can replace my control arms, install my tranny and rear diff, replace rear bushings all in one shot