So it turns out that the 2011+ SH Foresters have the same bolt as the 2015+ VA STIs do for the inner lower front control arm bushings... If you have an early model SH then there is a bigger difference in the bolt design and it might be a good idea to swap it out👍🏻 901000396 is the part number for 2011+ SH Foresters and the 2015+ VA STIs 901000264 is the part number for the pre facelift SH Foresters This could vary depending on a few things so if you're doing this mod then don't be like me and make the assumption that all SH Foresters have the same bolt for that inner bushing. Happy modding ✌🏻 +EDIT+ I believe the control arms have since been superseded so if you're looking for brand new control arms the new part numbers are now below: RH - 20202va001 LH - 20202va011
I did some more research: #264 is up to feb 09 #362 is feb 09 - mar 11 #396 is mar 11 on for the sh forester #264 shaft diameter is larger than the thread with no ridge up to the flang #362 and #369 are identical to each other with the thread diameter larger than the shaft other than 10mm right next to the flange Thanks for your vid!
@@ScottyTurbo : what about the 901000377 Scott used in the video? Sorry, not dure which I need to buy now. I have a 2009 MY09 SH Forester (Australian market model) and need to do all my front-end bushes, so am going to fit the STI control arms as Scott did in his video.
Installed mine and got the alignment Saturday, excellent improvement. A little more nvh but only at very low speeds and bumpy roads. Totally worth it, stays steady on the highway.
Awesome, yeah there's a nice little improvement with them👌🏻 I definitely noticed the NVH increase with my mud tyres but like you said totally worth it 👍🏻
Thanks mate, glad you can get some use out of the video 👍🏻 I do still have those stands but haven't vent the tabs because I sometimes like to dismantle them👌🏻
Making look the impossible doable 😂😂😂 Man, you've got balls to do this job yourself. Awesome video, well filmed! Hopefully you will notice a difference 😂😂😂, Thanks for sharing.
Thanks mate, it is a decent job but it wasn't too bad👍🏻 it does feel better already but I'm waiting for an alignment still and then I'll really get a feel for the improvement! But so far steering feels much tighter and noticeable more responsive 👌🏻 however that is in comparison to not only the old factory setup but a very work out version 🤣
Thanks mate, yeah it can be cheaper than buying the bushes, paying someone to press the old ones out and new ones in and then fitting the arms! But it depends on what arms or bushes you go with... These ones are an upgrade but are quite a bit more to purchase 👍🏻
Gonna have to look into them for an 09 OB @@MontyScott. Saving up to do a lift & while I'm under there might as well spend a little more & replace things that are already 13 yrs old as it is & need to be undone to put spacers in & put back.
Always good to keep the maintenance up! These particular arms won't be a direct replacement on an outback... They are on the Forester because they share the same geometry as the WRX STIs from the same years👍🏻 but there are good options for replacement... My previous bushes I went with OEM and they lasted 70k KMs on a lifted Foz.
I kinda figured it wouldn't be so easy for me @@MontyScott. Might want to look into a different lube than wd-40. Speaking of which did you happen to put any Locktite on those bolts?
Yeah it's a different platform on the Outback. I've always used WD-40 but am open to recommendations. No Loctite, I did this same job 70k KMs ago but just replaced with factory OEM bushes and haven't had any issues 👍🏻
Hey mate, this is awesome! Comprehensive info on this mod is elusive. Do you happen to know if an SJ uses the same parts? I have a 2016, and I never want to deal with the poorly designed bushings again.
They look like a great upgrade and are on the shopping list. Just replacing the turbo and banjo bolt filters now. Hopefully you have heard about them causing oil starvation to the turbo. I’m learning the hard way. Thanks for sharing 👍🇦🇺🍻
Hey mate, yes so far I'm very happy with them and they do feel much better than the old worn-out ones! That's no good! I am aware of the banjo filter problem, I had the same issue in an older turbo liberty but my Forester didn't come with them... I believe they stopped putting them in after about 2010 at least here with the Australian delivered Subarus. I would recommend leaving the filters out instead of replacing them... That's what Subaru did once they realised it was a problem 👍🏻
Hey, just doing some research online... The WRX STI and Forester of this generation share the same platform... Unfortunately it's not the same for the outback however there are options. I'd recommend joining some Subaru Facebook pages that are relevant to your particular car and go from there👍🏻 heaps of info out there!
I have an '09 SH Forester, Australian model MY09 ... my front end is squeaking like a pig in a headlock (180,000km) so instead of replacing all the bushes I'm going to go this STI route you did. I'm a little confused as to that long bolt swap you did, just which part I have to get. In the video it's the 377 (last 3 digits) but in the comments, well ... now I'm not sure.
Hey mate, the part ending in 377 is a bolt to replace the stud where the vertical rear bush is located. The part number ending in 396 is for the bolt on the inner horizontal front bushing. I hope this helps 👍🏻 if you watch my Car service DIY video I replace the 396 bolt only to find it's the same for the later year SH Foresters. And because you have an 09 you'll need to get the 396 bolt as well as the 377. Cheers
Was there a noticeable difference with road handling? I'm considering swapping mine and although those are pretty expensive it will keep alignment more precise at least up front.
Yeah going from the old worn out factory setup there was a noticeable difference for sure! A little more NVH but mostly I just noticed a more immediate and precise feeling on initial turn in and less slop in the whole front end👌🏻
Just bought a 2011 SH stock look forward to adding some mods. Will be going the lowered JDM route. Nice video (new subscriber). What rotors are you running T2 series? Thanks
I wonder how much stress gets added to the rear mounting location on the chassis, especially with that nice pillowball joint. Obviously great for suspension geometry though. That rear vertical bolt must be taking a pounding.
Hey mate, I don't really know the answer to that one but generally anything STI is stronger and designed for more abuse! So I reckon that bolt would be pretty strong! Being lifted would also add a bit of extra stress but all good so far 👍🏻
Hey mate, a couple of benefits are the strength is increased, the weight is reduced, the steering is noticeably more responsive and yes the pillow ball rear bush should hopefully handle the extra angle and last a bit longer... Time will tell 👍🏻
Hi, I'm using some Whiteline links but they're not the standard recommended ones for the SH Forester... Because I'm lifted I got some that were better suited to that application. I wasn't even aware that the sway bar mounting hole was a different size but they bolted up with no issues and I haven't noticed any problems 👍🏻
For this install I just went with whatever I thought felt right... I have since purchased a torque wrench and used it on my rear control arm install video. I don't actually remember where I got the torque specs for that though, I think I just googled it👍🏻
Hey mate, I do cover that in the video... They weigh less, they're stronger and they have a better design with a pillow ball joint for the rear bushings which will hopefully last longer than the standard rubber bushings and lastly they give an improvement to the handling 👍🏻
Yes, I definitely noticed an increased level of NVH but nothing big... Totally worth it! Mind you I'm running mud tyres and a full exhaust so there's a bit going on already👍🏻
I'm not actually sure... There's a 2014-2018 Forester owners group on Facebook and there seems to be some conflicting information on there. Best to do some research yourself and see what you find 👍🏻
First of all thanks for the great video, you are really cool. I am the sales manager of an adjustable control arm factory in China and I think we can cooperate. What do you think?
Hello, thanks for the kind words! I'd like to see what you have and we can go from there👍🏻 please send me a direct message on my Instagram @subiex4 with any product information. Cheers
I don't actually remember mate, I should have weighed them but I don't think there'd be that much in it! And in saying that I'm not actually even certain they're lighter... I've just gone off other people's words... It would have been a good thing to add to the video 👍🏻
So far I'm happy, still waiting for an alignment though... I got them from Quirkparts but I couldn't get shipping to Australia off their website so I went through their eBay store. PartSouq is another good option but they didn't have one of the arms in stock when I went to order.
Hey mate, the Foz was well overdue for new front bushes as you can see in the video so it's hard to say what they improved over the stock arms other than what I mentioned but they feel good... Much tighter steering response on initial turn in and just more of solid feel in general of the front end👍🏻
Hey mate, I ordered them from Quirk Parts eBay store. Another good option is partsouq.com but they were out of either the left or right arm at the time I was looking for these 👍🏻
No new issues for me that I didn't already have... for some reason I have a little less caster on my left side but that was like that before and unfortunately still after the new arms. They're the same geometry as the factory arms so you won't get any crazy difference in alignment specs but if your old bushes are very worn like mine were you'll notice a big difference 👍🏻 even if you had brand new factory buses the difference would still be very noticeable as the rubber bush allows quite a bit of movement. The pillow ball bush in the STI doesn't have much give which is great for handling and feedback but you get a bit more NVH👍🏻
Nice one, it's always good to have all the needed tools to get the jobs done👌🏻 since I did this control arm upgrade I've purchased a fair few extra bits and pieces to add to the collection 👌🏻
So it turns out that the 2011+ SH Foresters have the same bolt as the 2015+ VA STIs do for the inner lower front control arm bushings... If you have an early model SH then there is a bigger difference in the bolt design and it might be a good idea to swap it out👍🏻
901000396 is the part number for 2011+ SH Foresters and the 2015+ VA STIs
901000264 is the part number for the pre facelift SH Foresters
This could vary depending on a few things so if you're doing this mod then don't be like me and make the assumption that all SH Foresters have the same bolt for that inner bushing.
Happy modding ✌🏻
+EDIT+ I believe the control arms have since been superseded so if you're looking for brand new control arms the new part numbers are now below:
RH - 20202va001
LH - 20202va011
I did some more research:
#264 is up to feb 09
#362 is feb 09 - mar 11
#396 is mar 11 on for the sh forester
#264 shaft diameter is larger than the thread with no ridge up to the flang
#362 and #369 are identical to each other with the thread diameter larger than the shaft other than 10mm right next to the flange
Thanks for your vid!
Are you saying, if we have a 2009-2010 model, then we should use the 901000396 bolt as an upgrade?
@beboystyle620 yeah that's correct 👍🏻
I've used your video to install the STi lca's on to my 2012-2016 Impreza hatch, Thank you very much
@@ScottyTurbo : what about the 901000377 Scott used in the video? Sorry, not dure which I need to buy now. I have a 2009 MY09 SH Forester (Australian market model) and need to do all my front-end bushes, so am going to fit the STI control arms as Scott did in his video.
Installed mine and got the alignment Saturday, excellent improvement. A little more nvh but only at very low speeds and bumpy roads. Totally worth it, stays steady on the highway.
Awesome, yeah there's a nice little improvement with them👌🏻 I definitely noticed the NVH increase with my mud tyres but like you said totally worth it 👍🏻
Hey Monty,
Bend those safety stops/catches in on those jack stands if they’re still in use.
Thanks again for the video!
Needed it today again haha
Thanks mate, glad you can get some use out of the video 👍🏻 I do still have those stands but haven't vent the tabs because I sometimes like to dismantle them👌🏻
Making look the impossible doable 😂😂😂 Man, you've got balls to do this job yourself. Awesome video, well filmed! Hopefully you will notice a difference 😂😂😂, Thanks for sharing.
Thanks mate, it is a decent job but it wasn't too bad👍🏻 it does feel better already but I'm waiting for an alignment still and then I'll really get a feel for the improvement! But so far steering feels much tighter and noticeable more responsive 👌🏻 however that is in comparison to not only the old factory setup but a very work out version 🤣
@@MontyScott yeah, anyway the stock version looks like a toy compared to the sti stuff. Good job!
Thanks mate 👍🏻
Got the feeling just getting new control arms would be cheaper than getting new bushing put in. Nice job.
Thanks mate, yeah it can be cheaper than buying the bushes, paying someone to press the old ones out and new ones in and then fitting the arms! But it depends on what arms or bushes you go with... These ones are an upgrade but are quite a bit more to purchase 👍🏻
Gonna have to look into them for an 09 OB @@MontyScott. Saving up to do a lift & while I'm under there might as well spend a little more & replace things that are already 13 yrs old as it is & need to be undone to put spacers in & put back.
Always good to keep the maintenance up! These particular arms won't be a direct replacement on an outback... They are on the Forester because they share the same geometry as the WRX STIs from the same years👍🏻 but there are good options for replacement... My previous bushes I went with OEM and they lasted 70k KMs on a lifted Foz.
I kinda figured it wouldn't be so easy for me @@MontyScott. Might want to look into a different lube than wd-40. Speaking of which did you happen to put any Locktite on those bolts?
Yeah it's a different platform on the Outback. I've always used WD-40 but am open to recommendations. No Loctite, I did this same job 70k KMs ago but just replaced with factory OEM bushes and haven't had any issues 👍🏻
Is very good educational video... Thank you for posting
Thanks, no worries 👍🏻
Hey mate, this is awesome! Comprehensive info on this mod is elusive. Do you happen to know if an SJ uses the same parts? I have a 2016, and I never want to deal with the poorly designed bushings again.
Great vid mate I enjoyed watching
Thanks mate👍🏻
They look like a great upgrade and are on the shopping list. Just replacing the turbo and banjo bolt filters now. Hopefully you have heard about them causing oil starvation to the turbo. I’m learning the hard way. Thanks for sharing 👍🇦🇺🍻
Hey mate, yes so far I'm very happy with them and they do feel much better than the old worn-out ones! That's no good! I am aware of the banjo filter problem, I had the same issue in an older turbo liberty but my Forester didn't come with them... I believe they stopped putting them in after about 2010 at least here with the Australian delivered Subarus. I would recommend leaving the filters out instead of replacing them... That's what Subaru did once they realised it was a problem 👍🏻
@@MontyScott yeah that’s what I’m doing. 2010 model.
Ah excellent, there are a few banjo filters on other oil feeds... It might be worthwhile getting rid of those also if you haven't already 👍🏻
@@MontyScott I think there is only one on the other side but it’s under the air pump and
I searched how to keep my STI under control and this came up.
You might need some advanced driving school for that one bud 😜
You just got yourself a new subscriber...
Thanks mate, I appreciate it 😁👍🏻
@@MontyScott …..and another one here.
How did you find out it’s same bolt setup? I been wanting to do this on my 2011 Outback
Hey, just doing some research online... The WRX STI and Forester of this generation share the same platform... Unfortunately it's not the same for the outback however there are options. I'd recommend joining some Subaru Facebook pages that are relevant to your particular car and go from there👍🏻 heaps of info out there!
I have an '09 SH Forester, Australian model MY09 ... my front end is squeaking like a pig in a headlock (180,000km) so instead of replacing all the bushes I'm going to go this STI route you did. I'm a little confused as to that long bolt swap you did, just which part I have to get. In the video it's the 377 (last 3 digits) but in the comments, well ... now I'm not sure.
Hey mate, the part ending in 377 is a bolt to replace the stud where the vertical rear bush is located. The part number ending in 396 is for the bolt on the inner horizontal front bushing. I hope this helps 👍🏻 if you watch my Car service DIY video I replace the 396 bolt only to find it's the same for the later year SH Foresters. And because you have an 09 you'll need to get the 396 bolt as well as the 377.
Cheers
Was there a noticeable difference with road handling? I'm considering swapping mine and although those are pretty expensive it will keep alignment more precise at least up front.
Yeah going from the old worn out factory setup there was a noticeable difference for sure! A little more NVH but mostly I just noticed a more immediate and precise feeling on initial turn in and less slop in the whole front end👌🏻
Just bought a 2011 SH stock look forward to adding some mods. Will be going the lowered JDM route. Nice video (new subscriber). What rotors are you running T2 series? Thanks
Hey mate, nice one! Any Foz lowered or lifted is good in my book😁👌🏻 thanks for the sub I appreciate it! I'm running t3 4000 series front and rear 👍🏻
About to put these on my Crosstrek. How bad were your bushings clunking with the old ones?
Mine were clunking pretty bad! You can see how cracked they were in the video when I compare the new bushes 👍🏻
Arms have been superseded so part numbers have change. Just the last two digits.
RH - VA001
LH - VA 011
I have only just seen this! If anyone is looking to do this mod now these part numbers should be helpful! Thanks👍🏻
I wonder how much stress gets added to the rear mounting location on the chassis, especially with that nice pillowball joint. Obviously great for suspension geometry though. That rear vertical bolt must be taking a pounding.
Hey mate, I don't really know the answer to that one but generally anything STI is stronger and designed for more abuse! So I reckon that bolt would be pretty strong! Being lifted would also add a bit of extra stress but all good so far 👍🏻
What is nvh?
Do you know if I can do this with a 2008 wrx? Is the 08 sti the right part?
Hey, I don't think it'll work for the 08... I believe you can with the wide body WRX that came a couple of years later.
Cheers
My 2" lifted SH is also in need of new lower control arms.
What are the benefits of the STI ones? Can they handle the new angle better after lifting?
Hey mate, a couple of benefits are the strength is increased, the weight is reduced, the steering is noticeably more responsive and yes the pillow ball rear bush should hopefully handle the extra angle and last a bit longer... Time will tell 👍🏻
@@MontyScott thank you very much buddy. I will consider to buy those.
Where did you buy the bolt 901000377?
Hey mate, I just ordered it from my local Subaru dealer and had to wait a couple of weeks to get it in.👍🏻
What sway arm links are you using? How do they account for the larger hole on the sti control arm?
Hi, I'm using some Whiteline links but they're not the standard recommended ones for the SH Forester... Because I'm lifted I got some that were better suited to that application. I wasn't even aware that the sway bar mounting hole was a different size but they bolted up with no issues and I haven't noticed any problems 👍🏻
May have missed this, but can you tell me the torque spec of the castle but that anchors the ball joint to the control arm?
For this install I just went with whatever I thought felt right... I have since purchased a torque wrench and used it on my rear control arm install video. I don't actually remember where I got the torque specs for that though, I think I just googled it👍🏻
What sort of improvements do you get from replacing the STI control arm?
Hey mate, I do cover that in the video... They weigh less, they're stronger and they have a better design with a pillow ball joint for the rear bushings which will hopefully last longer than the standard rubber bushings and lastly they give an improvement to the handling 👍🏻
Would you happen to know if there are sti upgrade for 2018 forester
Hey mate, I'm not sure on that one... Maybe try a Facebook group for your gen Forester and see how you go. I've found some useful info on FB groups 👍🏻
Any increased NVH once running these STi LCÀs
Yes, I definitely noticed an increased level of NVH but nothing big... Totally worth it! Mind you I'm running mud tyres and a full exhaust so there's a bit going on already👍🏻
Would these fit on a 2012 sh non-turbo model?
Yeah they'll work for any SH Forester 👍🏻
Hello! What size tires do you have on your subaru forester
I'm running a 235/75r15 👍🏻 they require substantial work to fit without scrubbing!
Will these fit my 2017 subsru forester?m
I'm not actually sure... There's a 2014-2018 Forester owners group on Facebook and there seems to be some conflicting information on there. Best to do some research yourself and see what you find 👍🏻
First of all thanks for the great video, you are really cool. I am the sales manager of an adjustable control arm factory in China and I think we can cooperate. What do you think?
Hello, thanks for the kind words! I'd like to see what you have and we can go from there👍🏻 please send me a direct message on my Instagram @subiex4 with any product information.
Cheers
What is the weight difference between a stock unit and one of those new ones?
Hey mate, I'm not actually sure what the difference in weight is but I'm sure someone out there has put them on the scale.
@@MontyScott did they feel like a big difference in your hands, or just marginal?
I don't actually remember mate, I should have weighed them but I don't think there'd be that much in it! And in saying that I'm not actually even certain they're lighter... I've just gone off other people's words... It would have been a good thing to add to the video 👍🏻
This looks great, do you have the link to where you bought the parts from.
So far I'm happy, still waiting for an alignment though... I got them from Quirkparts but I couldn't get shipping to Australia off their website so I went through their eBay store. PartSouq is another good option but they didn't have one of the arms in stock when I went to order.
Wonder if these would still fit a 2010 STi??
I believe they would 👍🏻
2010 sti should already come with aluminum control arms
@WRXRAFDAN Yeah you're right they do but these have the updated pillow ball rear bushes that are a big improvement over the older style 👍🏻
How was the upgrade of sti control arms?
Hey mate, the Foz was well overdue for new front bushes as you can see in the video so it's hard to say what they improved over the stock arms other than what I mentioned but they feel good... Much tighter steering response on initial turn in and just more of solid feel in general of the front end👍🏻
Hi mate where did you order the control arms?
Hey mate, I ordered them from Quirk Parts eBay store. Another good option is partsouq.com but they were out of either the left or right arm at the time I was looking for these 👍🏻
Thanks mate… might check local wreckers to save some $$$…
No worries, good luck and happy hunting 👍🏻
@@MontyScotthey mate did you have any issues with wheel alignment after install? Also will the wheel position be affected with the new arms?
No new issues for me that I didn't already have... for some reason I have a little less caster on my left side but that was like that before and unfortunately still after the new arms. They're the same geometry as the factory arms so you won't get any crazy difference in alignment specs but if your old bushes are very worn like mine were you'll notice a big difference 👍🏻 even if you had brand new factory buses the difference would still be very noticeable as the rubber bush allows quite a bit of movement. The pillow ball bush in the STI doesn't have much give which is great for handling and feedback but you get a bit more NVH👍🏻
What size of these km3?
Hey Bill, they're 235/75r15👍🏻
lol I bought all the same tools to work on my subaru
Nice one, it's always good to have all the needed tools to get the jobs done👌🏻 since I did this control arm upgrade I've purchased a fair few extra bits and pieces to add to the collection 👌🏻
Tire size
235/75r15 👍🏻
Why couldn't they use better parts in the first place damnit.
Agreed. It's a flawed design that they keep perpetuating.