Our Rear Subframe replaces the stock rear frame, about 10 lbs lighter on average and much stiffer. It replaces the six factory rubber bushings with solid mounting points, and has two lateral link positions: stock, and 1" higher for geometry correction on lowered cars. It works with the factory T-Bar or our T-Bar.
Rear Subframe or Geometry Special?
Both frames have the same options. The difference is how much geometry they correct on a lowered car.
| Rear Subframe | Geometry Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral link positions | Stock, and 1" above stock | 1" and 2" above stock |
| Differential height | Stock | 1" higher, to correct axle angles |
| T-Bar | Not included. Use the factory T-Bar or ours. | Geo Special T-Bar included |
| Stock gas tank | Needs some clearance work | Very hard to fit. We recommend a fuel cell. |
The Rear Subframe is an upgrade over the stock frame at any ride height, even on a very low car. The Geometry Special goes further on a lowered car by also correcting the axle angles.
Which one do I need?
1. Differential mount
| If you | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want less load on the diff and less drivetrain noise, which suits most builds | Poly Bushing (recommended) |
| Want zero deflection and never want to replace a bushing | Solid |
You can switch between poly and solid later with new bushings. See the T-Bar guide for more on each.
2. Extra Chassis Mount
| If you | Choose |
|---|---|
| Have high horsepower or launch hard, and can weld | Add it |
| Don't want to weld on the car | Leave it off |
Options
Extra Chassis Mount
Adds a fifth solid mounting point at the top of the frame, in the center of the car. It ties the frame into the car more firmly, so the frame and body flex less under load. The mount on the car side has to be welded in. Everything needed is included.
Lateral link positions
| Hole | Position | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Lower | Stock | Stock-height cars |
| Upper | 1" above stock | Lowered cars, to bring the lateral links back toward their stock angle |
The frame has no cam bolt adjusters, which makes it more rigid. That means you'll need adjustable lateral links, such as our Lateral Links, to set alignment.
T-Bar and trailing arm mounts
The frame bolts up to the factory T-Bar, but we recommend pairing it with our T-Bar for the extra weight savings and strength.
- With our T-Bar: trailing arm mounts come with the T-Bar, so don't add any others.
- With the factory T-Bar: you can keep the factory trailing arm mounts, or upgrade to our Trailing Arm Mounts for stronger mounts. Rally or Track mounts are also needed if you run our +2" Trailing Arms.
Before you order
Gas tank clearance. Many Subaru gas tanks hit the front upper link mount. Dry fit the frame first and check for interference.
Differential studs. The studs have to be removed from the differential. The frame mounts it with the included hardware.
Install tip. Start all the hardware a few turns with anti-seize, then tighten in steps. If your frame is powder coated, protect it with masking tape while you dry fit.
What it works with
Works with
- The factory T-Bar, or our T-Bar
- Our Lateral Links, or other adjustable lateral links
- Our Trailing Arm Mounts and Trailing Arms
Requires
- Adjustable lateral links
Construction
- 4130 steel tubing throughout, with T45 mounting sockets
- 3mm Strenx plate, about 3 times stronger than mild steel
- Cone washer mounts for an easier install and a solid mount
Fitment
A rear part for the GC/GD group:
- Impreza / WRX / STI 1993-2007 (GC, GF, GM, GD, GG)
- Legacy 1990-1999 (BC, BF, BJ, BD, BG, BK)
- Outback 1995-1999 (BD, BG, BK)
- Forester 1998-2008 (SF, SG)
The 2000-2004 Legacy and Outback (BE, BH) are not included, because only our GC/GD front parts fit them.
Common questions
Do I need your T-Bar too?
No, the frame works with the factory T-Bar. We recommend ours for the weight savings and strength, and it includes trailing arm mounts.
Do I need new lateral links?
Yes, adjustable ones. The frame has no cam bolt adjusters, so alignment is set with the links.
My car is lowered. Is this frame enough?
It's still better than the stock frame, even on a very low car, and the upper lateral link hole corrects the links by 1". For more correction, the Geometry Special also raises the differential 1" to correct the axle angles, and gives a 2" lateral link position.
Can I get it powder coated?
Yes, as an option on the product page. Powder coating adds about 2-6 weeks. See Powder Coating.