Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1985 Subaru XT GLFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Riding Height Specifications: Front
- Rotate torsion bar and outer arm to shift matching of inner serration by appropriate pitches and engage inner serration with crossmember. Pull outer arm from torsion bar and rotate outer arm in opposite direction to shift matching of outer serration by appropriate pitches.NOTE: Do not disengage inner serration of torsion bar from crossmember.
- Install outer arm to torsion bar and crossmember. Then, measure vertical distance between end of outer arm and vehicle body. Change in this distance shows half of change in riding height clearance caused by adjustment.
- Install bolts connecting outer and inner arms. Repeat adjustment procedure on opposite wheel. Install shock absorbers and outer bushing lock bolt. Install wheels and lower vehicle. Check rear riding height adjustment. If correct, tighten lock bolt on outer bushing. If incorrect, repeat adjustment on each wheel.
RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Front: In. (mm) | Rear: In. (mm) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD | ||||
| Wagon | 9.65-10.63 (245-270) | 11.02-11.81 (280-300) | ||
| XT | 8.03-9.37 (204-238) | 7.2-8.38 (183-213) | ||
| All Others | 9.45-10.43 (240-265) | 10.24-11.02 (260-280) | ||
| 4WD | ||||
| Hatchback & Sedan | ||||
| GL | 10.63-11.61 (270-295) | 12.80-13.58 (325-345) | ||
| STD | 10.43-11.42 (265-290) | 12.60-13.39 (320-340) | ||
| Wagon | ||||
| DL | 10.43-11.42 (265-290) | 13.19-13.98 (335-355) | ||
| GL | 10.63-11.61 (270-295) | 13.39-14.17 (340-360) | ||
| Turbo | 10.43-11.42 (265-290) | 12.80-13.58 (325-345) | ||
| XT | 9.17-10.51 (233-267) | 9.09-10.23 (230-260) | ||
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.