Been working on the Subaru, too. Fitted an "Ultra Racing" front strut brace from eBay. Wasn't expensive and turned out to be pretty decent - fitted correctly, feels solid and did make a difference.
Fitted a Whiteline quick-release rear tower brace as well. Yet to test this out to any extent but it went in quickly and easily. A little trimming lets you retain the OEM sound deadening pads and trim panels, too, which is neat.
Also got the transmission fluid changed; at RCM it had some general Castrol fluid slung in and the gearbox was quite balky and sluggish, particularly at lower speeds when cold. I got the fluid replaced with a 50/50 mix of Red Line Lightweight Shockproof and Motul Gear 300.
Much to my surprise - I wasn't expecting much - it's made a substantial difference to the transmission. It's now much slicker, quicker and less reluctant to engage when rolling slowly along. The snick has basically gone, too. Consider me blown away. The blue colour of the Shockproof took a bit of getting used to, though.
Lastly, the factory-fitted (and seemingly original) self-levelling rear dampers finally gave out - leading to it squatting at the rear all the time. I ditched the whole lot and fitted a Pedders drop-in replacement kit, which does away with the SLS and includes new top mounts. The Forester's now returned to the right ride height.
Rear arch gap before:
After:
Sits a lot better now and certainly rides and drives better, too - particularly when loaded.
Extremely happy, for once. Pleasing for everything to have a positive effect and actually improve things. Even managed to fix the rear wiper by fiddling with a scrapyard motor.
Now, perhaps for a little more power and noise...
