Subaru Trailing Arm Spacers vs. Multi-Link Spacers: Understanding the Difference
One of the most common questions we receive is:
"Why does my Subaru lift kit use trailing arm spacers, while newer models use multi-link spacers?"
The answer is simple—they're designed for completely different rear suspension systems.
Subaru has used several rear suspension designs over the years, and as the suspension evolved, so did the methods required to maintain proper geometry after installing a lift kit.
Let's take a closer look.
Older Subaru Models Use Trailing Arm Spacers
Older Subaru platforms utilize a simpler rear suspension where the trailing arm plays a much larger role in locating the rear wheel.
These include:
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1990–1994 Legacy
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1995–1999 Legacy
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1995–1999 Outback
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1993–2001 Impreza (GC/GF/GM)
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2002–2007 Impreza (GD/GG)
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1998–2008 Forester
When one of these vehicles is lifted, the front pivot of the trailing arm rotates downward.
Without correction, this can:
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Pull the rear wheel forward in the wheel opening
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Increase stress on the trailing arm bushings
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Change suspension geometry
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Reduce available suspension travel
A trailing arm spacer lowers the mounting point of the trailing arm, restoring its angle much closer to factory specifications.
This moves the rear wheel back toward its original position and allows the suspension to cycle more naturally.
For these suspension designs, trailing arm spacers are the proper engineering solution.
Newer Subaru Models Use a Multi-Link Rear Suspension
Beginning with newer Subaru platforms, Subaru transitioned to a much more sophisticated independent rear suspension.
Rather than relying primarily on one trailing arm, the rear suspension now uses multiple control arms that each serve a specific purpose.
Depending on the model, these include:
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Upper control arms
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Lower lateral links
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Toe links
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A trailing link
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Multiple rubber-isolated pivot points
All of these components work together to control wheel movement.
Because of this, simply lowering one mounting point no longer restores the suspension geometry.
Why Multi-Link Spacers Are Needed
On modern Subaru suspensions, all of the rear suspension links operate together through carefully engineered arcs.
If only one mounting point were moved, the remaining links would continue operating at steeper angles than intended.
Instead, multi-link spacers reposition multiple suspension mounting locations together.
This restores the relationship between the suspension links while keeping the wheel moving through nearly the same path Subaru originally engineered.
The result is:
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More consistent suspension geometry
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Better ride quality
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Reduced bushing preload
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Improved suspension travel
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Better wheel alignment characteristics
Rather than correcting one suspension arm, the entire rear suspension works together as intended.
Which Subaru Models Use Multi-Link Spacers?
Multi-link spacers are found on many of Subaru's newer platforms, including vehicles such as:
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2010–Present Outback
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2010–Present Legacy
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2008–Present Forester
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2012–Present Crosstrek
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2008–Present Impreza
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2015–Present WRX (application dependent)
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Ascent
While the exact suspension layout varies slightly between platforms, they all share the same principle—a multi-link rear suspension that benefits from correcting multiple pivot locations rather than just the trailing arm.
Why We Don't Use Trailing Arm Spacers on Newer Subarus
A common question is:
"Why not just install trailing arm spacers on newer Subarus?"
The answer is because they simply don't address the suspension geometry that exists on modern vehicles.
The trailing link is only one part of the suspension.
Moving only that link leaves the remaining control arms operating at incorrect angles, which doesn't fully restore the factory suspension geometry.
That's why properly engineered lift kits for modern Subarus incorporate multi-link spacers designed specifically for these newer suspension systems.
Different Suspensions Require Different Solutions
Neither design is "better" than the other—they're simply engineered for different generations of Subaru suspension.
Older Subarus rely on trailing arm spacers because that's the correct way to restore geometry on those suspension designs.
Newer Subarus benefit from multi-link spacers because their suspension is significantly more complex, requiring multiple pivot points to be corrected together.
Using the proper components for each platform ensures:
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Proper rear wheel positioning
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Improved ride quality
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Reduced stress on suspension bushings
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Better suspension articulation
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Long-term reliability
The ADF Approach
At ADF, every lift kit is designed around the specific suspension geometry of the vehicle it's intended for.
We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Older Subaru platforms receive trailing arm spacers because that's what their suspension requires. Newer Subaru platforms receive multi-link spacers because their rear suspension architecture demands a more comprehensive geometry correction.
By designing each lift kit around Subaru's original suspension engineering, we're able to preserve ride quality, maintain proper wheel positioning, and deliver a lift that performs as well on the road as it does on the trail.
Because the best lift kit isn't just one that raises your Subaru—it's one that keeps it driving like a Subaru.