Hi after some advice for my classic wagon, uk 1996. Thinking of going for a 22mm rear ARB and lowering springs to improve stance and handling. I'm on stock sti 16" wheels. advice/suggestions more than welcome, thank you

 

P11L springs + AGX.
You can use excel-g, which sit higher at the rear.
You could change to a saloon 20mm rear bar.
If roads are undulating/uneven, it's often better to stiffen the rear bump stops, rather than use a 22mm rear bar.
If the roads are poor keep your wagon 17mm rear bar.

 

Stance (excessive lowering) and handling usually don't go together :-)

With a 19mm front (presuming) and 22mm rear ARB you should be able to get to a nice balance.

That's the combo I used on a 97 STi wagon (no lowering) for fast dog transport and go-anywhere ability, it was great :-)

 

Agreed.
But, some like 215 or 225/45 x 17 for a smaller arch gap, which can make it look like excessive lowering

Prefer excel-g's?:

 

Going to jump in on this thread, recently purchased a WRX wagon which has some cheap ebay coilovers on and 18s. I've searched hi an low for the best set up for uk roads but can't find the answer, wanting a best of both worlds good ride quality and handling. Which set up would you guys advise. Cheers

 

I don't have a classic but 2Pot's advice above is pretty on the money if you're looking for ride and handling over max lowz.