Protection or Height

[eProtocol]

Hello,

I am still building out my rig, I just bought a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. I am already going to give it a 2” lift using rough countries kit; however I am trying to decide to go with either full skid plates or KO2 tires.

I am planning on doing a front and back bumper chop to get better angles, but that might not be for awhile.

Thanks for the input I appreciate it!

 

[Trail_pilot]

I don't think the height of the extra tire is going to make or break anything but I would definitely add some rocker protection if you can. From personal experience the more you can drive over, the more you will push it and at some point a rock or a stump will grab ya.
That being said, I don't know if you are looking to just get across the occasional washout or getting into some trail runs. I think like a rock crawler as that is basically how I got into things .... sort of.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Skids before tires.

 

[Smileyshaun]

What’s worse not making up a difficult trail becasue of tires or poking a hole in the oil pan and destroying your motor ? Especially on a crossover type rig underbody protection should be job #1

 

[Smileyshaun]

And I would personally skip bfgs on a Subaru , they work well but are heavy and with a small motor and a cvt you will feel every lb you add to the wheels . On my 18 forester I went with the cooper discovery at3 4s (snow rated ) in a 235/75r15 and a set of black rhino boxer wheels and ended up being 4lbs lighter than the stock tire wheel combo , plus they fit with no lift having the perfect offset . Only lost 1 mpg overall .

 

[Shakes355]

Skids are No. 1. No question. You can go a lot of places in a Subaru when you don't have to worry about trashing you more vulnerable bits. I've seen too many punctured transmission pans and crushed oil pans on those things to change my mind.

Edit: check out Primitive Racing and see what they have for you. Top quality stuff.

 

[photosubieoverland]

Skids first would be the way to go. Would rather replace a flat then an engine. KO2s are great tires, but they are heavy. I have a full set on my outback. They look great and I havent had any issues but I plan to switch to a different tire when they reach end of life to give something else a try.