You PA cats have some great screen names! Welcome Subie fam!
Subaru Owners Registry
- Thread starter Wawa Skittletits
- Start date
Some of you have already lifted your Subie, and I could use a little advice. I've been doing some digging and I believe these MFR are the main suppliers for lifting a Subie. There are probably more....
LP Adventure: https://lpaventure.com/
Anderson Design & Fabrication: http://andersondesign-fab.com/
Subtle Solutions: http://www.subtle-solutions.com/index.php
Primitive: http://get-primitive.com/
RalliTEK: http://www.rallitek.com/
Anyone want to share pros and cons? Mechanics to be concerned with? Were there any surprises with a specific install?
I know this is a loaded topic, but as I start to plan my build I want to know what I'm getting into.
Thank for the help!
LP Adventure: https://lpaventure.com/
Anderson Design & Fabrication: http://andersondesign-fab.com/
Subtle Solutions: http://www.subtle-solutions.com/index.php
Primitive: http://get-primitive.com/
RalliTEK: http://www.rallitek.com/
Anyone want to share pros and cons? Mechanics to be concerned with? Were there any surprises with a specific install?
I know this is a loaded topic, but as I start to plan my build I want to know what I'm getting into.
Thank for the help!
Expedition Master I
- 5,079
- First Name
- Drew
- Last Name
- Hawley
- Member #
-
1537
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- WRBZ674
- Service Branch
- USN veteran
Most of the lifting options are essentially rubber stamps of each other. LP, SUMO, Subtle, and ADF all use blocks that sit on top of your current suspension. The alternative may use springs or a combination of blocks and springs. That's how Rallitek and Primitive (King Springs) work. The only one I'd advise against is Subtle as they have a tendency to tell people that they need more parts than they actually do.
Regardless of how you intend to go there really aren't any surprises when it comes to the install. In other words you can do the work yourself if you're a handy person with the correct tools.
There's plenty to consider when deciding how to lift. Spacers lifts retain the exact same ride quality but that means they also retain the same sagginess when you load up with gear. The flip side with springs is that the increased spring rate handles the extra weight much better but if you don't normally carry extra gear around the DD ride will suffer. Generally speaking 2" is the most popular lifting height because any more and you'll be wearing the CVs, any less and you'll wish you lifted it 2".
Hopefully this helps.
Off-Road Ranger I
I went the ADF route, had them install and it is working great. Did an alignment right after they finished and it was still within specs. Next day I drove back home from WA to SoCal and the car did not ride any different. Love their product. Looking at their install pretty straight forward, spacers on top of F&R struts and a spacer kit for the sway bar. THey have install instructions on their website.
I am still going to get OE ht King Springs to carry the extra # of camping and recovery gear.
Thank you Thank you, Terry and Wawa!!!! This is exactly what I was hoping to hear. I'm leaning towards a similar install to Terry's. With the ADF installation did you also install the Multi link Spacer? Thoughts on upgrading all springs or just the rear springs to handle extra weight or saggy but issue?
Off-Road Ranger I
Yes I got the multi-link, it was recommended. I will be going with front and rear springs to balance the car. In the future I want to get a winch installed from LP, the hidden one for my 2017. So additional # up front.
I am use to a stiffer ride as my last rigs were a Bronco II with a 2" lift and a Dodge Dakota P/U with OE trailer package installed. The Dakota was very stiff until it had 2 dirt bikes, gas cans and tools in the back, then rode real smooth.
Expedition Master I
- 5,079
- First Name
- Drew
- Last Name
- Hawley
- Member #
-
1537
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- WRBZ674
- Service Branch
- USN veteran
I can only speak for the 5th gen Outback but it is very lightly sprung. Even without any additional weight up front the car benefitted greatly off road with higher spring rate springs as well. All the weight on the nose going downhill used to rob a lot of travel/clearance with the OE springs. Thanks to the weight of the engine a nearly stock ride quality can be expected.
In regards to the multi link spacers... necessary evil. It's a shame but if you're lifting 2" you're going to want them. Sadly that means that the net gain in actual clearance out back will be 0". The SF Foresters were the last Subarus to have a rear sub frame setup that allowed you to only space the trailing arms.
In regards to the multi link spacers... necessary evil. It's a shame but if you're lifting 2" you're going to want them. Sadly that means that the net gain in actual clearance out back will be 0". The SF Foresters were the last Subarus to have a rear sub frame setup that allowed you to only space the trailing arms.
I know a lot of you have seen it, or already had a car featured. But for those of you who haven't, there's a great new Instagram page called MtnRoo.Overland. https://www.instagram.com/mtnroo.overland/ it's totally up our alley. They also have a Facebook page going that even more of you have already got involved on. Check it out, DM them your photos to be featured. Cheers!
Finally installed the skid plate & bumper guard on the freedom machine!
I like the way LP attaches their skid plates.
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Yeah, the riveting is real clean looking. I'm very impressed with all the products I purchased from LP Adventures.
It would be nice if they made a bumper guard for the SH Forester.
Just spent the last three days at Utica Resivor. I'm definitely upgrading the suspension and adding a lift.
Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk
Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk
I'm loving the strong, growing presence of Subaru Overlanders! Keep the photos coming.
I've been doing some additional digging with regards to the 'saggy butt' regardless of a lift and you're right, there are not a lot of options out there. Seems like adjustable struts just don't exist or are difficult to get. My research is pointing me in the direction of Billstein, Koni, Cusco, and possibly Largus (Japan) as possible solutions for springs and/or struts with adjust ability. I'll keep you posted as I learn more.
Advocate II
Hey guys, new member here. I just picked up a 2018 Outback last week! Great information here. I traded out of a Chevrolet Tahoe, so I am still getting used to a smaller vehicle. So far I love it!
Expedition Master I
- 5,079
- First Name
- Drew
- Last Name
- Hawley
- Member #
-
1537
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- WRBZ674
- Service Branch
- USN veteran
It'll be interesting to hear what you come up with. Just remember that struts have nothing to do with the sagging. It's the springs job to carry the weight and the struts job is to control the stroke rate of the damper.
Our current lift/"OE height" spring options, all 2 of them, do their intended job just fine and I haven't found a reason to complain about mine or the OE dampers. Just how long the struts will hold up is the only question I have about them.
Congrats and welcome!
After this last weekend of loading the trailer with wet firewood I think I will go with the King Springs in back. We have the Anderson 2" lift already, just need a little more help in the back.
