As a UK XT owner, early in the video its interesting to see your little colour coded things that I can only describe as small mudflaps... (not the rally armour mudflaps)... I don't have those on mine...🤔
Haha that's interesting to know. In the US, they may have only come with the Limited trim as well but I'm not 100% sure Maybe I shouldn't have thrown them out!
Thank you! I previously tried to wrap the B-pillar but failed miserably Thinking about taking a b-pillar from the pre facelift when they were black from factory, haha!
Haha that looks so good but honestlyyy you are better just sticking to 215 no spacer AT tyres. Minimum unsprung weight is more important than actual grip in fozzies ❤️ In saying that itll still be super impressive.
Nice job on painting front grille, it looks much much better in black. Looks like those are BRZ wheels? I got the same for my XT, but I have WRX 4 pot front calipers so the wheels dont fit, I will try with minimal 5mm spacers, should be OK with them. I like the underengine protection, do you maybe have some draving of it with dimensions and holes, nobody close to me has it for sale and postage is huge because of weight so I would like to try to build it locally.
Thanks! The grille was really the first modification I did! As yup, those are the BRZ/86 wheels. I took them off my 86 and figured It'll look better than the OEM subaru ones Unfortunately I don't have exact numbers on the skid plate (RallyArmor) and I don't think they make them anymore - do you have an IG/Reddit? I'll see what measurements I can pull
Hey Tyler! Thanks for reaching out- My current tire set up is 215/75/15. What model year is yours? For the SG, 215/75 is pretty much the limit (you'll have to cut and do some body modifications still) I believe the SH models can do bigger tires. Let me know if you have more specific questions - thanks again!
hey man awesome build! great inspiration for my 04XT. Question, im sorry if it was mentioned but i cant find it. what size are the ATX's? lowest i can find is a 235/75R15. but it could be the website I am using.
Hey Al, I have a video with more details on this but here's a quick summary: Wheels: 15x8 +12 offset and 25mm wheel spacer Tires: 215/75/15 general grabbers Lift: 1" King springs and 1" ADF strut spacer Hope that helps!
Alright Ladies and Gents, can't find info online so I will ask here: Is it possible to use this year of forester for camping? I mean specifically - is it possible to lay down with back seats folded if you're around 5'8"?
How did you like the '07 XT off road? I've heard mixed things, specifically that the low gear on the XT is too short for good traction in sticky spots. I'm looking at buying an '07 X and doing the same thing as you!
Hey Andrew, Unfortunately the Foresters in the US do not have the low gear option so I don't have any experience with it Currently have the 4EAT which does fine in forest service roads and light OHV trails. Picking up a locker will definitely help with more advanced trails
Hey Will! I installed it as an aftermarket piece. The specs are below: Hitch: www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Curt/C12038.html?feed=npn&gclid=CjwKCAiAq8f-BRBtEiwAGr3DgVlK3tbjeu2vxNZH6TuEocdbpq9LFRDdigoGRn9V1Fn74Enj3zWb1xoC0ZUQAvD_BwE Hitch brake wiring harness: www.amazon.com/CURT-55370-Custom-Wiring-Connector/dp/B0009I5WS8/ref=asc_df_B0009I5WS8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312126224579&hvpos&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1497285592185768000&hvpone&hvptwo&hvqmt&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl&hvlocint&hvlocphy=9010207&hvtargid=pla-569825569800&psc=1 Also, I made a video on the procress (it wasn't a proper DIY so please reach out if you have questions) Video link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-TJm4qZA3fts.html Hoping this helps!!
Hey Mengy, I also have vibrating issues right around the 60+ mph range (highway speeds). However, the vibrations typically occur only on roads that need maintenance (there are little to no vibrations at those speeds on freshly paved roads/interstate). Hoping that helps - thanks!
Hey Drew! I use the product listed here: www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-1-1-4-in-x-17-ft-Nail-On-Felt-Weather-Seal-S214-17H/100171714?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-B-F_D25H-G-D25H-25_4_BUILDERS_HARDWARE-Multi-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-BuildersHardware_Smart&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D25H-G-D25H-25_4_BUILDERS_HARDWARE-Multi-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-BuildersHardware_Smart-71700000081230576-58700006913855557-92700064312898263&gclid=CjwKCAjwjdOIBhA_EiwAHz8xm-Hlb_HnnapNiLwDgij2BzjoUWvni5PZNVb5EbkAL5xTeseSqh8COBoCuEIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds I actually have an older video for this DIY process: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1EYcwbj152A.html Gave pretty good results - hope his helps!
Hey Au! After putting on the all-terrain tires, I lost about 2 MPG (this may be due to my large offset affect aerodynamics). Went from 24 highway to 22 highway. Hoping that helps! Thanks!
Hey Kevin, My specs so far: Tire Brand: General Grabbers ATX Size: 215/75/15 (Slight rub at full turn with RallyArmor flaps) Rims: Basset D58DN5 Rally Racing Wheel Size: 15x8 Backspace: 5-inch (+12 offset) **WARNING: Won't clear brakes without spacer - I've heard 0 offset will. Suspension: Stock struts with King Springs 1 inch left, front and rear Other: As mentioned above, I used 25mm spacer to clear brakes but may work with smaller spacers Hope that helps! Feel free to reach out if you have questions
Hey Kevin! Thanks for reaching out - please see the specs below: Tire Brand: General Grabbers ATX Size: 215/75/15 (You will need to cut liners and punch pinch welds) Rims: Basset D58DN5 Rally Racing Wheels Size: 15x8 Backspace: 5-inch (+12 offset) Spacer: 25mm spacer (to clear brakes) I also have a more detail video on the tires/wheels here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RbKIVc18N_g.html Hoping this helps!
Thanks @newest bear Out of curiosity, what has been your experience /issues with Subarus and which models did you own? I'm in the process of collecting data on common issues and personal experiences with owning Subarus - thanks again!
@@davechangauto under perfect maintence two short block replacements on 20' wrx at 28 and 29 k miles, fathers ej 2.5 wrx grenade with proper maintence at 60k, a friend experienced the apparently common cylinder 4 issues leading to scored cylinder, my 20' the clutch is already getting bad at 44k and I've had nearly a dozen manual cars in my life the earliest I ever replaced a clutch was around 220k miles in my 14' focus. Let alone their stagnate performance, their epically slow cars that haven't really improved in speed or performance in 15 years. Only fuck boys, trustafarians, or people who want to believe their car is good and lie their ass off to defend their viewpoint. You can hear how bad these motors are, just sound extremely brittle and raspy and metallic.
@@remissiveslave This is great info - thanks! Would you have any experience with the naturally aspirated EJ253/EJ254? As for the FA engines with short block replacement - were these vehicles being used as track cars and were there any aftermarket modifications/ECU tuning? As for you friend's WRX, can you confirm the driving habit and/or if it was also being used as a track/autox vehicle? Please let me know if he installed a cylinder 4 cooling mod - I'd like to learn if this would have or did not prevent the common issue with #4 For your WRX w/ the bad clutch, can you also confirm if you tracked/autox the vehicle? Thanks! I really appreciate your hindsight on these issues
@@davechangauto I go to work and drive in a typically reasonable fashion. Don't track, haven't modified it, I haven't owned a ej wrx/sti before, this experience is secondary with ej's.
BRO!! I've got an 04 xt 5 Spd that I want to do this too. it was the entire reason I bought it. Could you dm me a parts list? or even post one? I've been looking high and low but it seems really hard for me to find stuff, being I'm in Canada. love the build my dude! looks sick
Thanks Jeremy! I really appreciate the support here. I've provided the mod list below and planning on releasing a Summer 2021 mod update video with more information (hopefully by this week) Hoping this helps! Please feel free to reach out to me via IG (davechangauto) to ask any specific questions. Here's the list of current mods: List of mods and where you can get them (in order of video) RallyArmor Skid Plate (3/8") Cost: $200.00 Link: N/A - not sure if RallyArmor still produces these Traveller Work Lights (560 Lumens) Cost: $34.99 Link: N/A - Tractor Supply Company Alpena Fog Lights (900 Lumens) Cost: $40.00 Link: N/A General Grabber ATX Cost: $120.00 per tire Link: generaltire.com/tires/light-trucksuv/grabber-atx Wheels: Bassett D58DN5 Rally Wheels Specs: 15x8 +12 Offset Cost: $80.00 per wheel Link: www.summitracing.com/parts/bsw-d58dn5 Haul-Master Roof Rack Specs: 150 lb. Capacity Cost: $90.00 Link: www.harborfreight.com/150-lb-capacity-roof-mounted-steel-cargo-carrier-64101.html Orcish Recovery Boards Cost: $66.00 Link: www.amazon.com/ORCISH-Traction-Tracks-Recovery-Off-Road/dp/B084MJG9GG/ref=asc_df_B084MJG9GG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=459696650115&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16961961912636012961&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1021222&hvtargid=pla-943481951009&psc=1 VViViD Roof Wrap Color: Gloss Black Cost: $80.00 Link: www.amazon.com/VViViD-Black-Gloss-Release-Technology/dp/B01J4LY0FG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=YYRQXDWKRJQF&dchild=1&keywords=vivid+roof+wrap&qid=1619618548&sprefix=vivid+roof+%2Cautomotive%2C159&sr=8-5 King Springs Specs: 1-inch Lift Cost: $400.00 Link: get-primitive.com/springs/127-king-raised-springs-2003-2008-forester.html?search_query=king+springs+lift&results=3 Curt Hitch Receiver Cost: $120.00 Link: www.amazon.com/dp/B000FZZRS0/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Subaru%7C13&Model=Forester%7C57&Year=2007%7C2007&ie=UTF8&vehicleId=7&vehicleType=automotive SunTek Ceramic Tint Specs: 20% Visibility Cost: $250.00 Link: N/A, installed a local tint shop
Hi, Dave. That is one heck of a transformation - amazing! Major props to you! I just bought a brand-new 2022 Forester Premium and am amazed by all that I see folks doing in and to their Foresters! You're very talented and I really enjoyed watching your videorecorded transformation of your 2007 Forester! Thanks! Liked and subscribed!
Don’t forget to save some $$$ for series engine repair and or replacement and of course it will need a turbo, clutch….etc pretty soon repairs are more than car is worth. Do your self a favor buy a Toyota or Lexus
Thanks WT! I'm in the process of doing more research on common issues Would you be able to elaborate your own personal experience with the EJ255/EJ257 series? As for your experience with the clutch replacement - would this be the WRX and/or STI tranny? If possible, would you be able to estimate your total cost for these replacements? Thanks in advance!
Hey Juan! For the front grill, I used this Rustoleum satin black paint: www.zoro.com/rust-oleum-spray-paint-black-satin-12-oz-7777830/i/G9489225/ You can pick them up at your local Lowes/Home Deport/hardware store Let me know if you have any additional questions - thanks!
Thanks Marvin! Very glad that I am able to inspire others! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions on maintenance, fitment, or costs - i'll be making a more in depth analysis of my build soon!
In my opinion, the gearing actually feels better with the bigger tires. When I was running OEM size/all seasons, the AT would hesitate on city traffic. After switching, I don't feel the hesitation anymore and I feel that my AT is in the right gear more often!
@@davechangauto Hello! I have no idea. Try to ask in your local car parts store, they will know for sure. PS: Your build looks amazing! It will be serious off-roader one day!
Hey Chayce! Thanks for reaching out - I've got a video with more details but here's a quick summary: Wheels: 15x8 +12mm offset and 25mm spacers (to clear brakes) Tires: 215/75/15 general grabber atx's And i got the tires from Tire Rack and wheels from summit racing - lmk if you need the direct links! Hope that helps!
To be honest, the tires rubbed quite a bit and I had to beat in the welds and cut the wheel liner. I'd recommend a higher offset to prevent rubbing (mine is about -12mm). But lmk if you have more questions and I can answer in more detail!
I have a 2006 sohc forester, can you give me the list of parts and supplies so I can do this to my car I put 2 engines in it in the last 4 years and feel like doing some more work since I am keeping this car for another 10 years
Hey Kyle, I actually fabricated my brackets by using some aluminum sheets from my local hardware store Just bent them into place and drilled some holes for bolts
Hey Matthew! Thank you! (Love your channel/vids by the way) I have tried disconnecting the sway bars but decided to utilize Kartboi endlinks (similiar to Blingstrom's build) for daily driving and on-road purposes. Back on the OHV trails, I also prefer to disconnect them! Feel free to bump me if you have any additional questions on my build - Thanks again for the support!
Those wheels and tyres set it off! I saw pics of your foz in google images and stoked to see a build video. Did your tyres rub much before the lift and notice much change to on road handling, acceleration and fuel consumption?
Looks insane! I bought an 07 about two months ago, had in mind to do a softland style forester build. This has inspired me! I gave you a follow on your insta page. I particularly like the skid plate. I come from a backround where i drove the 90s style pajro , montero or whatever they called, big heavy 4l v8 and a 3.5 v6 and the fuel consumption was not worth it hence me buying a subie forester and im madly inlove with it. Did some heavy mud trailing a week ago in heavy rain and did not get stuck once on standard road style tyres. Peace out
Thanks Willie! Glad to see another fozzy in the family! I'm happy that i've been able to inspire your build. Please feel free to reach out directly if you have any questions on my build / modifications. On a side note, my father actually owns a 2003 Montero Limited with the 3.8 v6 (US model) The Montero's been in my family for almost 19 years now!
I have a 2008 xt and wanted to do some of this similar stuff. The springs installed did that raise the height? also what size tire? I have to stick with 18" rims because I have brembo brakes up front.
Yep that's correct The springs raised them 1inch and now I've got 1inch strut spacers as well (2 inch total) (1" raised King Springs and 1" ADF strut spacer). Tbh, I'd go with 2" ADF strut spacer w/ regular height king springs instead - I've heard that setup is more comfortable. As for the tire size, I am running 215/75/15 on 15x8 +12 wheels
Dave, great work. Can you tell me what wheel/Tyre size you were using before you put the Generals on? They look bigger than the stock 215/55/17's. Cheers. Chris from Down Under.
Hello fella I'm from the UK, forgive me for asking but what offset are your wheels as I've got an SH forester and want to achieve the same stance on my rig as yours. Please advise. Much appreciated.
Hey John! Hello from the States! I'm currently running a wheel spec of 15x8 +12mm Offset. In order to clear my XT brakes, I had to use a 25mm wheel spacer for F+R. This combination gave my tire total offset of 37mm. This may result in a shorter* wheel bearing lifespan which can get pretty pricey unless you're able to DIY the wheel bearings As for tires, I am running a 215/75/15 - which is pretty much the max you can run with SG's (I had to do a lot of cutting/punching to make this size work). I've heard that the SH generation can fit larger wheels (235/15) Also do note that I was able to acquire this specific look by slightly/minimally stretching the 215 tire onto the 15x8 wheels. Hoping this helps! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any additional questions! *shorter as in your bearings will last only 5 years instead of 6 years. The accelerated bearing wear is highly dramatized on forums by people who skimp out on quality OEM pieces.
Nice video 😊 When I go spray painting rims I allways put some soap on the tires. That way you can wash paintdust of very easy after the rims are ready.
Hey Dave, Dope project! I have an 04 Forester XT myself. @ 1:48 would you mind describing the product and process you used for the ‘Wind Noise Reduction’ and how much did it make a difference?! Thanks, subbed and loved the video!
Hey Lou! I actually made a more detailed video via this link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1EYcwbj152A.html Thanks for the support! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions
Awesome to hear that Kaleb! Please feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions on the procress and/or experience afterwards. Thanks for the support!
@@davechangauto Thank you! i got it all finished up mostly sweat free aside from a couple kinks along the road. There's some pretty serious camber that i need to get rid of so that i can align it. Thinking camber bolts but wasn't sure what you thought. Thanks! Also did you have to upgrade cv axles? one of mine just failed a week after lifting it. should i expect that on the other one?
@@kalebsmith7232 Hey Kaleb! Good to hear that it went smoothly for you. As for the camber bolts, the USDM models should have came with camber bolts for the front (not sure about other markets). The rear are normal bolts so you'll need to get camber bolts if you want to adjust the rear (however, this also means that the camber for the rear should be close to oem spec) As for the CV boot - I haven't had any issues so far with about 6,000 miles on my 2-inch lift. Any ideas when it was last replaced? I'm thinking age may have been a factor. Additionally, Per my research, most SG Foresters don't have CV issues until hitting over 2.5 inches of lift. (So I wouldn't be too worried about future issues) If the issue persists, the CV boots may be rubbing against something else?
