This is super comprehensive and a great video with a ton of information that a lot of folks don't consider. Another thing a lot of people don't consider when lifting a Subaru (or at least one with a CVT) is CVT wobble. This happens with the increased driveline angle and companies like ADF sell an anti-wobble insert which can introduce additional NVH. On my 2014 Outback, I did the smaller ADF lift and the CVT wobble was barely noticeable. I didn't notice it most of the time unless I was really looking for it. On my 2017 Outback, I did the 2" ADF lift (with the added height in the back to combat the dreaded saggy butt), and the CVT wobble around the 20mph mark was very noticeable. I installed the anti-wobble insert, and NVH at highway speed was awful so I pulled it back out and just tolerated the brief shudder at low speed. Sometimes it's readily apparent. Sometimes it's easy to ignore. But it is there and something to consider.
I plan on doing adf 2.5” lower and 3” upper plan on clearing 31’s, prolly forceum m/t’s, cant beat a full set for $400. I am doing this on my 99 fozy and it will be in the next few weeks, i will try to make videos of the build as i go.
Thank you Wondering about cooling ( I had friends 20 years ago swapping to bigger radiators in Arizona) I would be interested in knowing about Subaru Radiator cross compatibility
As far as VT, NH, and Maine go, the only places seem to be in the white mountains and north from there. There is a spot in Thompson CT you can trail on as well. I live in a dead zone and haven’t had much time to explore a lot in the area.
When it comes time to replace my struts, can I install new struts that would provide a higher lift and avoid a positive camber? This way I would be replacing my worn struts and increasing my lift.
I don't mod my daily drivers. i dont think its worth it. Factory trims like Trailhawk, Wilderness, PRO4X, and TRD are incredibly capable offroad from the factory. Maybe a front leveling kit, slightly bigger tires, a pair of AUX lights, front lightbar of some sort, and crossbars with seasonal sport carriers are really all i need. No drilling, cutting, or anything for hard offroad use. If you're gonna go that route maybe buy something cheap with minimal insurance coverage and make it into a project. I did that with a 97 Wrangler. Its got holes in the floor pan but its street legal and i dont care if i hit a rock.
While this is certainly the most ideal option, not everyone has that option. Until last spring I did not have a new daily driver, and years before the Wilderness wasn't even a thing yet. Regardless that little 2005 Forester didn't need all those mods in the beginning, but over time, it was reaching its limits. From being in car culture, when you have only one car, most of the time you aren't going to wait to have the money to buy another car, even if it makes more sense to.
For a one inch lift kit not much will change in regards to suspension dynamics. That’s why there are more 1” kits available than other sizes. I didn’t have to install any of those other parts until I was up to 2.5”. Well, except for trailing arm spacers and camber bolts.
