BajaNomad

Worth getting a lift and tires for my Subaru Forester?

ShugFranklin - 11-29-2016 at 09:25 AM

Heading down further than I have before in my Subaru Forsester. Planning on spending most of our time around the 7 sisters. Should I drop the $ on a 2" lift and proper off-road tires? Would that even be enough for most situations? Or should I just save the $ and play it safe road wise?

Thanks!

bajaguy - 11-29-2016 at 09:28 AM

I tried to get a lift for my Subaru BRAT, a perfect Baja vehicle, but couldn't find any kits that would work......except in Australia and the shipping was prohibitive.

Just be careful and sane

David K - 11-29-2016 at 09:29 AM

What size tires now and what is your current ground clearance? Probably not needed, it's not like the road to Mission Santa Marķa, afterall.

ShugFranklin - 11-29-2016 at 09:32 AM

Thanks for the reply.
Found someone in SoCal that does it.
I'm a pretty conservative person, already knowing the risk involved in a trip like this I wouldn't push anything. Just curious how much more access I'm going to get for the $ invested.

ShugFranklin - 11-29-2016 at 09:34 AM

Hey David,

8.7" currently.
Wheels are 225/55 r17.

MMc - 11-29-2016 at 09:36 AM

You will be able to get to the "major spots", some of the lesser spots will be a reach. I would go and have fun without the lift. You can decide if you want the lift for your next trip. You might a compressor and a comealong.


[Edited on 11-29-2016 by MMc]

David K - 11-29-2016 at 09:43 AM

I agree with MMc. The Off Road Tacoma has not much more, at 9.25" ground clearance and 265/70-16" tires, stock. The new Subaru AWD system restricts slip and rates better than others. The only investment I suggest is a good tire air pump, because deflating the tires will give you the most traction off road and floatation on sand.

BigBearRider - 11-29-2016 at 09:58 AM

I'd consider getting a set of BF Goodrich All Terrain KO2s, assuming they make them in your size. Buy them in Baja. With the weak peso, it's a great deal for really good tires. I have a lot more confidence in my car on bad roads with these tires.

I did a lot of research to find a lift kit for my car, and found few options (Australia had some). I eventually located a kit, and brought it down to my mechanic in Baja. He told me that they can just make the kit there. For whatever it's worth.

StuckSucks - 11-29-2016 at 10:58 AM

Here's a few shots of what the road along the coast looks like in that part of the world. A lot of it is tame, but also there's some short steep hills and some soft sections.








rhintransit - 11-29-2016 at 01:05 PM

nope...your Suby will do fine, unless you are thinking of major off-roading. have never had a problem with my stock Forester.

willardguy - 11-29-2016 at 02:11 PM

mount a set of off road tires just to slap on when you're in the dirt, get home and roll your street tires till the next trip ;)

chuckie - 11-29-2016 at 02:13 PM

NO

David K - 11-29-2016 at 04:02 PM

Is there an image of the underside of a Forester, online?

I had three Subaru 4WD wagons and friends also had Subaru BRATs... I really thrashed those Suby's a lot and other than losing the exhaust/ muffler on the road to Gonzaga in 1979, I don't recall the underside being vulnerable? Those all were with 13" tires, too!

bkbend - 11-29-2016 at 04:44 PM

55 is a pretty low profile tire, not much room to air down for sand and not much protection against bending a rim on rocks. You might be able to find an older 16" subaru rim and find an equal diameter tire in a 65 (or higher) profile tire.

David K - 11-29-2016 at 04:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bkbend  
55 is a pretty low profile tire, not much room to air down for sand and not much protection against bending a rim on rocks. You might be able to find an older 16" subaru rim and find an equal diameter tire in a 65 (or higher) profile tire.


Yes, the sidewall and tread width are the places where the action happens!

I think my Subarus had 185/70-13 tires?

ShugFranklin - 12-5-2016 at 09:32 AM

Thank you everyone!

David K - 12-5-2016 at 10:26 AM

Please report back after your trip!:light: