Off-road mods for a 2009 Forester

[Rupert]

A friend of mine just got a 2009 Forester, and she wants to make it a bit more rugged for the kinds of roads she drives. My thoughts were tires (225/55R17), center diff lock (but I don't know if that's necessary or even possible), and skid plates. I don't really know a thing about Subies or AWD or Subie AWD, but I bet some of y'all do.

Any more ideas, suggestions as to tires, etc.?

[Catman]

Foresters are cool but I do t think I could own one. There's not one manly thing about them.

[Rupert]

Good thing my friend doesn't have a penis, then.

[Soup DeVille]

I know that I've heard of guys using spacer blocks and adjustable trailing arms to raise the suspension, but I've never heard of aftermarket locking diffs for them

[hotrodalex]

Trade it for a brotruck.

[Soup DeVille]

Foresters are cool but I do t think I could own one. There's not one manly thing about them.

I supply all the necessary manliness for whatever vehicle I'm in. I don't need the car to do it for me.

[68_427]

Is it a manual or auto?

[Catman]

Good thing my friend doesn't have a penis, then.

[68_427]

http://www.subtle-solutions.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_24_29_52&products_id=106

http://www.sumoparts.com/

http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/susp.htm


If you life more than an inch or so you'll prolly need some rear trailing arm spacers

[Rupert]

Is it a manual or auto?

Auto. Not the best auto I've driven, but IMO preferred for a no-low range AWD vehicle.

[Rupert]

http://www.subtle-solutions.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_24_29_52&products_id=106

http://www.sumoparts.com/

http://www.writerguy.com/primitive/susp.htm


If you life more than an inch or so you'll prolly need some rear trailing arm spacers

That's something I might do, but I doubt lifting the thing is gonna happen. :P

[AutobahnSHO]

Lights and a skidplate.

Honestly the AWD on subies is pretty dang good

[280Z Turbo]

Foresters are cool but I do t think I could own one. There's not one manly thing about them.

If somebody drew a penis on it would that satisfy your infantile need to display masculinity?

[veeman]

What kind of roads does she drive that she needs to upgrade a standard Subie Forester?   Outside of recreational off-roaring, the only thing I can think of is if she drives on a beach. 

[Rupert]

What kind of roads does she drive that she needs to upgrade a standard Subie Forester?   Outside of recreational off-roaring, the only thing I can think of is if she drives on a beach. 

She drives the same kinds of roads I drive for work. Lots of gravel and dirt, fair amount of rocky stuff and gullied surfaces. Bare minimum, she wants good tires.

[SVT666]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy an Outback?

[Rupert]

Huh? They're the same thing.

[SVT666]

Huh? They're the same thing.

Cheaper to buy the Outback than to buy a Forester and mod it.

[Rupert]

We aren't talking about hardcore mods. $800 of tires/wheels, $500 of skid plates.

And again, isn't the Outback basically the same thing as the Forester in the off-road ability and need for these same mods department?

[MrH]

We aren't talking about hardcore mods. $800 of tires/wheels, $500 of skid plates.

And again, isn't the Outback basically the same thing as the Forester in the off-road ability and need for these same mods department?

Yes. Forester has shorter wheelbase and overhangs usually though, so it's actually slightly better.

[CALL_911]

Yeah but Outback's marketing makes it tough

[Catman]

The Outback is slightly better on penis compensation but not by much. Might not be worth it.

[FoMoJo]

Yeah but Outback's marketing makes it tough

Yes, Outback is, certainly, a tougher sounding name than Forester.  Forester sounds like Robin Hood and his band of merry men.  Outback sounds like Crocodile Dundee.

[CALL_911]

I'm not gonna pretend I'm above it, I want an Outback way more than I want a Forester

(read: I kind of want an Outback, I don't even remotely desire a Forester)

[hotrodalex]

[AutobahnSHO]

The Outback is hella more expensive for not much better vehicle   

[SJ_GTI]

The Outback is hella more expensive for not much better vehicle   

Wait, do people still use the word "hella" anymore? 

[280Z Turbo]

Wait, do people still use the word "hella" anymore? 

Well, Mormons aren't supposed to say "Hell"

[MrH]

The Outback is hella more expensive for not much better vehicle   

Top of the line Outback to top of the line Forester is about $1,000 difference.  You get more equipment, a much much nicer interior, better exterior looks IMO, and a more favorable layout.  It's a longer wheelbase.  Both passenger room and cargo room is longer but not as tall.

Well worth the $1000 extra to me.  The biggest downside though is the Forester gets the new 2.0 turbo.  The outback is still strugglin along with the old 3.6

[68_427]

Well, Mormons aren't supposed to say "Hell"

Wait, do people still use the word "hella" anymore? 

All my CA friends do.