Deciding to install an 06 subaru forester lift kit is one of those projects that starts being a "maybe" and quickly turns into a good obsession once a person see how good these wagons look with a small extra height. There is just something about the second-generation Forester (the SG chassis) that begs for more ground measurement. Whether you're exhausted of scraping your oil pan on fire roads or you just want that aggressive, "go-anywhere" aesthetic, lifting your Fozzy is probably the single nearly all impactful mod you can do.
The 2006 model year is a bit of the lovely spot. It has that classic boxy design that still appears modern enough to be a daily driver but tough enough to handle some dirt. But before you proceed out and buy the first kit you see upon eBay, there are usually a few issues we should probably talk about. Not every pulls are created identical, and depending on the way you use your car, the "best" kit might look very different from your neighbor's.
The reason why Even Bother Raising a Forester?
You might hear some purists state that Subarus are usually fine at stock height, and to be fair, they aren't wrong. They're surprisingly capable right off the particular showroom floor. Nevertheless, an 06 subaru forester lift kit changes the particular personality of the vehicle entirely. Stock distance is around 7. 9 inches, which is okay for the snowy driveway, but if you're hitting trails with hole or rocks, you're going to need more breathing room.
Lifting this doesn't just give you clearance under the diff; this improves your technique and departure sides. This means a person won't be cringing every time a person enter a large driveway or fall off a small corner on a path. Plus, let's become honest—it just appears cool. A elevated SG Forester with some meaty all-terrains looks like it belongs in the mountains, not just the grocery store parking lot.
The Big Argument: Spacers vs. Suspension springs
When a person start shopping, you're basically going to discover two main ways to get that lift: strut top spacers or improved lift springs. Each have their fans, plus both have their particular drawbacks.
Strut Top Spacers
Spacers are generally the most famous choice with regard to someone just starting out. They are exactly what they appear like—pucks made associated with HDPE (high-density polyethylene), aluminum, or metal that bolt onto the top of your existing strut assembly.
The advantage of spacers is that they don't change your ride quality. Since you're nevertheless using your manufacturing plant springs and struts, the vehicle feels exactly like it do before, just higher up. If you're happy with just how your Forester rides now, a 1-inch or 2-inch spacer kit is the simple way in order to get the appearance without making the particular ride stiff.
Lift Springs
Then you've obtained lift springs, such as the ones from California king Springs or Iron Man. These really replace your factory coils. They're stiffer and slightly much longer. These are excellent in case you tend to carry a lot of equipment. If you have got a heavy roof best tent, a full trunk of camping out gear, or perhaps a sturdy rear bumper, stock springs are going to sag. Lift springs assist "stiffen" the rear finish so you don't end up with that dreaded "Subaru saggy butt" appear when the car is loaded lower.
Understanding the particular "Saggy Butt" Sensation
Speaking of saggy butts, when you own a good 06 Forester, you understand exactly what I'm discussing. Even from stock height, the particular rear end associated with these cars often looks lower than the front. When you install an 06 subaru forester lift kit , many owners opt for the "staggered" setup. This particular might mean the 2-inch lift in the rear and also a 1. 5-inch lift in the front.
If you don't do this, the vehicle might look like it's perpetually speeding up. Most high-quality kits will actually include a slightly thicker spacer for the particular rear just in order to level things out there. Trust me, you'll thank yourself afterwards when you step back to check out the profile from the vehicle and it really sits level.
What Happens to the CV Axle assemblies?
Now, I actually don't want to weather on the march, but we possess to discuss the "side effects. " When you lift a vehicle with independent suspension, you're changing the position of the CV (constant velocity) axles. Upon an 06 Forester, most people agree that a 2-inch lift is about the limit just before you start operating into trouble.
In case you go higher than two inches without also performing a "subframe drop, " you're going to be putting lots of stress on these CV boots. They might tear, or you might start sense a vibration during acceleration. If you stay throughout the 1-inch to 1. 5-inch mark, you generally won't even notice a positive change in axle wear. But in case you're taking a complete 2-inch 06 subaru forester lift kit , just keep an eye on all those boots in your oil changes.
The Installation: Is It a DIY Job?
If you're decent with a wrench tool and have a floor jack and some jack stalls, you can certainly try this in your own driveway. However, it's rarely as "quick" as the Facebook videos make it look.
The largest hurdle regarding a car that's nearly 20 years outdated is rust. Individuals bottom strut bolts have been living in road salt and grime since 2006. My advice? Begin spraying everything along with PB Blaster or even Kroil a several days before you plan to do the particular work.
You'll also would like to make sure you have a lengthy pry bar. Obtaining the struts back again into place with a spacer attached takes a bit of muscles and leverage. And here's a pro tip: don't tighten up everything down till the car is back on its personal weight. This helps the bushings settle directly into their new place without getting pre-loaded and wearing out prematurely.
Don't Your investment Alignment
After the kit is usually on, the vehicle is going to look amazing, yet it's going in order to drive like sizzling garbage until you obtain an alignment. Lifting the car dirt with your camber and toe. When you just drive it as-is, you'll chew via a place of tires in the couple of a few months.
Most 06 subaru forester lift kit packages include "camber bolts" for the front side. These allow the particular alignment shop to get your tires vertical again. With out them, your wheels might lean out at the best (positive camber), which makes for some very weird handling characteristics.
Steering wheel and Tire Option
A lift kit is actually just the "enabler" with regard to the real celebrity of the display: the tires. When you have that extra area, you can forget those highway tires for something along with a little more bite.
For the lifted 06 Forester, a common size is 215/70R16 or actually 215/75R15 if you decide to downsize your wheels. Heading with a 15-inch wheel (like a technique Race Wheel or something similar) provides you with more tire sidewall, which is excellent for off-roading mainly because you can air flow down for much better traction. Just become careful not to go too big, or you'll start rubbing against the spring perch on the swagger, which is a whole other headache involving wheel spacers and fender trimming.
Final Thoughts for the Lift Life
At the end associated with the day, installing an 06 subaru forester lift kit is about making the car function better for your own lifestyle. It's not really going to turn it into a rock-crawling Jeep Wrangler, yet it will make this one of the most versatile vehicles on the street. You are able to still cruise comfortably on the highway at 70 mph, but whenever the pavement finishes, you'll have the confidence to help keep heading.
Remember to take it slow, seek information on which spacers or suspension systems fit your shipment needs, and usually, constantly obtain that alignment carried out. Once it's all dialed in, you'll find yourself taking long way house only to see what kind of dust you can discover. It's a slippery slope—once you lift it, you'll possibly start looking with roof racks, light bars, and veer plates next. But hey, that's half the fun of owning a Subaru, right?