I've been looking into getting a good 02 subaru forester lift kit because, let's be honest, the stock ride height on these old SF models just doesn't do them justice anymore. If you're like me and you've got one associated with these boxy special gems sitting in your own driveway, you know they're basically mountain goats in disguise. But as soon as you start hitting actual trails or seeking to get around deep snow, that factory ground clearance begins to feel a bit lacking.
Lifting an earlier 2000s Forester will be one of those projects that totally transforms the car. This goes from resembling a sensible grocery getter to a "battle wagon" that will can actually keep its own whenever the pavement finishes. But before you simply go out plus buy the 1st shiny piece of metal you observe on-line, there's a lot in order to consider about how these kits actually work and what they're likely to do to your day-to-day drive.
Precisely why Even Bother Raising an Old SF Forester?
The particular 2002 Forester is usually in that nice spot. It's aged enough to become inexpensive and easy to operate on, but modern enough to possess a decent AWD system. The primary reason almost all people hunt regarding an 02 subaru forester lift kit is simple: clearance. You would like to get those bumpers away from the stones and make area for a few beefier auto tires.
Even a modest two-inch lift the entire world of difference. It's not just regarding the numbers on the spec sheet; it's concerning the peace associated with mind you obtain once you hear the branch scrape under the car plus realize it didn't actually hit everything vital. Plus, let's be real—a raised Forester just looks "right. " It fills out those squared-off wheel arches in a method that Subaru most likely should have completed from your factory.
Choosing Between Spacers and Springs
When you begin shopping, you're basically going to see two primary paths: strut coil spring spacers or lift spring suspensions. Both have their followers, and honestly, each work, but they change the car within very different ways.
The Strut Spacer Route
Strut spacers are most likely the most common approach to take. These are usually basically pucks—usually produced of HDPE (a fancy plastic) or heavy-duty steel—that bolt onto the best of the existing swagger assembly. The elegance of a spacer kit is that will it doesn't change your ride quality. Since you're using the factory springs plus struts, the car still feels such as a car. It's just two ins higher off the particular ground.
If you're simply doing this regarding looks or lighting trail riding, coil spring spacers are the way to go. They're usually cheaper, as well as the installation is pretty straightforward. You're not really messing with spring compressors, which is usually a huge plus if you price your fingers and your sanity.
The Lift Spring Route
After that you've got lift springs, like the particular ones from Full Springs or Ironman 4x4. Instead associated with adding a spacer on top, you're swapping out the actual coil intended for a taller, firmer one. This is actually the much better move if you're planning on hauling a lot associated with gear. If you've got a roof-top tent, a complete trunk area of camping gear, and maybe the hitch-mounted bike stand, your stock 20-year-old springs are possibly sagging anyway. Firmer springs will handle that extra pounds much better with no bottoming out every single time you strike a pothole.
The "Hidden" Parts You Might Need
Here is definitely where a wide range of individuals get caught away guard. You can't just throw the 2-inch 02 subaru forester lift kit on and call it per day without thinking about the geometry associated with the car. Once you lift the entire body far from the subframes, things start to pull in directions they weren't intended to go.
The biggest concern within the SF Forester may be the rear tires. If you lift the particular car a lot more than a good inch or so with no "trailing arm coil spring spacers, " your rear wheels are going to change forward in the steering wheel well. Not just does it look goofy, but it can actually cause your own tires to stroke against the front side of the fender. Most decent lift kits will consist of these spacers, but if you're piece-mealing a kit collectively, don't forget them.
You furthermore have to think about your own CV axles. Subarus are recognized for becoming picky about axle angles. In case you move too high—anything over 2 or 2. 5 inches—you're putting a lot associated with stress on all those CV boots. They're going to tear faster, and you also might obtain some vibration below acceleration. It's the price we purchase that sweet, special ground clearance.
Installation Realities: Get the PB Blaster Ready
In the event that you're planning on setting up an 02 subaru forester lift kit yourself, I have one piece of advice: start placing your bolts within penetrating oil around three days before a person plan to start. We're referring to a car from 2002. Those strut bolts have got had two decades to rust by themselves into one solid piece of metal.
The actual procedure isn't rocket technology. You're basically taking the struts out, attaching the spacers (or swapping the springs), and putting all of them back in. Yet on an old Forester, "taking the struts out" can involve plenty of swearing, the breaker bar, plus maybe a blowtorch if you're unfortunate.
1 thing that often gets overlooked is definitely the sway club links. Whenever you lift the car, the stock links could be under a great deal of tension. A few people just "delete" their sway pubs for more rough-road articulation, but if this is your daily driver, you'll most likely want to maintain them. You might need adaptable or longer finish links to obtain everything lined up right again.
Wheels: The Final Item of the Puzzle
A lift kit is really just a means in order to an end, and that end is usually larger tires. Once you've got your 02 subaru forester lift kit installed, you can begin taking a look at some more aggressive rubber.
The "gold standard" for any elevated SF Forester is usually usually something such as a 215/75R15. To run those, you'll probably need to switch to 15-inch wheels (down from the stock 16s upon some trims) to get enough sidewall. All-terrain tires like the BFGoodrich KO2s or the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trek are super well-known. They give the vehicle that aggressive "get out of our way" look and actually provide the grasp you require when things get muddy.
Just keep in mind that larger tires will have an effect on your gearing. Your speedometer will end up being off with a few miles each hour, and the car might feel a small more sluggish away from the line. For many of us, that's a small price to pay for the capability to climb up a fire road without sweating.
Living with the Lifted Forester
So, what's it actually like in order to drive? Well, it's not going to handle like a sports car anymore—not that the 02 Forester ever actually did. You'll notice a bit more body roll within the corners due to the fact your center of gravity is increased. If you went with stiffer spring suspensions, the ride may feel a bit "jiggly" when the particular car is vacant.
But the very first time you pull into a campsite that would have sculpted your oil pan off at stock height, it most becomes worthwhile. There's a certain satisfaction in taking a classic wagon places where people in $60, 000 Jeeps are usually surprised to discover you.
In the end, selecting an 02 subaru forester lift kit is regarding knowing what you need to do along with the car. In the event that it's only for the particular vibe, choose a few simple top-hat coil spring spacers and enjoy the particular view. If you're building a devoted overlander, spend the particular extra cash on heavy-duty springs plus subframe drops. Either way, you're providing an old classic a second lease on life, and that's always a win within my book. Simply don't forget in order to get an expert alignment as soon as you're done—your tires will thank you!