I love to see folks out enjoying some light wheeling in 'regular person' rigs -- you don't need a Rubicon to have fun off pavement, and it looks like you had a bunch of it. Good stuff.
My family and I just brought home a 2016 Forester yesterday! We'll be starting off FAR more gently than this, but I enjoyed watching the video. I went on a geocaching trip with friends a few months ago, and the Forester that I was riding in performed as well as or better than any of the other cars in our group. I was sold! Looking forward to many family adventures. I'll be watching a few more of your videos to learn a thing or two. Thanks for recording your trips!
Peter Rupp Long story short, we were all out on a drive, he lost control of the car attempting to make a pass, slid sideways into an oncoming truck, and was killed instantly. The car was shredded into two halves. It was the worst crash I have ever seen. Was really rough on me having to pull a dead friend from a burning car.
I'm sorry for your loss that's terrible. Love your vids, I'm looking into getting a 03-04 fozzy 2.5 (my first car can't rly afford an xt) in a manual of course.
Hi Josh, i just wanted to tell you that i'm so sorry about what happened to Kolby. It's a big lost for the Subary Offroad, there aren't so many people like you who takes the matter seriously and really enjoy their belived Foresters. My Condolences
Great videos - really enjoying watching you guys working together on the trails. Very sorry to hear about the loss, man. Thank you for keeping these videos around to share. Some good memories there if I'd have anything to say about it.
I've got an 06 L.L. Bean I've been working on. Thanks for the inspiration guys. Happy wheeling. This video is perfect for lifted versus non. I've got oversized tires too. Raised an inch in back. Sits ok, may go with boosters like you've got on Lead subby.
Great video! My buddies and I spent a week in Silverton and around the area riding motorcycles in 2007...trip of a lifetime. That was a great trail. Cheers!
Your car is badass, but your driving ability helps. I would be scared to take your car up these places like you do. I have a 4 inch lifted jeep and I get nervous. Well done!! Love your videos !!!
I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a 2011 suby to replace my 2000 toyota rav4, and this video just sold me. Apparently clearance is not the issue so much as ballsiness
Nice work guys. Not exactly the right tool for the job, but you made it. We'll be doing this next year on dual sports and from the looks of the obstacles I see easy bike paths through all.
Wow this looks great. I just picked myself up an 04 2.0XT (Turbo) 5spd manual a few weeks ago. Might get some knobblies and take it up the Cairngorm trails.
Hello, sorry for your loss, I really know how you feel. I don't know if anyone has asked you this question but what size tires are those on both cars? Are those factory size AT? or did you have to go up a few size series/aspect ratio wise? I'm looking into 4 wheeling, I currently have a 1997 GMC Yukon 2dr turbo diesel as a daily driver, but don't want to use that because of fuel consumption, same with a Land Rover which are also v8s. I have had Subaru's in the past (96 outback and 2000 Forester), very competent cars in harsh North east winters, and seeing this convinces me more this is the way to go cuz of great gas milage. If there are any more tips you can share I'll be greatful. Keep the great videos coming
bluefox4848 I'm planning on it right now, and I've been looking into some options but I'm not sure how much lift I wanna go for. I've read that some people use the saggy nose/butt spacers just to get a little bit more aggressive look but I want a little more function and so I was looking at one, maybe two inches. But with two, don't you run into the limits of the rear camber adjustment and end up with positive camber even with it pulled all the way in?
I'm sorry for your loss. It doesn't get much rougher than that. Thanks for sharing. I am about to buy a Forester, replacing my Tiger 800xc : ( I don't have your skills and have no plans to take it that close to its limits, but I'm glad to see how you do it - slow and patient. I am planning to get the 2.5l motor, but would like to have your take on how important it is to upgrade to the turbo 2.0.
Great video. I was in the Moab/Grand Junction area for 12 years. Thinking of getting a used Sube, but worried about the head gasket issue. You said yours has over 200K miles now? Any problems with head gasket, or other major repairs beyond routine maintenance?
Travis Kelly Headgaskets are a more common issue on the older N/A engines, not the turbo ones. I also have a 2000 Outback with the N/A with "blown" head gaskets and it's been running fine for the past 40k miles. Just drips oil a little is all. Forester has had the engine out many times over its life, mainly because of cracked ring lands due to detonation from a fueling issue I didn't find until after I cracked the ring lands again.
Hello BlueFox, can I ask for the make/model of that roof rack? Would love one for my SF5. Did you have to perform any mods to mount the spare on the rack?
Just purchased an 03 forester with plans to make it similar to yours by this summer. Was curious as to how your think the naturally aspirated automatic engine will do compared to your turbo Manual transmission? Ive taken my previous 02 wrx up in the Silverton area and seen a lot of those trails (kept the wrx on the easy stuff though lol). Im mostly concerned with a lack of power trying to climb at those altitudes? I miss my wrx for the added power and manual transmission, but ive seen that the auto foresters seem to have it easier when crawling over rough terrain? Any thoughts?
Auto's are easier, but they seem to spin up diagonal spin a lot easier. The manuals are a pain because of high elevation and gearing. Low-Range 5-speed manual would be ideal in this car, but that requires a transmission swap from Australia.
Best regards from Europe! I want to buy a Forester from 2006 and I ask you and all other who watch yours video, wich has more capability for off road 2.0 petrol or 2.5? Further this, automatic or manual is better? I can,t wait answers. THANK YOU ANTICIPATED. Yannis
Believe it or not you need to let Subarus spin the tires. The computer will move the power to the wheels not spinning by applying the brake on the spinning wheels. With an automatic you will do better using both feet. One on the brake and the other on the gas. Stay on the gas and use the brake to control speed in rough areas. Makes for very smooth rock crawling.
This is true with Subaru's that have VDC and Traction Control. Traction Control wasn't available on Foresters until 2007, and the VDC system until 2009. My 2005 Forester has no traction aides, only a rear VLSD, and an open front diff.
Standard transitions are most of the time better for off road; but for some reason, when it comes to Subaru's, it is a detriment. If you had an automatic transmission you would have been much better off. There would have been virtually no drama.
I love it! :) Can I ask why you chose the Sumo kit? Do you have factory springs? I'm planning on buying a Fozzy (probably a SF, I prefer the styling), and trying to figure out the best suspension setup. Also, what are you going to do about low range? My understanding was that no one makes a low range Tcase that can withstand the power from the XT.
RainAfterMidnightTV Factory springs, factory struts. Only difference is the SUMO lift kit on top of the strut assembly (doesn't require you to take the springs out). Great kit!
So to be honest, Was the lift worth it in the end? It really seems like the standard ride height is capable of a lot more than you would encounter on a normal mountain pass. And for most of the way the silver one did the same route as you?
On this particular trail, the additional lift wasn't necessary, but was nice to have as I didn't have to worry as much about clearances. On Poughkeepsie, the lift came into play for sure.
Man... at 2:07 you badly need a better under carriage [protection. I am going to make for mine (Forrester, 2002), a trapezoid H out of re-bars (3/4"), with 1/2" steel washers at their end, all welded and painted for corrosion control. In between the front and its end, three or four (depending on your measure of clearance in between) bar welded across. These will form a grid, protecting the oil pan, transmission's and - if you install an ABS plastic sheet to cover it all - will keep the air from cooling the engine too much in winter. Have caution to leave space for oil drainage. Congratulations! It must have been an excellent trip!!! Thanks!
Thanks for the enjoyable and exciting excursion on roads I'll never experience. I'd love to try that. What kind of tires did you two use. I could see B.F. Goodrich. I used T/A's on my '07. Makes me want to buy a skid plate for the oil pan!
clobbohead In my opinion and from experience, anyone doing this kind of off-roading without skid plates is a moron. Just asking for a very expensive ka-bang.
I really like your video. Good to see a couple of Subarus shredding trails out in the woods. I have BFG All-terrains on my Jeep and like them for everything except crazy mud. Good choice. I wonder how a stock XV Crosstrek would do on this trail? Anywho, great video.
HOw is this easier in an automatic? I've owned both an automatic and manual 4wd subaru forester 2001 and I've found that the manual does far better on steep slopes . I can smell the clutch burning with the automatic when I just drive up a big hill. The only bonus is that it goes faster.
Josh Robinson In this video, there was no skid plate. I only just recently acquired one that I considered worthy to be even called a skid plate. I'll be posting a video up on it soon.
The Black Subaru could benefit from a hand throttle .. Mount it to the shift lever and all you worry about it clutch and brake ... We use them all the time in manuals for rock crawling ...
If you head to cobb or other well known tuners you could with a couple bolts ons increase your tq output and it would help you out a lot. I would start with a cobb ap v3, it's just a plug and play tuner that will if you and overall increase in power.
I've already had the accessport on my car with downpipe and tune during my Poughkeepsie video. Doesn't help much, only thing that will is low range gearing.
Brilliant cars these, I wonder if the new X Mode would of made a big difference on something like this? that a bit more clearance of course! Great vid man, thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Yes, I do believe that X-Mode (and the fact that it's an automatic/CVT) would have made a huge difference for sure. Maybe one day Subaru will give me a new XT to thrash around off road, who knows. One can dream.
+bluefox4848 I just found an 2004 XT way lower price than I expect for the millage. I'm so tempted to get it. I got a pretty well modded 2008 WRX for street fun, but been thinking of getting something with a bit more room for camping and such since I don't have a work truck any more. First thing would be some A/T tires. Sad thing is down here in Texas we don't have as many hills and such. Did get a job in Grand Junction, CO for about a month and we had blast with the company 3/4 ton lifted trucks they had out there.
+bluefox4848 Hey Bluefox4848, I believed we may have talked before, why do you disconnect the sway bar links when you go off roading? is it safe to drive on the eway without them?
I miss my old 2004 which took me through anything.. Bought a new 2015 which I haven't off-road tested yet (I think that I will get skid plates again). Wanted to keep the other but my kid wrecked it after 3 days - at least he was safe. The new one feels *completely* different. Anyone off-roaded the new Forester?... I'm a little leery because it feels so big. Appreciate any feedback.
+Nick Radloff Thanks very much for your feedback! Not sure that I like the "fly by wire" feel at all. I kind of miss my immediate connection to the road -- like not being on a horse or a boat, but floating above it. Also, it is so much bigger overall. i'm still not used to it's dimensions (ugh, parking) and I don't feel as tight to the road on a turn. I'm hesitant to offroad it much yet, but I have a chance to these couple of weeks driving around Mt. Rainier and the Gifford Pinchot Nat Forests here in WA state. I'll let you know.
If your interested in another gopro here 4 and subaru outback joining the adventure I tend to do things like this solo. Living in CO. Recently went to moab to do some off road driving. Only one out there with a subaru.
I prefer to keep my clutch as long as I can. The repairs/upgrades on these vehicles if you keep off roading will probably be as much as upgrading to a wrangler. I used to off road with a 5 speed patriot. Pretty much the same vehicle as this. I decided after my wife totaling it that burning clutches are not a good thing. I got a off road package jeep patriot now with an auto. It comes with some nice skid plates and tow hooks and a lower range gear. Its just the cheap mans wrangler but its what I thought I could afford. No more smoking clutches or upgrades for me besides some off road tires. Both of our vehicles will never be as good as a wrangler or that kind of vehicle but they also cost much less too and get better mpgs and are really able to go over some pretty rough stuff. If its too rough that the patriot can't make it, I probably should be hiking it anyways.
+bansheezs Just found out that my patriot has a bit more ground clearance than your lifted forester due to bigger tires I have on mine. So the the patriot I have might be a bit more capable than the forester here.
+bansheezs That's the thing though, I DONT CARE about having the most capable or most rugged off road vehicle. That's not why I off road, and most Jeep people don't "get" this. I prefer to take the underdog vehicle off road. Taking something it was never designed to do, and push it to it's absolute limit is enjoyable for me. This is why I do this.
+bansheezs Forester has oversize BFG's in combination to the 2" lift. Total I'm running 11.5 inches to the lowest point on the body/frame. 15 inches to the oil pan. 11.5 to the rear diff.
+bluefox4848 I am of the same idea too, i HATE seeing jeep guys talk down on a dude bringing out their weapon of choice to the trails. I love to see what everyones rigs can do, no matter what the manufacturer intended. I was wheelin in my jeep CJ5 at our local park and i saw a purple nissan murano just shredding the mud and having a blast even on road tires, and that was awesome to see. fuck the haters man they are the worst.
+jbatacan2 Three cheers for you sir. Though i'm tired of the word "haters" (used for even a strange glance these days), I agree 100% with you. My brother and I used a CJ7, stock, for some medium-tough off roading back East and it performed well, and I liked that other Jeep drivers exchanged waves with us, but we liked ANYTHING that went off road. We weren't part of some imaginary fraternity. My next "off-road" car was an '83 Subaru wagon, with the hi-low range and rally wheels. Boy did I frustrate many truck drivers with that little monster. If the clearance was a problem, I went on the side of stuff without rolling. If it was soft (mud, snow, etc...) it floated over most of it if you kept the wheels moving steady. The grip was better than lots of vehicles, including going up icy roads with only an edge of snow for one side of the road. After moving a lot and year without 4WD, a long bout of bad luck and health expenses, I started over in my 40's with an Isuzu Trooper, the big heavy "pavement princess" kind, but am still having fun. I take it all over the southwest and people are somewhat amused with what I can get through... only upgrades are OME shocks/springs, one size larger tires, the rest of it stock. Parts are getting rare and it's mileage is old-school SUV (bad), but it's all I have.
Did you have to do any other mods due to the lift? or was it just install and good to go? And have you had any repercussions from doing the lift so far (transmission issues) or anything? And last but not least, sorry to hear about your buddy Kolby :/
+J Ponderosa The lift was a simple bolt on, and then get an alignment. No issues with the lift other than you can sometimes rip your inner CV boots on the front axles. Other than that, no issues with it.
I was in a sandwiching at a stop light. I was stopped at a stop light when a pick up slammed into me from the rear, throwing my car forward into the car in front.
Just watched you video and I too regret buying a manual xt. Especially since I paid through the nose to get it, lol. Debating on the dual range conversion or starting over with an auto.
+G&M Media-Design get an auto, it's less of a PITA in city gridlock and easier to drive in all but the most extreme off road circumstances. In stead of buying brochure BS from the sales bitch, get yourself some 'ground reading skills' and some 'common sense' - the end.
+G&M Media-Design If the vehicle you are looking at has low-range/dual range, then the manual is the way to go. If it's just a choice between manual or auto, the Auto is by far the better choice, especially for beginners.
+Dallin Lutz Tough to describe where Subaru's fit in the categories of off-roading toughness, but here goes. It seems they are somewhere tougher than the Kias and crossover stuff copying their long reign, but maybe the RAV 4 is about the same; not as tough as trucks, but far more protected than your average Ford Fusion. My '83 wagon seemed unstoppable over similar terrain as this video, steep wet forest trails sliding off of roots and stones, deep snow where I hit a hidden concrete ledge with the front of the chassis... until I broke through a frozen, shallow marsh with all four wheels and it was resting on the undercarriage. Even in that fix, after a friend dumped hot ash from their wood burning stove onto the broken ice around the tires, I drove out!! Sold it with about 160,000 miles on it. There were some minor scratches underneath, smashed fog lights, but that was about it, and it performed about the same only needing oil changes, a new water pump, and the regular replacements (plugs, cv joint boots, etc...) that came with wear and tear. I can only guess here, but I would hope the new ones are just as tough. They are made by Fuji heavy industries, and the first Subarus were showing they were already tougher than most cars. Even that '83 had little skid plates underneath for protecting the important stuff, and mud flaps in front of some of the wiring. Tough little bastard.
No 4Low. Lack of some skids. Not really. Subies can be tough little vehicles though. They're heavier than the average Honda. My little 2016 Crosstrek is 3200lb curb. For a car, the aftermarket support for offroad mods is better than most CUVs. It's not as good as for 4WDs, but it keeps getting better. I can find diff-lockers, winchmounts, skids, rockers, high steel bumpers with spare carriers, suspension lifts, snorkels, etc.
ok i am a complete noobie to offroading so can someone explain to me if there are any benefits to having manual for offroading? because it just looks like a huge struggle to me and it makes me clench my teeth when I here and see clutch burning
Manuals give you more control. Most of the time, a manual is a benefit when you have a low range transfer case with a 4 wheel drive system. In stock form, these cars do not have a low range transmission, which is why you see the struggle with the clutch slippage (it’s just a clutch, they’re cheap and it beats replacing the engine if you lug it badly and spin a rod bearing or pop a piston). The car now has a low-range manual from Australia and it has helped the car immensely off road. Check out my newer videos to see the difference.
@@ModFoz hmm ok. makes sense. Most of my cars have been manual. I drive a g37 6mt and an 02 forester AT so thats why i am curious. Is there any benefits AT has over manual for offroading?
I love to see folks out enjoying some light wheeling in 'regular person' rigs -- you don't need a Rubicon to have fun off pavement, and it looks like you had a bunch of it. Good stuff.
My family and I just brought home a 2016 Forester yesterday! We'll be starting off FAR more gently than this, but I enjoyed watching the video. I went on a geocaching trip with friends a few months ago, and the Forester that I was riding in performed as well as or better than any of the other cars in our group. I was sold! Looking forward to many family adventures. I'll be watching a few more of your videos to learn a thing or two. Thanks for recording your trips!
RIP Kolby Webb (Silver Forester). You will be missed.
What happened? Also I'm in Fort Collins and about to do a 2" life with AT3's. Looking forward to getting into some fun like this.
Peter Rupp Long story short, we were all out on a drive, he lost control of the car attempting to make a pass, slid sideways into an oncoming truck, and was killed instantly. The car was shredded into two halves. It was the worst crash I have ever seen. Was really rough on me having to pull a dead friend from a burning car.
bluefox4848 Damn Sorry for your loss.
I'm sorry for your loss that's terrible. Love your vids, I'm looking into getting a 03-04 fozzy 2.5 (my first car can't rly afford an xt) in a manual of course.
bluefox4848 How much clearance is on the black one?
Hi Josh, i just wanted to tell you that i'm so sorry about what happened to Kolby. It's a big lost for the Subary Offroad, there aren't so many people like you who takes the matter seriously and really enjoy their belived Foresters.
My Condolences
Great videos - really enjoying watching you guys working together on the trails. Very sorry to hear about the loss, man. Thank you for keeping these videos around to share. Some good memories there if I'd have anything to say about it.
I've got an 06 L.L. Bean I've been working on. Thanks for the inspiration guys. Happy wheeling. This video is perfect for lifted versus non. I've got oversized tires too. Raised an inch in back. Sits ok, may go with boosters like you've got on Lead subby.
Great video! My buddies and I spent a week in Silverton and around the area riding motorcycles in 2007...trip of a lifetime. That was a great trail. Cheers!
Your car is badass, but your driving ability helps. I would be scared to take your car up these places like you do. I have a 4 inch lifted jeep and I get nervous. Well done!! Love your videos !!!
I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a 2011 suby to replace my 2000 toyota rav4, and this video just sold me. Apparently clearance is not the issue so much as ballsiness
9:19, the Forester in a forest! My Forester is always happy when it's in a forest :). Anyway, nice video, thumbs up!
Love this! You guys seem like you're having fun...that's what life is about...
thank you for sharing your adventure
Andrew Anon No prob! More to come, that's for sure!
pro trick: watch series on Flixzone. Been using them for watching all kinds of movies during the lockdown.
@Ryan Kendrick definitely, I've been using flixzone for since november myself =)
@Ryan Kendrick definitely, I have been using flixzone for since november myself :D
Thanks for sharing this one also. Makes me want to go to Colorado during the summer even more. We go there for skiing in the winter.
Colorado is epic......especially when you have either low range or an automatic, lol.
Looks like a gorgeous part of the world.
Dude this footage is awesome. Thanks for sharing the view.
Nice work guys. Not exactly the right tool for the job, but you made it. We'll be doing this next year on dual sports and from the looks of the obstacles I see easy bike paths through all.
thank you for the video - it is very inspiring to me...and sorry for your friend Kolby Webb RIP
did not realize how close this is to me.. Awesome!
Wow this looks great. I just picked myself up an 04 2.0XT (Turbo) 5spd manual a few weeks ago. Might get some knobblies and take it up the Cairngorm trails.
What tire pressure you running? Seems like it could go lower.
This car can do it but definately not the choice. Cool vid
"5 speed was the worst mistake I ever made"
I feel your pain.
16:40-17:40 real nice! Some great camera work here as well
What tyre sizes do you have on the dark grey/charcoal Forester... Did you lift the suspension a bit ?
where is this at exactly? I want to take my jeep up there
Awsome! are they stock? I love offroading in subarus. AWD=all we'll drive.
What size tires are you guys running?
Hello, sorry for your loss, I really know how you feel. I don't know if anyone has asked you this question but what size tires are those on both cars? Are those factory size AT? or did you have to go up a few size series/aspect ratio wise? I'm looking into 4 wheeling, I currently have a 1997 GMC Yukon 2dr turbo diesel as a daily driver, but don't want to use that because of fuel consumption, same with a Land Rover which are also v8s. I have had Subaru's in the past (96 outback and 2000 Forester), very competent cars in harsh North east winters, and seeing this convinces me more this is the way to go cuz of great gas milage. If there are any more tips you can share I'll be greatful. Keep the great videos coming
I'm, hopefully, going to pick up an '04 XS tomorrow, this stuff makes me really happy that I'm getting a Subie
cedartowndawg Sweet, lift and take it off road!
bluefox4848 I'm planning on it right now, and I've been looking into some options but I'm not sure how much lift I wanna go for. I've read that some people use the saggy nose/butt spacers just to get a little bit more aggressive look but I want a little more function and so I was looking at one, maybe two inches. But with two, don't you run into the limits of the rear camber adjustment and end up with positive camber even with it pulled all the way in?
I'm sorry for your loss. It doesn't get much rougher than that.
Thanks for sharing. I am about to buy a Forester, replacing my Tiger 800xc : (
I don't have your skills and have no plans to take it that close to its limits, but I'm glad to see how you do it - slow and patient. I am planning to get the 2.5l motor, but would like to have your take on how important it is to upgrade to the turbo 2.0.
I want a lift kit for my Outback and to go off road after watching this.
It`s not the 5 speed that is the problem, it`s the lack of low range gearbox which makes life easier on this type of terrain
Which translates back to "the 5-speed is the problem". Never offered as low range in the US, so the manual is the issue.
Great video. I was in the Moab/Grand Junction area for 12 years. Thinking of getting a used Sube, but worried about the head gasket issue. You said yours has over 200K miles now? Any problems with head gasket, or other major repairs beyond routine maintenance?
Travis Kelly Headgaskets are a more common issue on the older N/A engines, not the turbo ones. I also have a 2000 Outback with the N/A with "blown" head gaskets and it's been running fine for the past 40k miles. Just drips oil a little is all. Forester has had the engine out many times over its life, mainly because of cracked ring lands due to detonation from a fueling issue I didn't find until after I cracked the ring lands again.
Hello BlueFox, can I ask for the make/model of that roof rack? Would love one for my SF5. Did you have to perform any mods to mount the spare on the rack?
Roof Basket is Rola Vortex. Yes, the spare tire mounting is custom, will be posting a how-to video of that soon.
That manual Subaru must have given your left leg quite the workout!
Yes, quite.
Just purchased an 03 forester with plans to make it similar to yours by this summer. Was curious as to how your think the naturally aspirated automatic engine will do compared to your turbo Manual transmission? Ive taken my previous 02 wrx up in the Silverton area and seen a lot of those trails (kept the wrx on the easy stuff though lol).
Im mostly concerned with a lack of power trying to climb at those altitudes? I miss my wrx for the added power and manual transmission, but ive seen that the auto foresters seem to have it easier when crawling over rough terrain? Any thoughts?
Auto's are easier, but they seem to spin up diagonal spin a lot easier. The manuals are a pain because of high elevation and gearing. Low-Range 5-speed manual would be ideal in this car, but that requires a transmission swap from Australia.
im blown away how well a stock subaru did
Evak Blades Thanks. It's a "little" modified with the lift and tires, but drivetrain is fully stock.
I think he's referencing the silver Forester.
bluefox4848 sorry lol i was talking about the silver forester
Evak Blades His is a "little" modified as well with larger all-terrain tires.
Best regards from Europe!
I want to buy a Forester from 2006 and I ask you and all other who watch yours video, wich has more capability for off road 2.0 petrol or 2.5? Further this, automatic or manual is better?
I can,t wait answers.
THANK YOU ANTICIPATED.
Yannis
Believe it or not you need to let Subarus spin the tires. The computer will move the power to the wheels not spinning by applying the brake on the spinning wheels. With an automatic you will do better using both feet. One on the brake and the other on the gas. Stay on the gas and use the brake to control speed in rough areas. Makes for very smooth rock crawling.
This is true with Subaru's that have VDC and Traction Control. Traction Control wasn't available on Foresters until 2007, and the VDC system until 2009. My 2005 Forester has no traction aides, only a rear VLSD, and an open front diff.
Is this headed towards or away from Lake City?
Standard transitions are most of the time better for off road; but for some reason, when it comes to Subaru's, it is a detriment. If you had an automatic transmission you would have been much better off. There would have been virtually no drama.
I love it! :) Can I ask why you chose the Sumo kit? Do you have factory springs? I'm planning on buying a Fozzy (probably a SF, I prefer the styling), and trying to figure out the best suspension setup.
Also, what are you going to do about low range? My understanding was that no one makes a low range Tcase that can withstand the power from the XT.
RainAfterMidnightTV Factory springs, factory struts. Only difference is the SUMO lift kit on top of the strut assembly (doesn't require you to take the springs out). Great kit!
So to be honest, Was the lift worth it in the end? It really seems like the standard ride height is capable of a lot more than you would encounter on a normal mountain pass. And for most of the way the silver one did the same route as you?
On this particular trail, the additional lift wasn't necessary, but was nice to have as I didn't have to worry as much about clearances. On Poughkeepsie, the lift came into play for sure.
Man... at 2:07 you badly need a better under carriage [protection. I am going to make for mine (Forrester, 2002), a trapezoid H out of re-bars (3/4"), with 1/2" steel washers at their end, all welded and painted for corrosion control. In between the front and its end, three or four (depending on your measure of clearance in between) bar welded across. These will form a grid, protecting the oil pan, transmission's and - if you install an ABS plastic sheet to cover it all - will keep the air from cooling the engine too much in winter. Have caution to leave space for oil drainage. Congratulations! It must have been an excellent trip!!! Thanks!
Thanks for the enjoyable and exciting excursion on roads I'll never experience. I'd love to try that. What kind of tires did you two use. I could see B.F. Goodrich. I used T/A's on my '07. Makes me want to buy a skid plate for the oil pan!
They're BFGoodrich All Terrain KO TA's. Great tires, extremely durable.
bluefox4848 and if you cant afford BF's get general grabber AT-2's they are the same tyre but cheaper.
clobbohead
In my opinion and from experience, anyone doing this kind of off-roading without skid plates is a moron. Just asking for a very expensive ka-bang.
Awesome 👏
What size is your tyre in this video
How much did you air down? Fun trip, thanks for posting.
I really like your video. Good to see a couple of Subarus shredding trails out in the woods. I have BFG All-terrains on my Jeep and like them for everything except crazy mud. Good choice. I wonder how a stock XV Crosstrek would do on this trail? Anywho, great video.
TheBluehornz01 It might do good, but the XV is pretty down on power, up this high, it may struggle quite a bit.
+TheBluehornz01 If you ever try it link us to the video!
Nice video. Subarus are tough cars, but they are not a Jeep. I'm surprised how well they did.
The black forester tho 👌🏼
What size tires are you running?
Hey man great video what kind of lights are those on the lightbar?
What bull bar did you have in this video?
HOw is this easier in an automatic? I've owned both an automatic and manual 4wd subaru forester 2001 and I've found that the manual does far better on steep slopes . I can smell the clutch burning with the automatic when I just drive up a big hill. The only bonus is that it goes faster.
Do you have skid plate? If so how did you rig it up if you don't mind me asking?
Josh Robinson In this video, there was no skid plate. I only just recently acquired one that I considered worthy to be even called a skid plate. I'll be posting a video up on it soon.
I have a 03 baja with lift, Do you think it would handle this ok?
RIP clutch lol nice driving wish my Nissan d21 4x4 with front locking hubs should keep up with the Toaster you have lol.
What bumper is on the black fozzy?
Great video! Sorry about your friend. I love my Cooper AT3s!
The Black Subaru could benefit from a hand throttle .. Mount it to the shift lever and all you worry about it clutch and brake ... We use them all the time in manuals for rock crawling ...
Norman Murray Indeed it could. Low range would be more beneficial for me first.
Do they make a t-case for a subi ? I didn't know this is something new to me . I build jeeps , so I dont know much about a subi .
Приветствую, какая резина размер, на чёрном субару форестер?
If you head to cobb or other well known tuners you could with a couple bolts ons increase your tq output and it would help you out a lot. I would start with a cobb ap v3, it's just a plug and play tuner that will if you and overall increase in power.
I've already had the accessport on my car with downpipe and tune during my Poughkeepsie video. Doesn't help much, only thing that will is low range gearing.
I agree with bluefox no amount of mods to the engine will provide what low range would.
Brilliant cars these, I wonder if the new X Mode would of made a big difference on something like this? that a bit more clearance of course!
Great vid man, thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Yes, I do believe that X-Mode (and the fact that it's an automatic/CVT) would have made a huge difference for sure. Maybe one day Subaru will give me a new XT to thrash around off road, who knows. One can dream.
+bluefox4848 I just found an 2004 XT way lower price than I expect for the millage. I'm so tempted to get it. I got a pretty well modded 2008 WRX for street fun, but been thinking of getting something with a bit more room for camping and such since I don't have a work truck any more. First thing would be some A/T tires. Sad thing is down here in Texas we don't have as many hills and such. Did get a job in Grand Junction, CO for about a month and we had blast with the company 3/4 ton lifted trucks they had out there.
That subaru has good suspension travel for a crossover.
You always leave the sway links disconnected, or just when you go offroad?
Usually when I venture off road I'll disconnect them. It's pretty easy.
+bluefox4848 Hey Bluefox4848, I believed we may have talked before, why do you disconnect the sway bar links when you go off roading? is it safe to drive on the eway without them?
Very good crossover. I needs a little bit of power and better clearance. Overall, it is very good.
front stabilizer bar disconnected ?? greater flexibility of the suspensions ??
Yes, both front and rear sway bars are disconnected on both vehicles.
I miss my old 2004 which took me through anything.. Bought a new 2015 which I haven't off-road tested yet (I think that I will get skid plates again). Wanted to keep the other but my kid wrecked it after 3 days - at least he was safe. The new one feels *completely* different. Anyone off-roaded the new Forester?... I'm a little leery because it feels so big. Appreciate any feedback.
+Nick Radloff Thanks very much for your feedback! Not sure that I like the "fly by wire" feel at all. I kind of miss my immediate connection to the road -- like not being on a horse or a boat, but floating above it. Also, it is so much bigger overall. i'm still not used to it's dimensions (ugh, parking) and I don't feel as tight to the road on a turn. I'm hesitant to offroad it much yet, but I have a chance to these couple of weeks driving around Mt. Rainier and the Gifford Pinchot Nat Forests here in WA state. I'll let you know.
Do you disconnect the sway bars when you do this?
Yes.
do you take any spare parts with you?
How did the silver one fit those all-terrain tires?
Eduardo Cesar Stock 2003-2008 Forester's can fit 215/70 R16 tires without modification.
Do you think a better clutch would help alleviate the problem?
No, the clutch itself bites fine. It's the gearing (lack of low range) that just kills it.
How are the all terrains in snow on the street? grippy enough?
All Terrain's are decent in the snow, better than all seasons, but NOTHING compared to dedicated snow tires.
Are your sway bars disconnected?
Car Fanatic Yes.
What tire pressure do you run?
do you know if there are any fun trails like this near Denver also I have the same Forester just stock ride height is a lift necessarily
Haven't been wheeling at all around Denver, but the Forester forums always shows stock Foresters up in that area.
+bluefox4848 thanks man. I'm moving to Denver this summer and I love doing that kind of stuff
If your interested in another gopro here 4 and subaru outback joining the adventure I tend to do things like this solo. Living in CO. Recently went to moab to do some off road driving. Only one out there with a subaru.
I prefer to keep my clutch as long as I can. The repairs/upgrades on these vehicles if you keep off roading will probably be as much as upgrading to a wrangler. I used to off road with a 5 speed patriot. Pretty much the same vehicle as this. I decided after my wife totaling it that burning clutches are not a good thing. I got a off road package jeep patriot now with an auto. It comes with some nice skid plates and tow hooks and a lower range gear. Its just the cheap mans wrangler but its what I thought I could afford. No more smoking clutches or upgrades for me besides some off road tires. Both of our vehicles will never be as good as a wrangler or that kind of vehicle but they also cost much less too and get better mpgs and are really able to go over some pretty rough stuff. If its too rough that the patriot can't make it, I probably should be hiking it anyways.
+bansheezs Just found out that my patriot has a bit more ground clearance than your lifted forester due to bigger tires I have on mine. So the the patriot I have might be a bit more capable than the forester here.
+bansheezs That's the thing though, I DONT CARE about having the most capable or most rugged off road vehicle. That's not why I off road, and most Jeep people don't "get" this. I prefer to take the underdog vehicle off road. Taking something it was never designed to do, and push it to it's absolute limit is enjoyable for me. This is why I do this.
+bansheezs Forester has oversize BFG's in combination to the 2" lift. Total I'm running 11.5 inches to the lowest point on the body/frame. 15 inches to the oil pan. 11.5 to the rear diff.
+bluefox4848 I am of the same idea too, i HATE seeing jeep guys talk down on a dude bringing out their weapon of choice to the trails. I love to see what everyones rigs can do, no matter what the manufacturer intended. I was wheelin in my jeep CJ5 at our local park and i saw a purple nissan murano just shredding the mud and having a blast even on road tires, and that was awesome to see. fuck the haters man they are the worst.
+jbatacan2 Three cheers for you sir. Though i'm tired of the word "haters" (used for even a strange glance these days), I agree 100% with you. My brother and I used a CJ7, stock, for some medium-tough off roading back East and it performed well, and I liked that other Jeep drivers exchanged waves with us, but we liked ANYTHING that went off road. We weren't part of some imaginary fraternity. My next "off-road" car was an '83 Subaru wagon, with the hi-low range and rally wheels. Boy did I frustrate many truck drivers with that little monster. If the clearance was a problem, I went on the side of stuff without rolling. If it was soft (mud, snow, etc...) it floated over most of it if you kept the wheels moving steady. The grip was better than lots of vehicles, including going up icy roads with only an edge of snow for one side of the road.
After moving a lot and year without 4WD, a long bout of bad luck and health expenses, I started over in my 40's with an Isuzu Trooper, the big heavy "pavement princess" kind, but am still having fun. I take it all over the southwest and people are somewhat amused with what I can get through... only upgrades are OME shocks/springs, one size larger tires, the rest of it stock. Parts are getting rare and it's mileage is old-school SUV (bad), but it's all I have.
es un excelente vehiculo diseñado para caminos duros.
Can you tell me the what tire and size the silver forester is running?
Tika Both cars are running 215/70 R16 sizes.
Tika That car had Cooper AT3 tires. The Black one had BFGoodrich All terrain KO
Did you have to do any other mods due to the lift? or was it just install and good to go? And have you had any repercussions from doing the lift so far (transmission issues) or anything?
And last but not least, sorry to hear about your buddy Kolby :/
+J Ponderosa The lift was a simple bolt on, and then get an alignment. No issues with the lift other than you can sometimes rip your inner CV boots on the front axles. Other than that, no issues with it.
I have an 1987 Subaru Gl with a 2" lift and 14" rims.. But the guys we usually go with have much higher lifts than i do.. fun though
Isaac Armstrong I've always wanted an old GL, haha!
They are lots of fun!
You think a 1.5 inch lifted STi could make it up there?
ThatWhiteSTi Possibly. Would have to really watch the wheel placement.
What happened to the front end of your friends silver forester?
I was in a sandwiching at a stop light. I was stopped at a stop light when a pick up slammed into me from the rear, throwing my car forward into the car in front.
impreza2010drifty Angry wasps.
How did you paint the stock wheels?
The wheels in this video were steel wheels, and they were powdercoated satin black.
Where the hell you guys find streets like this lol
Just watched you video and I too regret buying a manual xt. Especially since I paid through the nose to get it, lol. Debating on the dual range conversion or starting over with an auto.
Would you recommend automatic or manual cars for beginner offroaders?
Dude I own one driving manual is the way to go. it is harder to drive of course of the backroads. But how much time do you spend on backroads
+G&M Media-Design get an auto, it's less of a PITA in city gridlock and easier to drive in all but the most extreme off road circumstances. In stead of buying brochure BS from the sales bitch, get yourself some 'ground reading skills' and some 'common sense' - the end.
+G&M Media-Design If the vehicle you are looking at has low-range/dual range, then the manual is the way to go. If it's just a choice between manual or auto, the Auto is by far the better choice, especially for beginners.
Whats the frame number of your car ? are those 2.5 ?
Bukite Turuu Yes, it's a 2.5 Turbo. Frame number would be the model year I believe? Not sure what you're asking, but it's a 2005.
Do those wheels fit on a forester sf5 from 2001?
They should, yes. I ran SF wheels on my Forester for a year or so until I went with my Methods.
Is the forester designed for this kind of stress? I mean yes it had AWD, but its certainly not a truck.
It isn't, but it handles it well. I have yet to be stranded on any trail with this car.
+Dallin Lutz Tough to describe where Subaru's fit in the categories of off-roading toughness, but here goes. It seems they are somewhere tougher than the Kias and crossover stuff copying their long reign, but maybe the RAV 4 is about the same; not as tough as trucks, but far more protected than your average Ford Fusion.
My '83 wagon seemed unstoppable over similar terrain as this video, steep wet forest trails sliding off of roots and stones, deep snow where I hit a hidden concrete ledge with the front of the chassis... until I broke through a frozen, shallow marsh with all four wheels and it was resting on the undercarriage. Even in that fix, after a friend dumped hot ash from their wood burning stove onto the broken ice around the tires, I drove out!! Sold it with about 160,000 miles on it. There were some minor scratches underneath, smashed fog lights, but that was about it, and it performed about the same only needing oil changes, a new water pump, and the regular replacements (plugs, cv joint boots, etc...) that came with wear and tear.
I can only guess here, but I would hope the new ones are just as tough. They are made by Fuji heavy industries, and the first Subarus were showing they were already tougher than most cars. Even that '83 had little skid plates underneath for protecting the important stuff, and mud flaps in front of some of the wiring. Tough little bastard.
No 4Low. Lack of some skids. Not really.
Subies can be tough little vehicles though. They're heavier than the average Honda. My little 2016 Crosstrek is 3200lb curb.
For a car, the aftermarket support for offroad mods is better than most CUVs. It's not as good as for 4WDs, but it keeps getting better. I can find diff-lockers, winchmounts, skids, rockers, high steel bumpers with spare carriers, suspension lifts, snorkels, etc.
I'm gonna feel the pain of a manual, but i do have low range in my 2000 mazda b4000 4x4. 3 inch lift and 31s soon to be 33s
RedTeamWolf Low range is what matters at low speed (and altitude)
I've done that road several times in a 1995 Ford Aerostar van with no trouble at all. Rear wheel drive only and just careful line selection.
There's some lifter tick on that black fozzy.
Nice video!
R.I.P. Back seat driver pinchwelds
Subaru porn at it's best!
Jacob Pratt ALL THE SUBARU PORN!
will those bf good allterrians fit stock height?
They do, yes.
Will they rub?
+Michael Bennett Only a little at full steering lock. On mine. And that's only when they're brand new.
ok i am a complete noobie to offroading so can someone explain to me if there are any benefits to having manual for offroading? because it just looks like a huge struggle to me and it makes me clench my teeth when I here and see clutch burning
Manuals give you more control. Most of the time, a manual is a benefit when you have a low range transfer case with a 4 wheel drive system. In stock form, these cars do not have a low range transmission, which is why you see the struggle with the clutch slippage (it’s just a clutch, they’re cheap and it beats replacing the engine if you lug it badly and spin a rod bearing or pop a piston). The car now has a low-range manual from Australia and it has helped the car immensely off road. Check out my newer videos to see the difference.
@@ModFoz hmm ok. makes sense. Most of my cars have been manual. I drive a g37 6mt and an 02 forester AT so thats why i am curious. Is there any benefits AT has over manual for offroading?
why dont u justswap the dual range in it from a gl?
Can't handle the power of the XT. A dual range is on the radar though from a same year car from Australia.
Holy flex!
i need one of these in my town when i go to the forest