Crosstrek 2" Lift Kit: Dramatic Before & After
Lifting your Crosstrek is an exciting prospect, but it’s a decision that requires some homework. While the visual results are impressive, a lift changes your vehicle's geometry, which can impact everything from CV joint longevity to your factory warranty. Making an informed choice means understanding both the benefits and the responsibilities that come with this modification. This guide cuts through the noise to give you a straightforward look at the realities of lifting your vehicle. We’ll cover the critical components, potential trade-offs, and maintenance adjustments, giving you the complete 2" lift kit Crosstrek before and after story—not just the highlight reel you see online.
Key Takeaways
- Balance On-Road Feel with Off-Road Gains: A 2-inch lift gives you the ground clearance for bigger tires and more challenging trails, but it also raises your vehicle's center of gravity. Expect a change in handling and a slight dip in fuel economy in exchange for that new capability.
- Prioritize a Complete Kit to Protect Your Drivetrain: The best lift kits include more than just spacers; they have components like subframe spacers to correct suspension angles. Investing in a complete, quality kit is the best way to prevent premature wear on your CV joints and other critical parts.
- Factor in Post-Installation Steps: Your work isn't done after the install. A professional wheel alignment is non-negotiable to ensure your Crosstrek drives safely and your tires wear evenly. Plan on adopting a more frequent inspection schedule for your suspension components.
Why Lift Your Crosstrek 2 Inches?
If you’re looking to get more out of your Subaru Crosstrek, a 2-inch lift is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make. It’s a popular choice for a reason: it strikes the perfect balance between enhanced capability and daily drivability. Lifting your Crosstrek isn't just about making it look tougher; it's about unlocking its true potential for adventure. This modification is often the first step toward building a rig ready for anything, providing the foundation for larger tires, better suspension, and more serious overlanding solutions.
A 2-inch lift gives you a noticeable performance boost on trails without drastically altering your vehicle's on-road manners. It’s the sweet spot that lets you tackle more challenging terrain over the weekend and still comfortably handle your commute on Monday. Whether you want to clear bigger obstacles, improve your vehicle’s stance, or simply gain more confidence on rough roads, a lift kit is a game-changer. It's about making your vehicle more versatile and aligning its capabilities with your adventurous spirit. Before you start shopping, it's helpful to understand exactly what you're gaining with this modification and what to look out for. Let’s break down exactly why this upgrade is so popular with Crosstrek owners and what it means for your vehicle.
Gain More Ground Clearance
The most immediate benefit of a 2-inch lift is the extra ground clearance. That added height puts more space between the underbody of your Crosstrek and the trail below, which is critical for protecting vital components like your oil pan, exhaust, and suspension. With more clearance, you can drive over rough ground and obstacles with far less risk of getting stuck or causing expensive damage. It’s the difference between scraping your way through a rocky patch and clearing it with ease. This single modification opens up a whole new world of trails that might have been inaccessible before, making it one of the most practical Crosstrek upgrades for any adventurer.
Improve Off-Road Capability
More ground clearance directly translates to better off-road performance. A 2-inch lift improves your Crosstrek’s approach, departure, and breakover angles, allowing you to climb steeper inclines and descend sharp drops without scraping your bumpers. It also gives you the room needed to fit larger, more aggressive all-terrain tires, which provide superior traction in mud, sand, and snow. This combination of added height and better rubber is what truly transforms your Crosstrek into a capable off-roader. It’s an ideal setup for light to moderate trail use, giving you the confidence to explore further and tackle more demanding terrain.
Achieve an Aggressive Stance
Let’s be honest—a lifted Crosstrek just looks better. A 2-inch lift gives your vehicle a more commanding and aggressive presence, both on and off the road. It eliminates the factory rake and provides a level, muscular stance that perfectly complements the Crosstrek’s rugged design. This is a modification that gets noticed, and for good reason. As many owners on forums have found, the right lift kit can completely change the look of your car, making it appear more capable and purpose-built. It’s a visual statement that says your Crosstrek is ready for more than just paved roads.
Clear Up Common Myths
While a 2-inch lift offers incredible benefits, it’s important to understand that it’s not just a cosmetic change. A common myth is that a small lift has no impact on your vehicle's mechanics, but that isn't quite true. Lifting your Crosstrek alters its suspension geometry. According to some owners, even a modest lift will affect your car's parts, particularly the Constant Velocity (CV) joints. This is why choosing high-quality, well-engineered performance parts is so crucial. A properly designed kit will include components to correct suspension angles and minimize stress on your drivetrain, ensuring reliability and longevity for years of adventure.
What's in a Lift Kit?
When you decide to lift your Crosstrek, you’re not just buying a single part; you’re investing in a system of components designed to work together. A lift kit modifies your vehicle's suspension to increase its height, giving you better ground clearance and the ability to fit larger tires. But not all kits are created equal. The contents can vary dramatically, from simple spacers to complete suspension overhauls. Understanding what’s inside the box is the first step to making sure you get the performance, safety, and durability you expect from your build. Let's break down the different types of kits and the essential components you should look for.
Spacers vs. Full Suspension Systems
Lift kits generally fall into two categories: spacer lifts and full suspension lifts. Spacer kits are the most common and affordable option. They use polyurethane or aluminum spacers that sit on top of your factory struts to raise the vehicle's body. While budget-friendly, the simplest spacer kits can put extra stress on suspension components and lead to faster wear. High-quality spacer kits, however, often include additional hardware like subframe spacers to correct suspension geometry and minimize these issues. A full suspension lift is a more comprehensive solution. Instead of using spacers, these kits replace your factory struts and springs with longer, more robust components designed for the new ride height, providing superior handling and durability for serious overlanding solutions.
Key Components You'll Need
A proper lift kit is more than just the parts that raise the car. To do the job right and maintain your Crosstrek's reliability, a complete kit should include components that correct the changes in suspension geometry. The most critical of these are rear subframe spacers. When you lift the rear, the angle of the suspension arms changes. Subframe spacers lower the entire rear subframe to return those arms to their correct angles, preventing premature wear on your axles and other drivetrain parts. A kit without these isn't a complete solution, so be sure to check the contents list carefully before you buy. It’s the difference between a temporary cosmetic change and a true performance upgrade.
Why Quality Matters
When it comes to modifying your car, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is almost always true, especially with suspension. Opting for a cheap, incomplete lift kit might save you money upfront, but it can lead to costly repairs down the road. Low-quality materials can fail, and poor design can accelerate wear on your CV joints, ball joints, and bushings. Investing in high-quality performance parts from a reputable brand ensures that your lift is not only effective but also safe and durable. This protects the longevity of your entire vehicle and gives you peace of mind whether you're on the highway or deep in the backcountry.
Comparing Top Lift Kit Brands
The Subaru community is full of enthusiasts who have put various kits to the test, and a few names consistently rise to the top. Brands like Ironman 4x4, Rallitek, and Bilstein are well-regarded for their full suspension systems that offer excellent performance and durability. For high-quality spacer kits, many owners trust companies like LP Aventure, Primitive Racing, and Anderson Design & Fabrication. These manufacturers are known for providing complete kits that include the necessary hardware, like subframe spacers, to ensure a proper and reliable installation. Doing a little research on these brands is a great starting point to see what might be the best fit for your specific Crosstrek upgrades.
What Else Needs to Be Modified?
Lifting your Crosstrek changes its geometry, and a good kit is designed to correct this. As mentioned, subframe spacers are key to realigning the rear suspension. Better spacer kits also use an offset design for the strut mounting bolts to help correct camber and caster angles in the front. Even with these corrections, lifting your vehicle puts your CV joints at a steeper angle, which can increase wear over time. This is why choosing a modest lift height, like two inches, and using a complete kit are so important. After installation, a full, professional wheel alignment is not just recommended—it's essential to ensure your Crosstrek drives straight and your tires wear evenly.
What to Expect After You Lift Your Crosstrek
Lifting your Crosstrek is an exciting step, but it’s more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It changes how your vehicle looks, feels, and performs, both on and off the pavement. Knowing what to expect will help you fully appreciate the transformation and make the most of your newly capable ride. From a more aggressive look to changes in your daily commute, here’s a straightforward breakdown of what happens after you install a 2-inch lift.
The New Look
The most immediate change you’ll notice is the stance. A 2-inch lift gives your Crosstrek a more rugged, assertive presence that sets it apart from stock models. It sits higher, looks tougher, and signals that it’s ready for more than just a trip to the grocery store. This isn't just about aesthetics; the new height visually communicates the vehicle's enhanced capability. If you're aiming for a purpose-built look that matches your adventurous spirit, a lift kit is one of the most effective Subaru Crosstrek upgrades you can make. It transforms the entire profile of your car, giving it a balanced and powerful appearance.
How Performance Changes
Beyond the visual appeal, a 2-inch lift delivers significant performance benefits, especially once you leave the pavement. The added ground clearance is the most obvious advantage, allowing you to clear rocks, ruts, and other obstacles that would stop a stock Crosstrek in its tracks. You’ll also gain increased suspension travel, which helps keep your tires in contact with the ground on uneven terrain for better traction and control. This makes your Crosstrek a much more confident and capable vehicle for exploring trails and backroads, turning it into a solid foundation for your overlanding solutions.
Changes in Handling and Ride Quality
It’s important to be realistic about the trade-offs. Lifting your vehicle raises its center of gravity, which can affect handling. You might notice a bit more body roll in sharp turns. The ride quality on the highway can also change. Some lift kits, particularly those with stiffer springs, can make the ride feel firmer than the stock setup. However, a well-engineered kit is designed to minimize these effects, preserving as much of the comfortable on-road feel as possible. The key is choosing quality components that are designed specifically for your Crosstrek to ensure the best possible balance between on-road comfort and off-road performance.
Fitting Bigger Tires and Wheels
One of the main reasons people lift their Crosstrek is to create room for larger, more aggressive tires. A 2-inch lift provides the necessary clearance to upsize your tires without worrying about rubbing against the fenders or suspension components. Bigger tires offer several advantages for off-roading, including a larger contact patch for improved traction, tougher sidewalls for better durability, and an additional boost in ground clearance. This single modification can dramatically improve your vehicle’s ability to handle challenging terrain, making it one of the most popular performance parts to pair with a lift kit.
How It Affects Your Daily Drive
While a lifted Crosstrek is a beast off-road, you’ll also notice some changes during your daily commute. If you add larger, heavier tires, you can expect a slight decrease in fuel economy. The added weight and rolling resistance mean your engine has to work a little harder. You might also notice a small change in acceleration for the same reason. These are manageable trade-offs that most owners are happy to make in exchange for the incredible off-road capability and commanding presence a lift provides. It’s all about deciding what’s most important for how you use your Crosstrek.
How to Install Your Lift Kit
Ready to give your Crosstrek that extra height? Installing a lift kit is a totally achievable weekend project if you have the right tools and a bit of patience. It’s a rewarding way to get to know your vehicle better and prepare it for bigger adventures. Before you start turning wrenches, let’s walk through the process so you know exactly what to expect. Proper preparation is the key to a smooth and successful installation.
Tools and Skills You'll Need
First things first, let’s talk tools. You don’t need a professional mechanic’s garage, but you will need some essentials. Make sure you have a good quality jack, a set of sturdy jack stands, and a comprehensive wrench and socket set. A torque wrench is non-negotiable—it’s crucial for tightening bolts to the exact manufacturer specifications for safety.
While you don’t need to be a master technician, some familiarity with your Subaru’s suspension system will be a huge help. If you’ve changed your own brakes or shocks before, you’re in a good position. The most important skill is the ability to follow instructions carefully and work safely. Always work on a flat, level surface and ensure your car is properly supported on jack stands before you get under it.
A Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Every lift kit is slightly different, so your number one rule is to follow the specific instructions that came with your kit. Think of this as a general roadmap. You’ll start by parking on a clean, flat surface and engaging the parking brake. After safely lifting the vehicle and securing it on jack stands, you’ll remove the wheels.
The core of the installation involves accessing your suspension. This usually means removing components like struts to install the new spacers that provide the lift. Once the spacers are in place, you’ll reassemble everything carefully. It’s a methodical process, so take your time. Rushing is how mistakes happen. If you're looking for the right components, our lineup of overlanding solutions is a great place to start.
Getting the Alignment Right
This step is absolutely critical, so please don’t skip it. Lifting your Crosstrek changes its suspension geometry, which throws off the wheel alignment. Driving with a bad alignment will cause uneven and premature tire wear, poor handling, and can even be unsafe. While you can install the lift kit yourself, you should plan on taking your car to a professional shop for a four-wheel alignment immediately after you’re done.
Think of it as the final, professional touch on your DIY project. The shop will have the specialized equipment to get your camber, caster, and toe angles dialed in perfectly for your new ride height, ensuring your Crosstrek drives straight and your tires last as long as they should.
Final Checks After Installation
You’ve installed the kit and the wheels are back on—but you’re not quite finished. Before you lower the car, do a thorough visual inspection. Double-check that every bolt you touched is tightened to the proper torque spec listed in your kit’s instructions. Make sure there are no loose parts and that all brake lines and sensors are clear and not stretched or pinched.
Once you’re confident everything is secure, lower your vehicle and take it for a slow test drive around the block. Listen for any unusual noises like clunks or pops, and feel for any strange vibrations. It’s always a good idea to re-check the torque on your wheel lug nuts after about 50 miles of driving.
Avoiding Common Installation Mistakes
The most common mistake is simple: not reading the instructions from start to finish before beginning. Each kit has its own quirks, and knowing the full process ahead of time prevents surprises. Another frequent error is failing to use a torque wrench. "Tight enough" isn't a measurement, and over- or under-tightening suspension components can lead to serious problems.
Finally, don’t rush. Set aside more time than you think you’ll need so you can work at a steady, careful pace. Rushing can cause you to miss a step or improperly tighten a bolt. Taking your time ensures the job is done right, keeping your performance parts working safely and effectively for years to come.
What to Know Before You Lift
Lifting your Crosstrek is an exciting step toward bigger adventures, but it's a modification that affects your entire vehicle. Before you commit, it’s smart to understand the full picture—from how it impacts other components to the long-term costs. Think of it as doing your homework to make sure your investment pays off in capability and fun, not in unexpected repair bills. A well-planned lift using quality parts can transform your Crosstrek, but going in unprepared can lead to headaches down the road. Let's walk through the key things you need to consider so you can lift your ride with confidence.
How a Lift Affects Other Parts
When you raise your Crosstrek’s body, you change its geometry. This has a ripple effect on several key components. The most immediate impact is on your half shafts, which connect the transmission to the wheels. A lift kit alters the angle of these shafts, putting extra strain on the constant velocity (CV) joints. Over time, this increased angle can cause the CV joints to wear out much faster than they would at a stock height. This isn't just a minor issue; a failed CV joint can leave you stranded. That's why comprehensive overlanding solutions are designed to account for these changes, ensuring all parts work together harmoniously.
Understanding CV Joint and Suspension Angles
Let's get a little more specific about those angles. Your Crosstrek's suspension is engineered to operate within a specific range of motion. Lifting it pushes those components to the edge of, or even beyond, that intended range. While some basic spacer kits simply raise the vehicle, they don't correct the resulting suspension and CV joint angles. Higher-quality kits often include components like offset spacers or subframe drops to help realign the geometry and reduce stress. Even with these corrections, some added wear is inevitable. Investing in well-engineered Crosstrek upgrades from the start is the best way to minimize stress on your drivetrain and suspension components.
Will a Lift Kit Void Your Warranty?
This is the big question on every owner's mind, and the answer is: it depends. Technically, a dealer can't void your entire warranty just because you installed an aftermarket part. However, if a part you installed causes another component to fail, the dealer can deny the warranty claim for that specific repair. For example, if your lifted suspension puts extra stress on a CV joint and it fails, the replacement likely won't be covered. Before you install anything, it's a great idea to read your warranty documents carefully and have a conversation with your local dealership's service department. Being upfront can save you a lot of trouble later.
Staying Street Legal
Once you've lifted your Crosstrek, you still need to make sure it's legal to drive on public roads. Vehicle modification laws vary by state and even by city, covering everything from bumper height to headlight alignment. A lift will raise your headlights, potentially blinding other drivers if not readjusted. Some areas also have specific regulations about suspension modifications. A proper, complete lift kit will include all the necessary components, like rear subframe spacers, to ensure the vehicle remains safe and compliant. Always check your local regulations to ensure your build stays on the right side of the law.
Breaking Down the Costs
The price of the lift kit is just the beginning. You also need to factor in the cost of installation if you're not doing it yourself, and a professional alignment is non-negotiable afterward. The biggest potential cost, however, comes from long-term maintenance and repairs. As we've discussed, parts like CV joints may wear out faster. Some owners have faced repair bills of over a thousand dollars to replace a single CV joint. By choosing high-quality performance parts from the outset, you can significantly reduce the risk of premature failure and costly repairs, making it a smarter investment for the long haul.
Maintaining Your Lifted Crosstrek
Lifting your Crosstrek is just the first step. To keep your ride safe and reliable on any terrain, you’ll need to adjust your maintenance routine. A lift changes your vehicle's geometry, putting different stresses on various components. Staying on top of inspections isn't just good practice—it's essential for protecting your investment and ensuring your Crosstrek is always ready for the next adventure. Think of it as a new checklist that comes with your newfound capability. By paying a little extra attention to key areas, you can catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems down the road.
What to Inspect Regularly
After a lift, some parts of your Crosstrek work harder than they used to. Make it a habit to regularly check your CV joints, which are under increased stress from the new angles. Give your entire suspension system a once-over, looking at shocks, struts, and control arms. Bushings, wheel bearings, and axles also experience more wear and tear. A good rule of thumb is to perform a thorough visual inspection every time you change your oil. Look for any signs of cracking, leaking, or excessive play in these components. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead of maintenance and keeps your vehicle performing as it should.
Spotting Early Signs of Wear
Your Crosstrek will tell you when something is wrong—you just have to listen. Pay attention to any new noises like clunks, whines, or creaks, especially when turning or going over bumps. A change in handling, like a looser steering feel or a sudden vibration, is another major red flag. These are often the first signs that a component is wearing out. Budget-friendly lift kits can sometimes lead to premature failure, so if you went that route, be extra vigilant. Spotting these early warnings gives you the chance to address them before a minor issue sidelines your vehicle and your plans for the weekend.
Tips for Long-Term Durability
The single best thing you can do for your lifted Crosstrek's longevity is to invest in high-quality components from the start. It’s true that you get what you pay for with car parts. A well-engineered lift kit and durable Crosstrek upgrades are designed to handle the increased stress, reducing the frequency of repairs and giving you peace of mind on the trail. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule and addressing issues as soon as you spot them will also go a long way. Keeping everything clean, especially after off-roading, helps prevent dirt and grime from accelerating wear on your suspension and drivetrain parts.
How to Troubleshoot Common Problems
If you start noticing issues, a few common culprits are usually to blame. A clicking or popping sound when you turn is a classic symptom of a failing CV joint. If your ride feels bouncy or unstable, your shocks or struts might be worn out. Take a look for any fluid leaking from them. Another simple check is to push down on each corner of your Crosstrek; if it bounces more than once or twice, your suspension needs attention. When in doubt, it's always best to have a professional diagnose the problem. Expert engine tuning services and diagnostics can pinpoint issues you might miss.
Knowing When to Replace Components
All parts have a lifespan, and a lift can shorten it for certain components. If you’ve added larger, heavier tires, expect parts like wheel bearings and ball joints to wear out sooner. When the ride quality degrades significantly or you can't get rid of a persistent noise or vibration through simple fixes, it's likely time for a replacement. Don't put off replacing worn-out parts. Driving on a failing component can cause a domino effect, leading to damage in other areas of your vehicle. Staying on top of replacements keeps your Crosstrek performing its best and ensures it's safe for both daily driving and off-road excursions.
How a 2-Inch Lift Changes Performance
Lifting your Crosstrek is about more than just looks; it fundamentally changes how your vehicle drives, both on and off the pavement. Adding a 2-inch lift introduces a new dynamic between your car and the road. You’ll notice differences in everything from how it handles corners to its capability on rugged trails. Understanding these changes ahead of time helps you make an informed decision and ensures you get the performance you’re looking for. It’s a balance of trade-offs, and knowing what to expect is key to being happy with your newly lifted ride. Let's break down exactly what happens to your Crosstrek's performance once those new parts are installed.
Taking Your Crosstrek Further Off-Road
This is the main reason most people lift their Crosstrek, and for good reason. A 2-inch lift gives you a significant boost in ground clearance, which is crucial for clearing rocks, ruts, and other obstacles you’ll encounter on the trail. That extra height means you can tackle more challenging terrain without worrying about scraping your undercarriage. It also provides the room needed for larger, more aggressive tires, which dramatically improves traction on dirt, mud, and sand. Your Crosstrek transforms from a capable crossover into a confident explorer, ready for more serious overlanding solutions and adventures. You’ll find yourself able to go places you previously had to turn back from.
On-Road and Highway Manners
While a lift kit excels off-road, it’s important to understand how it affects your daily drive. Raising your vehicle’s center of gravity will change its on-road dynamics. You might notice more body roll when taking corners, and the ride can feel a bit stiffer, especially on the highway. The specific components in your lift kit play a big role here; some are designed to maintain a ride quality close to stock, while others prioritize off-road ruggedness. It’s not necessarily a negative change, but it is a different feel. Your Crosstrek will feel more like a truck and less like a car, which is a trade-off many drivers are happy to make for the added capability.
What Happens to Your Fuel Economy?
Let’s be direct: lifting your Crosstrek will likely cause a dip in your fuel economy. There are two main reasons for this. First, raising the vehicle increases its aerodynamic drag, meaning it takes more energy to push it through the air at highway speeds. Second, most people pair a lift with larger, heavier all-terrain tires. This added weight requires more power to get moving and keep rolling, which burns more fuel. You can typically expect a decrease of one to three miles per gallon, depending on your tire choice and driving habits. It’s a practical consideration to factor into your budget, especially if your Crosstrek is your daily commuter.
Adjusting to the New Ride Quality
Installing a quality lift kit involves more than just adding spacers. To do it right, you need components like rear subframe spacers to maintain proper suspension geometry and ensure the vehicle remains safe and performs correctly. Because a lift changes how the entire suspension works, you’ll need to adjust to a new ride quality. The car will feel taller and more commanding on the road. You’ll have a better view of your surroundings, but you’ll also feel bumps and road imperfections a bit differently. Choosing from a range of well-engineered Crosstrek upgrades ensures these changes are predictable and manageable, resulting in a ride that’s both capable and comfortable.
Handling and Stability: The Trade-Offs
Lifting your Crosstrek alters its suspension geometry, which has a direct impact on handling and long-term component wear. The higher center of gravity means you’ll need to be a bit more mindful when cornering at speed. More importantly, the angle of your CV axles changes. This can put additional stress on the CV joints, potentially leading to increased wear over time. A well-designed lift kit is engineered to minimize these angle changes and includes components that correct the geometry as much as possible. While there’s always a trade-off when modifying your suspension, a quality kit helps manage these factors, preserving stability and the lifespan of your drivetrain components.
Get the Most Out of Your Lifted Crosstrek
Lifting your Crosstrek is a fantastic first step, but it’s just the beginning of your build. To truly make the most of your new setup, you’ll want to think about the components that work with your lift to create a cohesive, capable machine. From tires to maintenance, a few key considerations will ensure your lifted Crosstrek performs as good as it looks, whether you're on the trail or running errands around town.
Choosing the Right Tires
With your Crosstrek sitting two inches higher, you’ve made room for a more capable set of tires. This extra clearance is perfect for fitting slightly larger all-terrain (A/T) or even mud-terrain (M/T) tires that can handle dirt, gravel, and rock with ease. Bigger tires don't just complete the aggressive look; they also increase your contact patch for better traction and add even more ground clearance for clearing obstacles. When selecting tires, consider your driving habits. If you spend most of your time on pavement with occasional weekend adventures, a versatile A/T tire is a great choice. For more serious off-roading, a dedicated M/T tire will provide the grip you need for challenging trails.
Next-Level Mods to Consider
A lift kit is a gateway to a whole world of modifications. To build a truly reliable off-road machine, consider pairing your lift with other overlanding solutions. If you started with a basic spacer lift, upgrading to a full suspension system with coil-overs offers superior handling and durability. Quality kits often include subframe spacers to correct suspension geometry and reduce drivetrain stress. Beyond suspension, think about skid plates for underbody protection and upgraded brakes to handle the extra weight of larger tires and gear. These additions create a more complete and capable adventure vehicle.
Your New Maintenance Checklist
Lifting your vehicle changes its geometry and puts additional stress on certain components, so a proactive maintenance schedule is smart. A lift kit can cause parts like CV joints, bushings, wheel bearings, and axles to wear out faster than stock. After your lift, make it a habit to regularly inspect these parts for signs of wear, such as torn CV boots or play in the wheel bearings. Catching these issues early can save you from a much bigger headache down the road. A quick check during your regular oil changes is a great way to stay on top of your vehicle’s health.
Tips to Optimize Performance
To ensure your lifted Crosstrek drives safely and reliably, focus on quality components and proper installation. A well-designed lift kit includes parts like rear subframe spacers to maintain correct suspension angles. Some high-quality spacer kits even offset the bolt positions to reduce the angle on your CV joints, preventing premature failure. After installation, a professional four-wheel alignment is non-negotiable to ensure your tires wear evenly and the vehicle handles predictably. Pairing these upgrades with our expert engine tuning services can also help recalibrate your vehicle for its new setup and any added weight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will lifting my Crosstrek void my warranty? This is a common concern, and the answer isn't a simple yes or no. A dealer can't void your entire vehicle warranty just for installing a lift kit. However, if a problem arises and they can directly link the failure to your aftermarket parts—for instance, if a CV joint fails due to the steeper angle from the lift—they can deny the warranty claim for that specific repair. It's always a good idea to chat with your dealership's service department beforehand to understand their policy.
How much will a 2-inch lift actually change my daily commute? You'll definitely notice a few changes. Your Crosstrek will feel taller and more commanding on the road, but you might also experience a bit more body roll in corners due to the higher center of gravity. If you add larger, heavier all-terrain tires, you can expect your fuel economy to drop by one to three MPG. A quality kit is designed to keep the ride comfortable, but it will feel different—more like a small truck than a car.
What's the most important thing to look for when buying a lift kit? Look for a complete kit, not just the parts that raise the car. The most critical components to watch for are subframe spacers. These parts are essential for correcting your rear suspension geometry after the lift, which reduces stress on your axles and other drivetrain components. A kit without them is an incomplete solution that can lead to premature wear and costly repairs down the line.
Do I have to get bigger tires after I install a lift? You don't have to, but it's one of the main reasons people lift their Crosstrek in the first place. The 2-inch lift provides the clearance needed for larger, more aggressive all-terrain tires. These tires are what truly improve your off-road traction and give you an extra bit of ground clearance. Sticking with stock tires on a lifted Crosstrek can look a little out of proportion, so most owners choose to upgrade their tires to complete the build.
I've heard a lift is bad for CV joints. Is that true? It's true that a lift puts your CV joints at a steeper angle, which increases stress and can cause them to wear out faster than they would at stock height. This is the biggest mechanical trade-off. However, a well-designed lift kit is engineered to minimize this. High-quality kits include components with offset designs or subframe spacers that help correct the suspension geometry, reducing the strain on your CV joints and extending their lifespan.