Your Forester is your ticket to adventure, but the best destinations are often found where the pavement ends. A stock setup can force you to turn back when the trail gets tough, limiting where you can truly explore. For many owners, installing a Forester lift kit is about more than just vehicle modification; it's about enabling a lifestyle of exploration. The right kit, like the Crawford Forester Wilderness lift, gives you the confidence and capability to push further, access remote campsites, and see the scenic overlooks that others can't.
Key Takeaways
- Engineered for Performance, Not Just Height: This kit is a purpose-built solution for 2019-present Foresters, featuring a unique one-piece, solid-welded design for superior strength. It’s engineered to work with your vehicle’s suspension geometry, ensuring a true performance gain without compromising safety or reliability.
- Gain Functional Ground Clearance: The lift provides the necessary height to clear larger obstacles and fit more capable all-terrain tires. This strategic upgrade levels your Forester's stance for a more aggressive look while maintaining stable, predictable handling for daily driving.
- Prioritize Post-Installation Steps: A professional four-wheel alignment is mandatory after installation to ensure safe handling and prevent uneven tire wear. It's also critical to re-torque all hardware after the first 100 miles to guarantee long-term reliability.
What Sets the Crawford Forester Lift Kit Apart?
When you decide to lift your Subaru Forester, you’re not just looking for a cosmetic change—you’re investing in capability. But not all lift kits are created equal. The market is full of generic solutions, but the Crawford Performance Forester Wilderness Lift Kit is engineered specifically for your vehicle. It’s a comprehensive upgrade designed by Subaru performance experts to enhance your driving experience, whether you're tackling a rugged trail or just want a more commanding presence on the road. This kit balances aggressive looks with functional performance, ensuring you get the best of both worlds without compromising on safety or quality.
Engineered for Peak Off-Road Performance
Our lift kit isn't just a set of spacers; it's a purpose-built solution designed to transform your Forester into a more capable off-road machine. We engineered this 2-inch lift to give your vehicle a tougher, more aggressive stance while significantly improving its trail-readiness. Every component is designed to work with your Forester's existing suspension geometry, ensuring that the performance gains don't come at the expense of reliability. This thoughtful design approach means you get a true performance upgrade that feels like it came straight from the factory, ready for any adventure you have in mind.
How This Lift Kit Transforms Your Drive
The moment you get behind the wheel of your newly lifted Forester, you'll feel the difference. This kit is engineered to improve handling and stability, especially on the uneven, unpredictable surfaces you’ll find off-road. By optimizing the suspension, we help your Forester maintain composure and control, giving you more confidence on challenging terrain. The result is a ride that feels more planted and secure, whether you're navigating a rocky path or a winding dirt road. Our Forester Lift Kit Installation guide shows how each component integrates to enhance both performance and aesthetics.
Will This Lift Kit Fit Your Forester?
This lift kit is specifically designed for the modern Forester platform, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. It is compatible with all Subaru Forester models from 2019 to the present, including the Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims. Because our kit is engineered for this specific generation, you can be confident that it will integrate seamlessly with your vehicle's suspension and safety systems without requiring modifications. This direct-fit approach simplifies installation and guarantees reliable performance. To see this kit and other compatible upgrades, you can explore our full line of Subaru Forester Upgrades and find the perfect combination for your build.
Compatibility with Forester Trims
We designed the Crawford Performance Forester Wilderness lift kit for a perfect fit on all Subaru Forester models from 2019 to the present. That means it’s fully compatible with the Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims. Because it’s a direct-fit solution, the kit integrates flawlessly with your Forester’s factory suspension and safety systems without requiring any modifications. This approach guarantees that every trim level receives the same improvement in performance and capability, giving you a reliable upgrade you can trust on any trail. To see what else fits your vehicle, you can find our complete collection of Subaru Forester upgrades and plan your perfect build.
Get the Ground Clearance You Need
One of the most significant benefits of our kit is the substantial increase in ground clearance. The 2019-2024 Subaru Forester 2 inch Lift Kit provides 2 inches of lift in the front and 1.5 inches in the rear. This strategic difference eliminates the factory rake, giving your Forester a perfectly leveled and more aggressive stance. That extra height allows you to clear larger obstacles on the trail, from rocks to ruts, that would stop a stock vehicle in its tracks. It also provides the necessary room to fit larger, more capable all-terrain tires, further enhancing your off-road potential.
Our Commitment to Quality Materials and Craftsmanship
We build our Overlanding Solutions to withstand the toughest conditions, and our Forester lift kit is no exception. The strut spacers are machined from solid, aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, providing incredible strength without adding unnecessary weight. This material is also highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring your investment stands up to years of exposure to mud, water, and salt. Most importantly, our kit is designed and tested to be compliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 126), which means it won't interfere with your Forester's electronic stability control system. Your safety is our priority.
Performance Specs: A Closer Look
Installing a lift kit is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it fundamentally changes how your vehicle performs and feels, both on the trail and on your daily commute. A properly engineered lift doesn’t just raise your vehicle—it enhances its capabilities and prepares it for new challenges. The Crawford Forester Wilderness Lift Kit is designed to deliver a balanced performance upgrade, giving you the confidence to tackle rough terrain without sacrificing the comfort and control you rely on for everyday driving. We've invested countless hours in research and development to ensure our kit addresses the specific dynamics of the Forester platform, from the 2019 model year to the present. This means we've considered everything from suspension geometry and axle angles to the impact on your vehicle's safety systems like Subaru EyeSight. The result is a lift that not only looks great but also integrates seamlessly with your Subaru, providing a reliable and predictable driving experience in all conditions. Unlike generic kits that use simple spacers without accounting for geometry correction, our solution includes custom-designed components that maintain proper alignment and prevent premature wear on your CV joints and other drivetrain parts. This attention to detail is what defines a true performance upgrade. Let’s break down exactly what you can expect from your Forester after installing our kit.
Ready for Any Trail: True Off-Road Capability
The most immediate benefit of lifting your Forester is the significant increase in ground clearance. This extra space is crucial for any off-road adventure, allowing you to clear rocks, ruts, and other obstacles that would stop a stock vehicle in its tracks. It also improves your approach and departure angles, so you can handle steeper inclines and declines without scraping your bumpers. This single modification transforms your Forester into a much more capable machine, ready for everything from rugged trails to remote campsites. It’s a foundational part of any serious overlanding solution.
How We Preserve Your Forester's Stable Ride
A common concern with lift kits is how they affect handling. While some kits can lead to a floaty or unstable ride, ours is engineered to do the opposite. A good lift kit improves your car's performance on rough roads, giving you better control and a smoother ride over bumps. By maintaining proper suspension geometry, our kit ensures your Forester feels planted and predictable, even when the terrain gets challenging. This focus on dynamic performance is what sets our Subaru Forester upgrades apart from the rest.
Offset Spacer Design for Alignment Correction
Lifting your Forester changes its suspension geometry, and if not corrected, this can lead to poor handling and accelerated tire wear. Our kit addresses this head-on with an offset spacer design. Unlike simple pucks that just add height, our spacers are engineered to reposition the top of the strut assembly correctly. This thoughtful design helps maintain proper camber and caster angles, keeping your wheels aligned as the factory intended. The result is a lifted Forester that still drives predictably and safely on the road, without the wandering steering or uneven wear that can plague poorly designed performance parts. It’s a critical detail that ensures your investment enhances your vehicle's performance without creating new problems.
Multi-Link Spacers to Prevent Tire Rub
One of the main reasons to lift your Forester is to fit larger, more capable all-terrain tires. However, simply adding height can cause the rear tires to sit too far forward in the wheel well, leading to rubbing during suspension compression. Our kit includes multi-link spacers specifically to prevent this issue. These components adjust the geometry of your rear suspension, re-centering the wheel within the wheel well after the lift is installed. This provides the necessary clearance to run bigger tires without interference, allowing you to fully utilize your Forester's new capabilities on rugged terrain. It's an essential feature for any serious overlanding solutions build.
Choosing the Perfect Tires for Your Lifted Forester
Lifting your Forester opens the door to a crucial secondary upgrade: larger, more aggressive tires. The added clearance allows you to fit all-terrain or mud-terrain tires that provide superior traction off-road. We’ve found that a modest two-inch lift combined with a quality all-terrain tire is designed to find a happy medium between trail performance and on-road comfort. This setup gives you the grip you need for dirt, gravel, and mud without creating excessive road noise or a harsh ride during your daily commute. It’s an essential step in building a truly versatile vehicle with the right performance parts.
Tire and Wheel Combination Examples
With your Forester lifted, you now have the clearance to run more capable tire and wheel packages. The goal is to find a combination that enhances traction and durability without compromising daily drivability. For many owners of 2019-present Foresters, a popular choice is a 17-inch wheel paired with a 225/65R17 all-terrain tire. This setup offers a great balance, providing a larger contact patch and more aggressive tread for the trail while remaining comfortable and quiet on the highway. Another classic off-road approach is to downsize to a 15-inch wheel to allow for a tire with a larger sidewall, like a 235/75R15. This extra sidewall provides more cushion over rocks and allows you to air down for maximum grip. These setups are only possible with the added room provided by our Subaru Forester upgrades, which prevent rubbing and ensure proper suspension function.
How Tire Ply Affects Your Ride
When selecting your new tires, pay close attention to the ply rating or load range, as it directly impacts strength and ride quality. A higher ply rating means the tire has a stronger, more durable construction, offering better resistance to punctures from sharp rocks and trail debris—a critical feature for any serious off-road build. However, this added toughness comes with a trade-off. The stiffer sidewalls of a higher-ply tire can translate to a firmer, sometimes harsher, ride on paved roads. For a vehicle that serves as both a daily driver and a weekend adventurer, a standard load or C-load range tire often provides the ideal compromise between durability and comfort. This balanced approach is a cornerstone of our Overlanding Solutions, ensuring your vehicle is prepared for anything without sacrificing on-road refinement.
How the Lift Affects On-Road Handling
Let’s be direct: raising your vehicle’s center of gravity will change how it feels on the pavement. However, our kit is meticulously designed to minimize any negative impact on your daily driving experience. The components are engineered to work with your Forester’s existing suspension system, preserving a stable and comfortable ride. While you might notice a slight difference in sharp corners, the overall handling remains confident and secure. For those looking to optimize their vehicle's performance comprehensively, pairing suspension work with our expert engine tuning services can create a perfectly balanced and responsive driving machine.
Beyond Spacers: Understanding Lift Kit Components
A high-quality lift kit is a complete system, not just a set of spacers. While the spacers are what provide the height, it's the supporting components that ensure your Forester performs correctly and safely after the lift. A well-engineered kit accounts for the changes in suspension geometry and includes everything needed to maintain factory-like handling and reliability. This is where you can really see the difference between a basic kit and a comprehensive performance upgrade. We include these critical supporting parts because our goal is to provide a complete solution that enhances your vehicle's capability without creating new problems. These components are essential for a successful and reliable build, forming the foundation of our overlanding solutions.
Upgraded Sway Bar End-Links
Your Forester's sway bar is designed to minimize body roll when you're cornering, keeping the vehicle stable and planted. When you install a lift, the suspension's geometry changes, which can put the original sway bar end-links at a severe angle. This compromises their ability to do their job effectively, potentially leading to less predictable handling. To solve this, our kit includes stronger, correctly sized sway bar end-links. These parts restore the proper geometry, allowing the sway bar to function as intended. This ensures your lifted Forester maintains its stability and control, giving you confidence whether you're on a winding road or an uneven trail.
Lengthened Brake Line Spacers
Safety is non-negotiable, and that's why addressing brake lines is a critical part of any lift kit installation. Lifting your vehicle increases the distance the suspension can travel, which can pull on the factory brake lines. If they're stretched too tight, it can lead to damage or even failure—a risk you should never take. Instead of forcing you to buy expensive, extended brake lines, our kit includes custom-engineered brake line spacers. These simple but crucial brackets relocate the mounting point of your existing lines, providing the necessary slack to accommodate the new ride height. This thoughtful inclusion ensures your braking system remains secure and reliable without adding unnecessary complexity or cost to your Subaru Forester upgrades.
Your Forester Lift Kit Installation Guide
Once you have your Crawford Forester Wilderness Lift Kit, the next step is getting it on your vehicle. A proper installation is key to getting the performance and reliability you expect. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or prefer to leave it to the experts, this guide will walk you through the essentials for a successful setup. Taking the time to do it right ensures your Forester is ready for any adventure you throw its way.
The Tools and Skills You'll Need
Installing a lift kit is a significant project that requires the right tools and a solid understanding of vehicle mechanics. You should be comfortable working with suspension components and have access to a full set of metric sockets, wrenches, a torque wrench, jack stands, and a floor jack. The entire process can take anywhere from five to 15 hours, depending on your experience level and setup. Before you start, read through the installation manual completely to familiarize yourself with every step. This isn't a job to rush, so clear your schedule and make sure you have everything you need before you begin.
Should You DIY or Call a Pro?
Deciding whether to install the lift kit yourself comes down to your comfort level and budget. If you have the mechanical skills and tools, a DIY installation can save you money on labor costs. However, if you’re not completely confident, a professional installation provides peace of mind. A certified technician can typically complete the job in about four to eight hours, ensuring every component is installed correctly and torqued to spec. For expert help, you can always rely on our professional installation and tuning services to get the job done right.
What to Do After Your Lift Kit Is Installed
After your lift kit is installed, the work isn’t quite over. Your vehicle’s new suspension needs a break-in period to allow all the components to settle into their new positions. We recommend driving moderately for the first 100 miles—avoiding aggressive off-roading or hard cornering. After this initial period, it’s a great practice to go back and re-torque all the bolts to ensure everything is secure. This simple step helps guarantee the long-term reliability and performance of your lift, keeping your Forester safe and capable on and off the road.
Don't Forget the Alignment
This is a step you absolutely cannot skip. After installing a lift kit, you must get a professional four-wheel alignment. Lifting your Forester changes its suspension geometry, which affects how your tires meet the road. A proper alignment is crucial for safe handling, predictable steering, and preventing premature or uneven tire wear. Skipping this will not only make your vehicle handle poorly but can also cost you a new set of tires much sooner than expected. Take your Forester to a reputable alignment shop that has experience with lifted vehicles to get it dialed in perfectly.
Re-aiming Your Headlights
Once your Forester is lifted, its stance isn't the only thing that changes. The angle of your headlights will now be higher, which can create a serious safety hazard for oncoming traffic. Instead of illuminating the road ahead, your low beams might shine directly into the eyes of other drivers, effectively blinding them. This also reduces your own visibility, as the light isn't being cast where you need it most. Fortunately, adjusting your headlights is a straightforward process that you can typically handle at home in just a few minutes with basic tools. Taking the time to re-aim them properly ensures your lifted Forester is safe and considerate for everyone on the road.
Recalibrating Safety Systems like EyeSight
Your Subaru is equipped with advanced safety features, and the EyeSight system is a major reason many of us choose these vehicles. When you lift your Forester, you alter the height and angle of the cameras and sensors that this system relies on to function correctly. This can affect the accuracy of features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. During your mandatory post-lift alignment, the shop should also perform a recalibration of the EyeSight system. This ensures all the safety technology operates as intended from the new ride height, keeping your vehicle's protective features fully functional. This is a critical step that requires professional equipment, so be sure to discuss it with the technicians at your alignment appointment.
How to Avoid Common Installation Hurdles
An improperly installed lift kit can cause more problems than it solves. Issues like poor handling, vibrations, accelerated tire wear, and even catastrophic failure of suspension components can result from cutting corners. The best way to avoid these hurdles is to follow the instructions meticulously and torque every bolt to the specified value. If you’re doing it yourself, take your time and double-check your work. Using high-quality Subaru Forester upgrades is the first step, but correct installation is what brings their true potential to life and ensures your safety on any terrain.
How Does Crawford Compare to the Competition?
When you’re ready to lift your Forester, you’ll find a few options on the market. Making the right choice comes down to understanding the key differences in design, value, and long-term reliability. We believe in our products, but we also believe in empowering you with the information you need to choose with confidence. Let’s break down how our lift kit stacks up against others, so you can see why so many Forester owners trust Crawford Performance for their builds. We’ll look at everything from the specific features and cost to the warranty and durability that set our kits apart.
How We Stack Up: A Feature Comparison
Many lift kits use a multi-piece spacer design, which can introduce weak points and complicate installation. The Crawford Performance lift kit is built differently. We are the only company that manufactures a one-piece, solid-welded strut spacer. This design provides superior strength and durability, eliminating potential failure points you might find in bolted-together alternatives. Our focus isn't just on lifting your vehicle; it's on enhancing its off-road capability and aesthetics with components engineered for a perfect fit and lasting performance. When you compare features, look for the details that translate to real-world strength and reliability on the trail.
Exploring Different Lift Kit Heights and Costs
When you start looking at lift kits, you'll quickly see that they come in a variety of heights and price points. It’s easy to think that bigger is always better, but the reality is more nuanced. The ideal lift for your Forester depends on your goals, your budget, and how you plan to use your vehicle. A well-engineered kit finds the perfect balance between increased off-road capability and safe, predictable on-road handling. Let's look at the different lift sizes available and what drives the cost, so you can make an informed decision for your build.
Understanding the Range of Lift Sizes
Lift kits for the Subaru Forester typically range from smaller, subtle lifts to more significant ones. The Crawford Performance kit provides a 2-inch lift in the front and a 1.5-inch lift in the rear, a size we’ve found to be the sweet spot for this platform. This height is substantial enough to clear larger obstacles and fit more capable all-terrain tires, but it’s engineered to work in harmony with the factory suspension geometry, preserving stability. While you can find larger kits on the market, going higher often introduces compromises in handling and may require additional modifications to correct axle angles and maintain reliability. Our goal is to provide a true performance enhancement, not just add height.
Factors That Influence Lift Kit Pricing
The cost of a lift kit is a direct reflection of its engineering, materials, and design. Our kit is priced competitively because we use premium, aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum and a unique one-piece, solid-welded design for maximum strength. Cheaper kits often use lower-grade materials or multi-piece designs that can create weak points under stress. When you invest in a lift, you're not just paying for spacers; you're paying for the research and development that ensures safety, durability, and proper vehicle dynamics. It's crucial to consider the long-term value and reliability that comes with quality Subaru Forester upgrades rather than just the initial price tag.
Understanding the Cost vs. Long-Term Value
While a quality 2-inch lift kit typically starts around $750, price isn't the only factor to consider. It's about the total value you receive. Our kits are competitively priced, but they also include everything you need for a successful installation, from detailed instructions to all the necessary hardware. This comprehensive approach saves you from making extra trips to the hardware store or guessing your way through the process. Investing in a complete, well-engineered kit from the start means you're paying for reliability and peace of mind, not just a collection of parts. Check out our Subaru Forester upgrades to see the full package.
What Does the Warranty Cover?
Your modifications should give you more confidence, not more to worry about. That’s why we stand behind our craftsmanship with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on our performance parts. This protection ensures that your investment is safe from manufacturing defects and gives you a direct line to our support team if any issues arise. When you're evaluating different brands, always check the warranty terms. A strong warranty is a clear indicator of a company's confidence in its products and its commitment to its customers. It’s our promise that we’ve built your parts to last through every adventure.
Why Durability is Non-Negotiable for a Lift Kit
When you’re miles from the nearest paved road, the quality of your equipment is everything. Our lift kits are designed to improve both your Forester's off-road performance and its overall look, but our primary focus is durability. We use high-grade materials and precision engineering to ensure our components can handle the stress of rugged terrain. Choosing quality overlanding solutions from the beginning is the best way to ensure your modified vehicle remains dependable. Consistent performance starts with well-made parts, giving you a reliable foundation for years of exploration and adventure.
What Makes the Crawford Experience Different?
So, what truly sets Crawford Performance apart? It’s our commitment to engineering a complete, thoughtful solution. The difference is in our signature one-piece solid strut spacer, designed for unmatched strength where it matters most. It’s in providing a comprehensive kit with all the hardware and clear instructions you need, taking the guesswork out of installation. We don’t just sell parts; we deliver integrated performance parts that work seamlessly with your Subaru. This holistic approach ensures a smoother installation process and, more importantly, a safer and more reliable vehicle on and off the road.
Ready to Buy? Here's How to Get Your Kit
Once you've decided that the Crawford lift kit is the right move for your Forester, the next step is getting it from our shop to your vehicle. We make the entire process straightforward, from finding the right price to getting the support you need for a perfect installation. Here’s everything you need to know about purchasing and backing your new upgrade.
Explore Pricing and Custom Options
Investing in your Forester’s capability doesn’t have to break the bank. The Crawford Performance 2-inch Lift Kit is priced at $379.99, offering a significant performance upgrade at an accessible price point. This kit is engineered specifically for 2019-2024 Subaru Forester models, so you can be confident in a precise fit that maintains your vehicle's factory handling characteristics while giving you that extra clearance. It’s a smart, targeted investment in your vehicle’s off-road potential, designed to deliver maximum impact for your adventures.
Choosing Your Finish: Powder Coating vs. Bare Metal
When you order your lift kit, you'll have a choice between a classic black powder-coated finish or bare metal. While the bare metal option is great for those who plan on a custom color match, for most adventurers, powder coating is the way to go. This isn't just a layer of paint; it's an electrostatically applied powder that's cured under heat to form a hard, protective shell. This process creates an incredibly durable finish that's far more resistant to chipping, scratching, and corrosion than bare metal. For parts that will constantly be exposed to mud, rocks, and road salt, that extra layer of protection is essential for long-term performance and reliability, ensuring your investment looks great and holds up for years of trail use.
Where Can You Buy a Crawford Lift Kit?
When you’re ready to buy, the best place to get your lift kit is directly from us. Purchasing from the official Crawford Performance website ensures you receive a genuine, high-quality product backed by our expertise. We have a complete collection of performance parts for the Subaru Forester Wilderness, so you can browse other compatible upgrades at the same time. Buying direct means you get access to our full inventory and the latest product information, making it simple to find exactly what you need to prepare your Forester for the trail.
Prefer a Professional Install? We Can Help
You have two great options for installation. If you’re mechanically inclined and enjoy working on your vehicle, our lift kit can be a rewarding DIY project. Keep in mind that it requires the right tools and can take between 5 to 15 hours, depending on your experience. For those who’d rather have an expert handle it, we offer professional installation services. Our technicians will ensure your lift kit is installed to our exact specifications, giving you total peace of mind and getting you back on the road—or off it—as quickly as possible.
Got Questions? Our Support Resources
We don’t just send you a box of parts and wish you luck. Every Crawford Performance lift kit comes with all the necessary hardware and detailed instructions to guide you through the process. We’ve designed our kits to be as straightforward as possible, whether you’re tackling the job yourself or handing it off to a mechanic. Our goal is to make your upgrade a success from start to finish. You can find all the component details on the 2019-2024 Subaru Forester 2-inch Lift Kit product page, so you know exactly what to expect.
A Simple Breakdown of Your Warranty
We stand behind the quality and durability of our products. When you invest in our performance parts, you’re protected by our standard 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty. This coverage gives you confidence that your new lift kit is built to withstand the demands of the trail and perform reliably. We engineer our components for the long haul, and our warranty is our promise to you that we’ve built a product you can count on for all your adventures.
Important Consumer Information
California Proposition 65 Warning
You might notice a warning label on some of our products mentioning California's Proposition 65, and it's natural to have questions. Let's clear things up. Proposition 65 is a California law that requires businesses to provide a clear warning if their products could expose consumers to any of the chemicals on a state-maintained list known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. This "right-to-know" law is designed to help Californians make informed decisions about the products they buy and use. Because many high-performance automotive parts are made from materials like specialized metals, plastics, and coatings, they can sometimes contain trace amounts of these listed chemicals. The warning ensures we are fully transparent and compliant with state regulations for our customers in California.
Living With Your Lifted Forester
Installing your lift kit is just the beginning of your Forester’s transformation. Now it’s time to enjoy the new capabilities and learn how to keep your vehicle running smoothly for every adventure. A lifted Forester requires a slightly different approach to maintenance and care, but with a few routine checks, you can ensure it stays reliable on and off the trail. Living with your lifted Forester means more freedom, more capability, and more fun behind the wheel.
Your Long-Term Maintenance Checklist
After installing a lift kit, your suspension needs a break-in period to settle. We recommend re-torquing all hardware after the first 100-200 miles of driving. Long-term, you’ll want to add a few items to your regular maintenance schedule. Get your alignment checked more frequently, especially after any serious off-roading. Regularly inspect your CV axles and boots for any signs of wear or damage, as the increased angle can put more stress on them. Finally, keep an eye on your tire wear and rotate them on schedule to ensure they wear evenly.
How to Maximize Your Lift Kit's Performance
Your Forester is now more capable than ever, so it’s time to put it to the test. A two-inch lift paired with quality all-terrain tires strikes the perfect balance between trail performance and on-road comfort, allowing you to explore new terrain without sacrificing your daily drive. Don’t be afraid to air down your tires for better traction on rough trails, but remember to air them back up for the drive home. Understanding how your Forester handles with its new, higher center of gravity is key to confidently tackling obstacles and getting the most out of your new setup.
What to Upgrade Next
A lift kit is a fantastic foundational upgrade, but it also opens the door to other modifications that complete your build. To protect your engine and drivetrain on rocky trails, consider adding skid plates. An Air/Oil Separator is another smart addition, preventing oil from coating your intercooler and intake on steep inclines. As you add more weight with gear and accessories, you might also look into brake upgrades. Investing in quality Subaru Forester upgrades from the start ensures your vehicle is a reliable and capable adventure rig for years to come.
Troubleshooting Common Lift Kit Issues
A properly installed lift kit should be trouble-free, but it’s good to know what to look for if you notice changes in your vehicle. If you hear new noises like clunking or popping, start by checking that all bolts on the lift components and suspension are tight. Vibrations can sometimes point to an alignment or tire balance issue. If you notice any rubbing at full steering lock, you may need to make minor adjustments or reconsider your wheel and tire combination. Addressing these small issues quickly prevents them from turning into bigger problems down the road.
How to Care for Your Lift Kit
The components of your Crawford lift kit are built to last, but a little care goes a long way. After any trip through mud, sand, or snow, take the time to rinse off the lift spacers and other suspension parts. This prevents debris from building up, which can hold moisture and lead to corrosion over time. Regularly check all parts of your lift kit, especially after off-road trips, to make sure bolts are tight and nothing is worn out. Proper care ensures your investment in our performance parts continues to pay off with reliable performance on every journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How will this lift kit affect my Subaru's EyeSight system and other safety features? This is a great question, and it’s one we took seriously during the design process. Our lift kit is engineered to keep your Forester’s suspension geometry within factory specifications as much as possible. It’s also designed and tested to be compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 126), which means it does not interfere with your vehicle's electronic stability control system. After installation, a professional alignment is essential to ensure all systems, including EyeSight, are functioning correctly with the new ride height.
What is the largest tire size I can fit after installing this lift? The added clearance from our two-inch lift gives you the room you need for more capable tires. Most owners find that a 245/65R17 all-terrain tire fits perfectly without any rubbing or need for modifications. This size offers a great balance of off-road traction and comfortable on-road manners. Keep in mind that the final fit can vary slightly depending on the specific tire brand and the offset of your wheels.
Will lifting my Forester hurt my gas mileage? It’s best to be direct about this: yes, you can expect a small decrease in fuel economy. Raising your vehicle’s height slightly changes its aerodynamics, and adding larger, heavier all-terrain tires will also have an impact. Most drivers find the change to be minor and a worthwhile trade-off for the immense gain in off-road capability and the confident stance the lift provides.
Do I need to buy any other parts to make this lift kit work correctly? Our kit is designed to be a complete solution, providing all the necessary hardware you'll need for the installation itself. However, the one step that is absolutely required after the kit is on your vehicle is a professional four-wheel alignment. This isn't an optional tweak; it's a critical step to ensure your Forester handles safely, drives straight, and doesn't cause premature wear on your new tires.
Why is your one-piece spacer design a better choice than multi-piece kits? Many lift kits on the market use spacers that are bolted together from multiple pieces. Over time and under the stress of off-roading, those connection points can become potential points of failure. We manufacture our spacers from a single, solid piece of aircraft-grade aluminum. This one-piece design is inherently stronger and more durable because it has no seams or bolts that can loosen or break, giving you a more reliable foundation for any adventure.