Can I lift it?

[NewToTheSu]

Just for haha's I googled 'lifted subaru' and got all sorts of pics. But it wasn't till the second page I stumbled across LPaventure's Outback. Holy spoob was that good looking. Being a previous Wrangler Rubicon owner, it got my blood flowing again. My gears are turning so to speak.

 

But here are a few questions I have (being new to Subaru's) that I bet I can answer myself, but looking for other opinions and confirmations:

 

1) Lifting Subarus seem easier than Jeeps. The lift kits I see are just spacers. Is it really that easy to put 2" in?

 

2) Mileage becomes an issue after lifting it. And especially after putting heavier rubber on the wheels. Anyone driving a lifted Subaru know what the approximate loss in mileage is?

 

3) Can the CVT transmission hold up to a lift and bigger tires? They're not exactly 'sporty' to begin with. But I'm more concerned with blowing up the trans 45,000 miles into ownership.

 

4) How are Subaru dealers with lifts? Jeep dealers are usually pretty accepting if they put it on, allows you to keep factory warranty as well. What's subaru's opinion on lifts?

 

Thanks for the info in advance!

[1 Lucky Texan]

as for mods and dealers, in theory (research Magnusson-Moss act as it pertains to autos) a dealer/manufacturer that is denying a warranty claim would need to prove your unapproved mod/treatment of the vehicle caused the damage. Of course, this 'could' get into a fingerpointing waste of time before any resolution. In the past, Subaru has offered rear diff protectors and other items designed for off-road use. Those of course wouldn't be questioned.

 

outside of the warranty period - I suppose any mechanic could reject working on a car if they felt it had been compromised by a mod. This would probably be more likely at a dealership.

 

I can't really help with anything else.

Edited May 18, 2017 by 1 Lucky Texan

[NewToTheSu]

The mods would be on a new '17 Outback or Crosstrek. Just can't decide on a model.

 

I guess I could feel the dealer out. If worse came to worst I could always remove the lift and tires and put it back to factory before service. But a what waste of time and energy that would be.

[1 Lucky Texan]

have you considered a Forester? I think you get better entry and departure angles to start.

 

dunno on crosstrek but, you might also ask over at subaruoutback.org and the forester forums

Edited May 18, 2017 by 1 Lucky Texan

[wtdash]

Hi and Welcome,

 

Have you yet driven the Crosstrek? They're a little weak in the power dept. Only one engine option: 2.0 148HP. The OB has the 3.6 option w/over 250.

 

And the '17 OB is 'all new' supposedly, so might take a bit more search to see what's out there for the after-market.....the good news is that Subaru has been 'growing the brand' to the point that even those outside the Pacific NW's denizens are buying them more often. This usually leads to  broader after-market support.

 

One thing to note is that the OB and Foresters traditionally have had more ground clearance than some competitors, w/out the additional 'height' of a full SUV. You'd want to compare specs.

 

Although 2" isn't much in Jeep-land, it's probably going to put you in a Stage 2 upgrade path, where you'd need to do more than just 'spacers'.

 

The CVT question is valid. Not something I've read about, "How does it do w/non-stock, (aka taller) tires?"  You could download the Owner's Manual and see what it says. Subaru of America (SOA) may also be worth a call/email.

 

As noted by LT,  dealing w/the warranty issues may not be worth it. Subaru hasn't proven to be any more lenient on 'mods' than other brands, from what I've come across. Unless you buy something sold @ the dealer under the Subaru label, it might be used against you.

 

MPG 'shouldn't' be affected any differently than any other vehicle w/bigger/taller tires.... Your Jeep background probably knows where to look for that info?>>>>Unless that CVT has an (unknown) issue w/them.

 

GL,

TD

[idosubaru]

1.  yes they generally accept 2" lifts just fine for daily drivers.  if you're doing a lot of aggressive offroading the axles might not take that extra strain.  you then need 2" lift and lowering blocks. 

 

2 & 3 no big deal IMO

 

4. i'm not of the opinion every dealer treats every owner and vehicle identically.  though there are obvious some guidelines, but i'm not convinced this will fall under any hard and fast rules.

 

if an alternator fails at 30,000 miles and the thing is a garage kept, waxed, meticulously maintained grocery getter - i'd gladly take mine to my local dealer, they wouldnt' blink. 

 

if it's scratched, dented, mud in many crevices from being plowed off through offroad ruts and looks like the engine was half submerged previously and you walk in abrasively demanding service....then it will start getting more gray. 

 

if you're like the 98% of jeep owners I see running around town - lifted, stickers "turn this over if you can read it", and jacks, who love to park in the end spot of a parking lot because i guess the gravel makes it "offroad" - in a spotlessly waxed jeep that doesn't look like it's ever seen a blade of grass.....i think you'll be fine to lift your Subaru.