Lifting a Subaru Forester
Lifting a Subaru Forester is one of the most popular and rewarding vehicle modifications for outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders, and gravel trail explorers seeking to transform their capable suburban all-wheel-drive crossover into an unshakeable backcountry adventure rig. From the factory, the Subaru Forester already boasts an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance (and 9.2 inches on the rugged Wilderness trim). However, installing a 1.5-inch to 2-inch suspension lift kit unlocks crucial trail capabilities: it drastically improves approach, breakover, and departure angles, provides vital chassis clearance over jagged boulders and deep snow ruts, and accommodates aggressive, larger all-terrain tires (such as BFGoodrich KO2 or Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail). Successfully lifting a Forester requires choosing the right engineering kit—such as top-hat strut spacers paired with rear subframe drop spacers—to protect delicate Constant Velocity (CV) axle joints, preserve Symmetrical AWD balance, and maintain EyeSight safety camera calibration.
Suspension Geometry: Spacer Lifts vs Replacement Springs and CV Angles
When lifting a unibody crossover like the Subaru Forester, suspension geometry dictates mechanical reliability. Unlike solid-axle pickup trucks, the Forester utilizes a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson front struts and a double-wishbone rear layout. The two primary lifting methods are top-mount strut spacers and heavy-duty lifted replacement coil springs (such as King Springs or Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro).
Top-mount strut spacers—crafted from CNC-machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum or MIG-welded steel (from reputable manufacturers like LP Aventure, ADF / Anderson Design & Fabrication, or Rough Country)—bolt directly between the factory strut top-hat and the unibody chassis. The critical engineering rule for Foresters is capping lift height at 1.5 to 2.0 inches maximum. Pushing past two inches creates extreme, steep angles on the inner and outer Constant Velocity (CV) axle boots, causing accelerated rubber boot tearing, premature CV joint binding, and front drivetrain vibrations during moderate acceleration.
The engineering comparison table below contrasts the leading lift kit architectures for the Subaru Forester.
| Lift Kit Engineering Type | Typical Lift Height | Subframe Drop Included? | Ride Comfort & Spring Rate | Mechanical Stress on CV Axles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-Inch Strut Top Spacers | 1.5 Inches (38 mm) | Optional (Recommended for rear) | Maintains 100% factory OEM plushness | Very Low (Within safe factory CV angles) |
| 2.0-Inch Spacer + Subframe Drop | 2.0 Inches (50 mm) | Mandatory multi-piece rear drop | Maintains factory dampening & ride | Moderate (Subframe drop realigns rear axles) |
| Upgraded Lift Springs (King) | 1.0 to 1.3 Inches | Not required | Firmer; eliminates rear cargo sag | Low (Increases spring rate for gear weight) |
| Complete Long-Travel Coilovers | 2.0 to 2.5 Inches | Mandatory subframe drop & arms | Tunable damping; excellent off-road | High (Requires heavy-duty CV axle upgrades) |
| Budget 2.5-Inch Spacer (No Drop) | 2.5 Inches (63 mm) | None (Dangerously skipped) | Stiff, bouncy, poor articulation | Extreme (Rapid CV boot tear & joint failure) |
Always choose a lift kit with built-in camber and caster offset plates to ensure your Forester can achieve factory wheel alignment specifications.
The Mandatory Subframe Drop, Tire Sizing, and EyeSight Calibration
The single most crucial component of a proper Forester lift kit is the rear multi-link subframe drop spacer kit. When you lift the rear of a Forester by two inches, the trailing arm geometry pulls the rear wheel forward toward the front of the wheel well, causing tires to rub against plastic fender liners and stressing rear axle shafts. A subframe drop kit installs machined aluminum spacers between the unibody and rear subframe cradle, dropping the rear differential back down to restore centered wheel positioning and return rear CV axle angles to near-factory alignment.
Lifting your Forester enables you to upsize from factory highway tires to aggressive 225/65R17 or 235/65R17 all-terrain rubber, adding an additional half-inch of true under-axle clearance. Furthermore, owners must consider Subaru's stereo-camera EyeSight driver assistance technology. While modest 1.5-to-2-inch lifts generally remain within EyeSight's operating pitch tolerance, a proper four-wheel computerized alignment—keeping caster, camber, and thrust angle perfectly zeroed—is mandatory to ensure adaptive cruise control and automatic pre-collision emergency braking operate flawlessly.
The off-road tire fitment guide below details tire clearances and rubbing considerations on lifted Subaru Foresters.
| Tire Size Specification | Overall Tire Diameter | Lift Height Required | Wheel Offset / Trimming Required | Off-Road Capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 225/60R17 (Factory Standard) | 27.6 Inches | Stock height | Zero rubbing; fits all factory wheels | Standard highway / Light dirt |
| 225/65R17 (Popular A/T Size) | 28.5 Inches (+0.9 in) | Fits stock or 1.5-inch lift | Zero rub; fits on stock 17-inch rims | Great balance of clearance & fuel economy |
| 235/65R17 (Aggressive A/T) | 29.0 Inches (+1.4 in) | Requires 1.5 to 2.0-inch lift | Minor plastic fender liner rub at full lock | Superior rock & deep mud traction |
| 225/75R15 (15-Inch Method Wheels) | 28.3 Inches (+0.7 in) | Fits stock or 1.5-inch lift | Requires brake caliper clearance check | Deep sidewall cushion for airing down in sand |
| 245/65R17 (Maximum Overland) | 29.5 Inches (+1.9 in) | 2.0-Inch lift + Subframe drop | Requires heat gun liner molding & pinch weld trim | Maximum ground clearance; slight MPG drop |
Upsizing to larger all-terrain tires will cause your speedometer to read approximately 2 to 3 miles per hour slower than actual vehicle speed.
How to Plan and Install a Forester Lift Kit in 4 Steps
Follow this automotive roadmap to lift your Subaru Forester safely and maintain reliability.
Select a 1.5 to 2.0-Inch Kit with Rear Subframe Spacers
Choose a proven kit from ADF, LP Aventure, or Ironman that includes camber-corrected front spacers and rear subframe drops.
Disconnect Sway Bar End Links and Unbolt Strut Top Hats
Support the vehicle on jack stands; unbolt brake line brackets, ABS sensor wires, and lower strut bolts before dropping the assembly.
Install Billet Spacers and Torque to Manufacturer Specs
Bolt the strut top spacers to the top hat; reinstall struts and install subframe spacers between the rear subframe and chassis.
Complete an Immediate 4-Wheel Computerized Alignment
Drive directly to an alignment shop to dial front and rear camber back to factory specs, ensuring safe EyeSight operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: How high can you lift a Subaru Forester safely?
The maximum safe lift height is 1.5 to 2.0 inches; lifting higher than 2 inches causes severe CV axle binding, boot tears, and drivetrain vibrations.
Q2: Does lifting a Subaru Forester void the factory warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, dealers cannot void your entire warranty; they can only deny warranty claims on components directly damaged by the lift (like CV axles).
Q3: Does lifting a Forester affect Subaru EyeSight?
A modest 1.5 to 2-inch lift does not disable EyeSight, provided a professional 4-wheel alignment is performed to keep the vehicle level and thrust angle straight.
Q4: Do I really need a rear subframe drop kit?
Yes. On any lift of 1.5 to 2 inches, a subframe drop re-centers the rear wheels in the wheel well and corrects rear CV axle angles, preventing premature failure.
Q5: How much does it cost to lift a Subaru Forester?
Quality spacer lift kits cost $450 to $850 in parts; professional shop labor typically costs $400 to $700, plus $120 to $180 for wheel alignment.
Q6: What is the biggest tire you can put on a lifted Forester?
With a 2-inch lift, 235/65R17 (29.0 inches) or 225/75R15 is the most popular aggressive size, requiring minimal or no trimming of plastic fender liners.
Q7: Does lifting a Subaru Forester ruin gas mileage?
The lift itself reduces fuel economy by only 0.5 to 1 MPG; however, adding heavy all-terrain tires and a roof rack typically reduces MPG by 2 to 4 MPG overall.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding lifting a subaru forester provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.