[03forester-noob]

i just picked up an 03 forester looking to do some small off-road mods to help it handle in the north country better. anyone have any good ideas not looking to do much. would i be better off with blocks or just stiffer springs and some meatier tires. looking for a 1"-2.5" lift

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

@03forester-noob I see this is your first forum post, so welcome to the forum from Oregon! :biggrin:

Take a look at the "stickies" at the top of this sub-forum: Offroad Suspension :wink:

Also...

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Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[lilimaag]

Hi @03forester-noob

It took me a while to sift through similar discussions - what I learned after installing raised king springs is that it probably would have been better to simply install stiffer standard size king springs and a 1.5" or 2" lift kit.

Why? Because original and after-market struts have the same total travel. If you put bigger springs over your struts it will reduce the suspension travel down. Your wheels wont extend as far down into holes or ruts compared with a lift kit and standard size springs.

Being an '03, depending on mileage, if your struts haven't already been replaced, they are probably saggy, soft, leaking and about to burst. Replacing these at the same time will save on labour and improve your handling.

That said, I am very happy with my set up, especially because I got the springs under half price. The stiffness of the king springs is great both on and off road.

Either way, combine it with some A/T tyres one size up from stock (or as big as you can fit) and you will be impressed with the increased ability of your forester.