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BFG T/A AT KO2's installed!!!

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22K views 18 replies 10 participants last post by  NyRey87  
#1 ·
should have done this sooner! ride is smoother than the silly Michelin Pilot A/S 3+ tires i had on. lots of clearance to frame, wheel well, and LCA. config is 225/65/17 on Motegi MR141, 17x7.5, +40. suspension is currently 100% stock.

Mann Lift Springs being installed Tues next week!! excited!
 

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#7 · (Edited)
so far, no rubbing even at full lock.

one thing i've noticed with my prior setup (prodrive gt1 18x7.5, +53, & michelin pilot sport a/s 3+, 235/50/18) when i observed the clearance between the LCA and tire was that the clearance varied by 0.050"-->1.0", depending on whether i'm crawling slowing, at full lock, up my driveway or reversing down my driveway. i have not tried this same clearance check with new setup, yet. but i haven't heard anything thing rubbing. the huge variance in LCA-Tire clearance is due to the silly rear bushing design of the LCA. also, the difference in wheel offset (+53 --> +40) increased the LCA-tire clearance by just over 0.5". plus, the BFG KO2's tread is narrower than the Michelin PS A/S 3+'s i was running.

additionally, down the road, i'm looking at installing 2018 WRX STi Type RA LCA's which have monoballs in the rear bushing. this will help significantly to maintain a consistent alignment. the monoballs have dust boots to help prevent debris contamination and prolong monoball life. also looking at installing SuperPro rear sub frame bushing fillers to help with maintaining a more consistent rear end alignment while under load.

here's the rear wheel to fender well clearance w/ my remote as a scale.

i'm getting the Mann Lift Springs installed tomorrow. will post more pics there.
 

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#6 · (Edited)
I had same setup on except different rim (Sparco). very minor or no rub at full turn before lift. Now I have 2" lift and it rides great.

check out my recent video hitting Cleighorn with this lift. :) near the end, it maxed out my approach angle with the line we chose so scoop up a bit of dirt at the fog light, but nothing major.
I love this Ko2 with the 17" rim. Posted here: https://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f62/cleghorn-trail-ride-east-west-791695/#post7480197


@duckboy we are local, hopefully we meet some day to ride out. :)
 
#10 ·
springs installed and KO2 clearance to wheel well pics

here are the pics of the installed Mann Lift Springs. the clearance between tire-wheel well decreased by about 0.25" or so. compare to pics above for before lift springs installed.
 

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#12 ·
hopefully, my setup is ok. haven't tried jacking the rear up yet to see if the tire contacts as the suspension articulates downward (droops). we'll see. have to put my snow wheels on soon anyway. the Mann Lift Springs only lifted the ride height by 1". but the spring rates are about 20% stiffer than stock so the suspension won't articulate as much and the nominal ride position will be closer to the nominal lifted position. in theory.
 
#14 ·
They look awesome, I just got my 2019 sport and the dealer wanted $2800 to do this. But my question is what will it do to the gas mileage? Any thoughts?
Seems like a lot to me, but it is a dealer. I also have a 19 Sport and I'm dieing to get some meatier tires on it. Really hoping someone just bites the bullet and puts this setup on a 19 Sport so I can see how it works out.
 
#19 ·
Awesome Ride!
I just purchased a 15' Forester XT and I have some Method 502 Rally rims on the way. I had Discount tire order me some Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S tires but I am having second thoughts on them. I had BFG KO2's on my Xterra and absolutely loved them. My only concern is adding so much weight per tire to the Forester.
The Method 502 17" rally rim is 24.3lbs per, the stock Forester 18" rim is 25.3. So I save a little bit of weight there. The current tire I have is a Falken Ziex 950 and each tire is 27lbs and the Cooper is 32lbs while the KO2 is 40lbs.
Did you notice any strain on your Forester once you put on the heavier tire?
 
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