Thinking about lifting your Subaru Forester by 6 inches? This significant lift dramatically alters your vehicle's capabilities and appearance, opening up new possibilities for off-road adventures. However, it's crucial to understand the implications before you commit. This guide will explore everything you need to know about a 6-inch Subaru Forester lift kit, from the benefits and drawbacks to installation considerations and potential modifications.
What are the Benefits of a 6-Inch Lift Kit for a Subaru Forester?
A 6-inch lift kit offers significant advantages, primarily for those who frequently traverse challenging terrain:
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Increased Ground Clearance: The most obvious benefit is the substantial increase in ground clearance. This allows you to tackle larger obstacles, rocks, and uneven surfaces with greater confidence, reducing the risk of undercarriage damage.
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Improved Approach, Breakover, and Departure Angles: A higher ride height improves these crucial off-road angles, allowing for a smoother negotiation of inclines and obstacles.
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Larger Tire Clearance: A 6-inch lift provides ample space for significantly larger tires, offering better traction and grip, particularly in muddy, snowy, or sandy conditions. This leads to improved handling and stability off-road.
What are the Drawbacks of a 6-Inch Lift Kit for a Subaru Forester?
While a 6-inch lift offers significant benefits, it's important to acknowledge the potential drawbacks:
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Ride Quality: A significantly lifted vehicle will likely have a harsher ride compared to the stock suspension. This is because the suspension geometry is altered, and larger tires can increase road noise and vibrations.
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Handling: The higher center of gravity can make the vehicle feel less stable on paved roads, potentially leading to body roll in corners.
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Cost: 6-inch lift kits are expensive, requiring significant investment in components and potentially professional installation.
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Potential for Damage: With a significant lift, you'll need to be more mindful of the increased stress on components like axles, CV joints, and drivetrain parts.
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Legal and Insurance Considerations: In some regions, modifications that exceed a certain height might not be street legal, and significant modifications could affect your insurance coverage. Always check local regulations and inform your insurer.
What Components are Included in a 6-Inch Subaru Forester Lift Kit?
A typical 6-inch lift kit for a Subaru Forester will include:
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Lift Spacers or Coilovers: These are the core components responsible for increasing the vehicle's ride height. Coilovers offer greater adjustability and typically provide a better ride quality than simple spacers.
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Control Arms: May be necessary to accommodate the increased suspension travel and maintain proper suspension geometry.
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Shocks and Struts: These need to be upgraded to handle the increased suspension travel and weight.
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Other Potential Components: Depending on the specific kit, additional components might include sway bar links, differential drop kits, and brake line extensions.
How Difficult is it to Install a 6-Inch Lift Kit on a Subaru Forester?
Installing a 6-inch lift kit is a complex process that often requires specialized tools and mechanical expertise. It's generally not a DIY project for beginners. Improper installation can lead to serious issues, including compromised handling, safety hazards, and damage to your vehicle. It's highly recommended to have this work performed by a qualified mechanic specializing in Subaru or off-road vehicle modifications.
What Other Modifications are Recommended with a 6-Inch Lift?
Beyond the lift kit itself, several other modifications are frequently recommended to complement a 6-inch lift and enhance performance and safety:
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Larger Tires: As mentioned earlier, larger tires are crucial to take advantage of the increased ground clearance and improve off-road capability.
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Gear Ratio Change (Possibly): Larger tires can significantly affect the gearing, making the vehicle feel sluggish. A gear ratio change might be necessary to restore optimal performance.
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Steering Stabilizer: This can improve steering stability, particularly on rough terrain.
What are the best brands of 6-inch lift kits for a Subaru Forester?
Researching specific brands is crucial, as different manufacturers offer varying levels of quality and performance. Reading reviews and comparing specifications from reputable retailers and automotive forums is highly recommended before purchasing any lift kit.
This information is for general guidance only and should not substitute professional advice from a qualified mechanic specializing in Subaru modifications. Remember to always prioritize safety and legality when modifying your vehicle.
