NOOB Moding '09 Forester!

G’day all!
I am new to the forums and new to this idea of moding. *I own a ’09 Forester XS and* I currently live in Hastings, Vic, Aus. *I would like to make my Forester more offroad capable. *I am really keen to get out and about and off the beaten track, offroading, camping, skiing, Mt biking, and go out on some trips with a club.
I THINK I have a rough idea what I’m doing. I would love some tips, advice, help choosing, products, contacts, expertise, etc. I have a budget for everything I’m thinking of doing and will try stick to it but I don’t want to compromise on quality so it may have to be done in several stages. *Also, I am keen to do it all myself to learn more and have that pride in it, I think I have the expertise but may need some help and need to buy extra tools. I am trying to stick to a budget of $5000... I’ve not done calculations yet ...
***************
The things I’m looking at doing is:-
The main thing I want to get done/do properly is a dual battery system under the bonnet. I have spoken to ARB and TJM and they say its not done without A LOT of work, if at all. I know there isn’t A LOT of room under there but it has to be able to be done. I dont really like the idea of a removable battery in the wagon area that takes up space and can move around in a crash or something. (cant leave radio on or lights or fridge on for camping)
Sump Guard - subaxtreme (general protection)
***Offroad Bullbar - subaxtreme (approach angle, collisions, lights, bushbash, tow points, etc)
***2"Suspension lift kit - Crossbred Performance (Blocks or springs or?)
***Air Compressor - ARB - CKMA12 (built in under hood for car and mt bike (ARB air lockers?))
***CB Radio - Prestige Communication - GME TX3100 bonus pack (do I need this?)
***Driving lights (I own an old set to start with)
Diff lock switch I’ve read about (cheap, need books and read more)
***Larger AT Wheels and tires (improve capability, 1 good set 1 rough set)
***Snorkle (river crossings, do I need straight away?)
***Like I’ve said I’m really new to this whole thing so I have no real idea what is best to do and what is “needed” so Im just trying to figure it all out from reading forums (not my strong point) and any advice you guys may give. I am more interested in touring and general offroad stuff, beach (stockton) and snow (real home Jindabyne), Im not really keen on rockcrawling.
***I am keen to try get most of it organised together and then do it in 1 big hit soonish... So if all goes well I’ll keep up the thread with the work and pics and then see you out and about shortly! :lildevil:
Anything from you guys would be greatly appreciated...even just moral support :quitar:
 
Click to expand...
G'day spikeoo1 & :welcome: to ORS.

Sounds like you have a great plan in place with making your Forry more offroad friendly :)
May I also suggest you add your location to your profile. By knowing where you are, helps us to help you :iconwink:

A sump guard, in my opinion is a must & I'm sure others will agree.
SubaXtreme would be your best bet. Fairly cheap & quick & easy to fit, 10 mins with a socket wrench & its done.

Offroad Bullbars aren't cheap, but do help with approach angles & possible collisions (especially out in the bush) Not that hard to fit yourself, just a little time consuming.

For 2" lifts (strut tops) try Sumo Parts who's a supporting vendor here :)

Uhf (CB Radio) is a great thing to have. A must in my opinion, but not essential, they do come in very handy though.

A diff lock switch would come in handy too. There's a write up somewhere, I just can't find it at the moment.

As for a snorkel, it's not something you need right away. A few of us have them. They do take a little work, as they don't make a specific one for Suby's.
If you are doing water crossings, I strongly suggest that you get a fan cut off switch though.

Sorry I can't help with the other stuff, but hopefully this is enough to get you started :ebiggrin:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Welcome.

Car prep is vital- especially if going outback. If going outback, in addition to what Mr Turbo said, I'd look at a PLB. GME do one for about $450, and if you get the CB at the same time you might get a deal. I have the radio you mentioned, but GME now have a smaller one and I'd recommend that. Is your car manual or auto? Look at external spare wheel/jerry holders which are part of a replacement bumper. You'd want a snatch strap, shackles, some fencing wire, a spade and second spare wheel. I used to put some security dorr type mesh over my bullbar, with some flyscreen over that. The mesh keeps birds and parts of roos from destroying your radiator, the flyscreen keeps the bugs out.

It seems you plan on going with others as travelling solo in the outback can be risky. Jerry's for water and petrol will be needed in isolated areas especially. In the end it depends on your budget. There are bits which can help offroad but it can get very expensive. By far the best thing you can do is to learn off road driving if you have not already done so. I have been on trips where my standard Forrie on road tyres went along a track after a raised and off road tyre equipped Forrie got stuck- no doubt others have similar stories. You could also fit extended diff breathers for deeper water crossings. But the Forrie is a long way from being a boat.

Hope that helps. As Mr Turbo also said, I suggest you put on your profile town, state and country so our friends in Oz and overseas know where you are from.
 
Thanks Turbo and Rally!

What do you mean by "car prep" Rally?

I am planning on calling Subaxtreme about their Sump guard ASAP, I agree that it is a must! Im also going to ask about their Offroad bullbar, while they are costy I think its probably a good idea to get it at the start?
I am interested in their rear bumper carrier too but as Iv said Im trying to keep in within a $5000 starting budget so thought that and the snorkle could wait?

Iv emailed Crossbred Performance and they wont have the 2" lift blocks for 4 weeks for around the $700 mark. I looked at the Sumo site but they dont have any either and didn't say a cost so I'v emailed them asking too.

I like the CB I mentioned because it fits in front of my AUTO gear lever, up under next to the AUX power, nice and tucked away! but I'll see if I can find a smaller one, TJM and ARB both recommended it and said it was the smallest. This might be a later stage as to try stick to my budget, unless everyone thinks I need one...

I have done abit of offroading myself and spent abit of time at the beaches. I totally agree that we should all have an PLB and do the driving course! I want to do a proper 4wding course once Iv done at least the sump and lift just for piece of mind and so I learn in what Im going to be driving
The recovery equipment a have most of it already however fencing wire?

I also added my location in, but I spend alot of time in Jindabyne (parents home/skiing) and up in Toronto, Newcastle (Cuz house). Currently in Toronto, driving to Jindabyne Thur, driving to Hastings Fri.

Thanks heaps for both of your help and advice! its great! I really appreciate it!
 
Last edited:
G'day spikeoo1:welcome:

SubaXtreme sumpguards are good, easy to fit, but not very strong. Mine has a 3" crack in it after only its 3rd trip :(

At least it did its job...protect the sump!

SubaXtreme offroad bars are excellent, but can be a little tricky to fit (read Barry's thread). & will cost you an arm & half a leg ;)

Crossbred Performance has an exc 2" lift kit, many members ahve one & are very happy. Sumo Parts have just come out with a 2" kit due to popular demand lol. They are quick to reply & seem very good.

ARB air lockers are great but not available for Subies :(
Not sure if you have the R180 diff but they are bringing out a locker for that soon.

Before you worry bout a snorkel I'd do a fan cutout switch & diff breather first. I'm looking at a 3way switch:
Pos1) Always on (for beach runs).
Pos2) Auto, uses the ECU as normal.
Pos3) Always off. Power will run to a warning buzzer instead of the fan.

What recovery gear do you have? For a snatch strap I'd use 5000kg or 6000kg only. Any more & it doesnt have the stretch & you risk bending/tearing the tie-down points. Do you have a distribution strap?

For tyres I'm a huge fan of the Yoki Geolander AT-s. Trouble is they're still out of them in many sizes due to the tsunami in Japan.

I know its short notice but we have a day trip to Bunyip SP on Weds 11th if you're interested ;)
https://offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?p=34578#post34578
 
Car prep is making sure you have changed the fluids that need changing, made sure things like drive belts, timing belt, radiator and heater hoses and all the other bits on the car are in good condition. Some spare parts for things like fuses won't hurt. I would never go on a trip without someone else- and thus I'd never go without a CB. I value their worth enormously, even though around town I don't use them due to the idiots out there. Check the GME website for their radios, and male sure you get a good aerial as well.


spikeoo1 said:
Thanks Turbo and Rally!

What do you mean by "car prep" Rally?

I am planning on calling Subaxtreme about their Sump guard ASAP, I agree that it is a must! Im also going to ask about their Offroad bullbar, while they are costy I think its probably a good idea to get it at the start?
I am interested in their rear bumper carrier too but as Iv said Im trying to keep in within a $5000 starting budget so thought that and the snorkle could wait?

Iv emailed Crossbred Performance and they wont have the 2" lift blocks for 4 weeks for around the $700 mark. I looked at the Sumo site but they dont have any either and didn't say a cost so I'v emailed them asking too.

I like the CB I mentioned because it fits in front of my MANUAL gear lever, up under next to the AUX power, nice and tucked away! but I'll see if I can find a smaller one, TJM and ARB both recommended it and said it was the smallest. This might be a later stage as to try stick to my budget, unless everyone thinks I need one...

I have done abit of offroading myself and spent abit of time at the beaches. I totally agree that we should all have an PLB and do the driving course! I want to do a proper 4wding course once Iv done at least the sump and lift just for piece of mind and so I learn in what Im going to be driving
The recovery equipment a have most of it already however fencing wire?

I also added my location in, but I spend alot of time in Jindabyne (parents home/skiing) and up in Toronto, Newcastle (Cuz house). Currently in Toronto, driving to Jindabyne Thur, driving to Hastings Fri.

Thanks heaps for both of your help and advice! its great! I really appreciate it!
Click to expand...
 
Bodge, who is another Ausie member of the forum, also manufactures lift kits, so might be worth sending him a PM as well. (Which in no way should be taken as any disrespect to the others whose products you have mentioned).
 
Thanks!
I do your car prep already before I do any sort of trip, I thought you meant something before starting all my planned mods.
Ill give Bodge a PM now!
What is the difference between spring lift and blocks? which is better? Iv only seen blocks so far but I'll keep looking.
I would love to join you on that trip but Im up in Toronto NSW atm, been cruising along stockton every few days! great fun! and great camping and offroading!
 
spikeoo1 said:
Ill give Bodge a PM now!
What is the difference between spring lift and blocks? which is better? Iv only seen blocks so far but I'll keep looking
Click to expand...

Spring lift is using raised (HD) springs to lift the entire car. It is slightly harsher but handles better onroad but you will have slightly less articulation offroad.

Choice of King Springs or Dobinsons.

Strut lift is blocks placed at the top of the strut to raise the entire car without changing the suspension. It does put the CVs under more strain but seems not much.

Depends on your personal choice. A lot of people go for springs plus a 1" strut lift. I have raised springs & will be adding a 2" lift :biggrin:

I would love to join you on that trip but Im up in Toronto NSW atm, been cruising along stockton every few days! great fun! and great camping and offroading!
Click to expand...

There will be others...enjoy Stockton ;)
 
I just got back home to VIC from Toronto HOLIDAYS! My Cuz bought a jetski! and smashing the dunes at Stockton! So now its time to really knuckle down and do my research and work! Id like to get everything together then take time off work and fit it all in a week or whatever it takes! Any and all help is much appreciated! Info, research, install, pro's/con's, opinions.
Thanks Turbo! I wrote to SUMO and they got back to me today! said they they are currently making something for the new shape foresters but dont have anything yet! bummer!
I mainly like the bullbar because of kangaroos in the Snowy Mountains! Jindabyne! my parents live there and I love SKIING!!!
Iv organised to meet "lolzer" from OzFoz to get a sump guard and see what he has done to his Forester and get any help and ideas.
Id love to come for a trip once I have the plate Nachaluva!
SOOO much reading to do! Thankyou!
 
Hrm, insurance company said they wont cover car if change suspension more then 30mm! no matter what! lucky I rang as I almost bought some!
Any one else have this issue?
 
Who are you with?

Still lets you do a 1" lift :biggrin:

Good thing you found out now. I gotta do some chasing around for insurance, I know some do insure modded vehicles like ours...
 
I know Shannons and Just Car are highly recommended. Im with SGIO and they are fine with my mods aslong as im within legal limits.

* Not sure if im allowed to post the names of companies here so feel free to remove the post if neccessary mods and admins
 
I'm insured with AAMI & they said it was ok, as long as it's not over the legal limit & let them know (obviously)
I just showed them the receipts of the work, they noted it on my policy & everything was sweet :raz:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Ok so Im back! Time to actually get into my MODs! Iv been training for the "kona otway odessey"! 100km with about 3000m vertical Mt Biking! It was great fun on the weekend and Id do it again, I was a little sore and stiff but fine otherwise.
So I have a GME 3100 and antenna, light bar, driving lights, and I am thinking of going to get a ARB CKMA12 on friday and install it this weekend!
I am going to stay with my ****ty insurance for the moment and just get a 1" lift and am going to make a sump guard at work out of checker plate!

Quick QU:-
-What is the best way to join the HIGH BEAM wire and the wire for relay for the driving lights? I dont like the idea of the clip that pierces the 2 wires, no water proof or anything.
-Where/how is the best way to get a wire from the engine bay into the cockpit?

Ill try take heaps of photos and do a write up for each. I have yet to do any MODs so I mightnt actually finish or work it out and the write ups might take time.
Any tips before I start? haha!

1 Starter pic, whats best way to do pics?
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0590.jpg
    IMG_0590.jpg
    94.1 KB · Views: 25
The best way is to cut the wires, slip some heat shrink over the ends and slide the heat shrink back, solder the wires together, move the heat shrink over the soldered section and apply heat with a heat gun. I run the wires through the grommets around the master cylinder area. Make sure you fuse the power feed from the battery to the relay.
 
Rally said:
slip some heat shrink over the ends and slide the heat shrink back, solder the wires together, move the heat shrink over the soldered section and apply heat with a heat gun.
Click to expand...
Thats what I was thinking of doing, but the heat shrink would still leave a small gap for water wouldnt it?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top