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:
 
Good job on the sump gaurd mate, Ive recently bought a 2011 model and im lookn to go in same direction as you with off-road mods as well...

Lookn forward to see how yours finishes up...
 
Hey guys, i've got a 2011 fxt and started doing some more 4wd trails. Plan on heading up to stockton in 2 weekends. Just received my sump guard (2 left from a ozfoz user "lolzer"). Theyre cheap $90 + Postage but their very good quality aluminum with a good design. Some photos on ozfoz if you want to see.

Anyway, my question is. Do I really need to get a snatch strap, or can I just buy a pair of maxtraxs and not need to worry about needing someone with me.

They seem pretty dam good at getting yourself out of any situation.

Secondly, where are they hitch points on the foz? Are they behind those pop out plastic thingies? Are they strong enough to get snatched out ON?
 
^ the Maxtrax work 90% of the time but if your bellied out they won't do a damn thing. A snatch strap too is a good idea along with a distribution strap, that distributes the the load of the snatching between the two front tow points. Some bow shackels too and your set to go.

Just remember to air down your tyre pressures and you should be fine.
 
Yes make sure you get a distribution strap if ever need to be snatched out :iconwink:
With the bow shackles (D Shackles) make sure & only use Rated ones :cool:

For the rear, if you have a tow bar, pull the tongue out & slip the snatch strap into the hitch, then slip the locking pin back in.
Thats how I (& others) do it. It's the best & safest way :)

Don't ever & I mean never ever use the towball for a recovery or as a recovery point.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
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