Mark's 01 forester..>---->

I have always been a Jeep guy. About a year and a half ago I bought a new 2010 Jeep Wrangler for my Wife. I was currently driving a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 1/4 million miles on it. This thing was on its last leg. So while purchasing the new Wrangler I told the owner of the car business to be on the lookout for a nice used SUV or 4x4 truck. She said she would. About two weeks later she called me and said she had a one owner 2001 forester that was just taken in on a trade. I was a little hesitant but drove down the next day. The forester had 125k, new timing belt, and was in great shape. The previous owner was a med student and all service records were in line. My gut was telling me to buy this forester. Said and done I paid $4,500 for it.
I have put this little tank through the test since I have had it. I am an avid outdoorsman. I have hauled my 5 dogs in it, kayaks/canoes on top of it, and many fishing and hunting trips in it. Short of hauling mulch and gravel, it has done everything I have asked it to do. Stock!!!
Since I have found this site, my plans are to add a 2 inch lift, additional off road lights, and maybe a basket to add up top when needed.
I now understand this "SUBARU NEW WORLD ORDER" thing. I also plan on going up in tire size from 205's to 215's. I really like those tents you guys are using down under that set up on top.
Stand by for pics...Let the modifications begin!!
 
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markstella said:
I have put this little tank through the test since I have had it. I am an avid outdoorsman. I have hauled my 5 dogs in it, kayaks/canoes on top of it, and many fishing and hunting trips in it. Short of hauling mulch and gravel, it has done everything I have asked it to do. Stock!!!
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That's a great review markstella :ebiggrin:
Yes the Forry's are a great vehicle. Great to hear that you're enjoying driving it :biggrin:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Well its official. The stick was placed on the back of the forester.
Waiting on my strut spacers to be made now.
 

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Just cabbaged on to some metal "ummmmm road sign" to make a skid plate. Found a DIY pattern. Looking forward to hanging out in the garage tonight and drawing it up.
Any thoughts on doubling it up to make it a little stronger ??
 
I got it cut out last night. Now I have to make the bends with a metal brake.
 

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Well the DIY skid plate is complete. I had some problems with two 90 degree bends at the rear. It broke!! I had to make an extension to bolt up to the cross member. Turned out good.:ebiggrin:
 

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markstella said:
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"Road Closed" - not anymore! GOLD!!

As for your question about doubling up - now that you've got that one on I'd wait and see how it goes. If it's not holding up well doubling up might do the job. Just make sure you bolt the two together with smaller bolts on the edges at the very least ;)

Cheers

Bennie
 
I got the word today that my two inch spacers will be done no later than tomorrow. I did a search and read some posts but could not find an answer. Riddle me this, with the two inch spacers what length top hat bolts do I need. I know just to add two inches to the stock ones. However I dont want to pull the struts out and measure and put back in and drive to the store. I would like to have all parts in hand when I start this project. I hope to start this weekend. Any help would be appreciated.:iconwink: Thanks.
 
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I got the spacers on Saturday. Its nice to know someone that works in a steel/metal fabrication shop. He was able to use scrap steel from other projects. The cost...... $o . :ebiggrin:. Now i have to go buy the extended bolts. Finally figured that 3.25 length will be good.
 

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Can't get a better price than that! :iconwink:
 
markstella said:
I got the spacers on Saturday. Its nice to know someone that works in a steel/metal fabrication shop. He was able to use scrap steel from other projects. The cost...... $o . :ebiggrin:
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Kevin said:
Can't get a better price than that! :iconwink:
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Fantastic price I say.
It's my favorite price too :biggrin:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
Well, I started the lift project this past weekend on the forester. From what I read here on the site I figured that I would start on the rear struts first. All went well getting them out, but man did I have a time getting them back. I was shooting for 2 inches. I used ratchet straps to try gain a little ground on matching the strut base up with the knuckle but finally gave up. I ended up just going with 1 inch for now. The fronts were a piece of cake. I hope to regroup in a week or so and go on up to two inches.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Pics to follow soon.
 
Kevin, I plan on using one the next go around. Kinda got anxious and jumped the gun and thought I could pull it off without one. Lesson learned..lol.
Stilson, I have a thumb nail link in the above post. I traced the pattern on paper from a post here, then transferred over to a 1/2 inch piece of HDPE, and did a little trimming from it. Then the HDPE pattern went to the shop where a friend made 1 inch spacers from steel cut out by a plasma cutter. I got maybe $30 in new top hat bolts.
I actually have two sets of steel spacers and two sets from HDPE. The HDPE came from an old butcher block that I had to cut up my venison.
 
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