SJ Forester Diesel 2.0D-L Offroad Ability

[BeeJ]

Hey guys,

A mate of mine is looking at getting the new SJ forester diesel. He wants to do some light offroading like most of us on here do.

My question is, does anyone know how the new diesel forester performs off road?

I was surprised to find out that you can only get the diesel option in 6 sp manual not auto or D/R.

Just wondering if the lack of D/R and auto is going to be an issue...

 

[stilson]

The old fella who leads the wa Soob 4wd club runs has the SH diesel and rates it highly.

 

[BeeJ]

sweet, just saw this thread too:
https://offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?t=3986&highlight=diesel

notably # 61

good info re-gearing

 

[pezimm]

Keep in mind there is a chance they will release an Auto Diesel on the Forester, same as just done on the Outback...

Pedro.

 

[NachaLuva]

Just a thought...if its a 6spd & everyone says the diesel 6th gear shouldnt be used under 120kmh why not swap in shorter diffs to make 1st gear shorter like a DR & 6th more practical?

 

[stilson]

Find me a shorter diff than 4.44:1 and then Shutup and take my money!

 

[Biesel]

For Australia the best bet would be to fit the new SJ petrol 6 speed gearbox to the diesel. It has a 3.815 first gear and still has 4.444:1 final drive so should be straight forward.