Beginner - how to protect 2019 Forester

[rjweeks22]

Hi Everyone - almost total beginner to 4wd. I live in Sedona (AZ) and need to go up dirt roads to get to trail heads - some of the roads are quite rocky and a few years ago I damaged our 2001 Forester on one of them - a rock struck the underside and damaged electronics in transmission.


Now I have a 2019 Forester and want to protect it so these trips are not so dangerous to the car. Can anyone let me know what is absolutely necessary - what's the order of priority in alterations to the Forester itself in order to protect it? I'm aware I can lift it and/or add skid plates, but I've no idea which is priority and if there are just certain areas underneath that need protection. And what about entry and departure .... Appreciate any thoughts.
Also where does one go for this work? Thanks! Name's Robin

 

[Ben Up North]

Skid plates Skid plates Skid Plates.

Then whatever else you want to do.

Welcome to ORS!

 

[Ratbag]

Welcome, Robin.

What Ben said. And always remember that your Subaru is NOT a truck ... no matter how capable!

 

[Kevin]

G'day & Welcome Robin

In the US the Primitive skid plates seem to be very popular. I have just the engine sump protected and have never had damage issues with the transmission or rear diff.

As others have said above, then a lift - I'm sure [MENTION=2617]NachaLuva[/MENTION] can help with that!

 

[NachaLuva]

Hey Robin,

If you have to do them one at a time, I suggest skid plates (engine & CVT) then lift kit then tyres. Feel free to PM me for a lift kit - FREE shipping to the US!!

 

[Rally]

Sump guard for engine and gearbox first. The current Foresters have more clearance than the early ones so maybe thats all you will need. If you are are still hitting often after that, then a lift kit is available. Plenty of lift kits on the market. If you have the Geolanders from the factory best get rid of them too. The ideal tyre isn’t available in the size to fit your car, so you will have to settle for an all terrain tyre with strong sidewalls, such as the Bridgestone 697 or BF Goodrich KO2.

 

[rjweeks22]

I just want to thank everyone that responded to my original post - appreciate it. I think a clear picture emerged from all of you that skid pates are the priority followed by lifting, and even that there are particular areas underneath to protect if I had to prioritize.

I'll get right on it!

 

[Kevin]

Good luck and let's see the result!

 

[Holeman]

Aye, skid plates are the best thing since sliced bread. haha