97 Outback ...

[Aphcfool]

Considering trying to convince my gf to do a little modding so we can take it on some moderate offroading adventures ...

What are some of the things that really need to be altered before even attempting some offroad adventures??

[subydrift]

Depending on how crazy you want to get. A simple mod that will help with the off road ability would be to disconnect the sway bars, at least the rear. It will allow the wheels to move more freely to bumps but the on-road ride will be sloppy and have a lot more body roll. Other than that some 1" strut spacers will help with clearance. Or find some used 04+ Forester strut assemblies, they will bolt right in and give you ~1-2". You can get front and rear skid plates from companies like Primitive and Rally Armor to protect your oil pan and rear diff. Engine mods won't really help in the off-roading department unless your racing rallycross or something. Just keep a good air filter in place. On the more extreme end you can try and find a rear diff with a LSD to swap in. Help keep both rear wheels powered but can get a little pricey.

The Outback is a pretty versatile vehicle as is. Not much needs to be done to get through most logging access roads, smaller water crossings, rough roads, etc.

Do a search. You'll find quite a few pics of people putting their Outbacks through the ringer with few mods.

[Aphcfool]

I mentioned offroading with it to her ... and she flat out said noooo. .. Guess I'll end up having to wait for a little offroader .. I do happen to like her Sub a lot .. so maybe I'll pick up a 2nd vehicle for me some day Her's is auto ... and I wouldn't mind a little 5 speed for myself for winter anyways, as my daily driver is a Jetta, and I'd like to redo a lot of the body on it, so I'll need a winter rat. Guess I'll get my work experience with hers before I get mine though. For now, I guess I'll get ideas from here, and just worry about perking up her engine performance.

Boooo to no offroading girlfriends. LOL