4 INCH ADF lift kit on a 05 Outback

115258 Views 34 Replies 18 Participants Last post by Jake Raspberry, Sep 19, 2021

splitboarder

Discussion Starter · Dec 12, 2017

5

I have installed a four inch lift kit on my 05 Outback .

Stock Tires are 215/65/16

I have 16x7 Sparco wheels with a 35 mm offset to throw some of the tire outboard .
Went down to Discount tire last night and found out that a 235/70/16 still wont fit even after installing the lift.
Yes, the 05-08 is not the best Generation for lifting due to its little fender wells.
So, I have 215/70/16 KO2's coming and I think Im going to need to do some trimming just to get those to fit.
I have spent the last day or so reviewing YouTube and this site for all threads that have info on what Im about to do.
My "pinch points are the front Bumper and the back of the front fenderwell.

Front Fender:

Rear Fender

I believe I can get enough room by cutting both. The upper fender well isn't an issue so I don't need to roll the fender.
I will be posting up some pics of the process
Any advice will be appreciated

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Shaggin Wagon

· #2 · Dec 12, 2017

When raised, a rear multi-link suspension design will pivot the wheel forward in the wheel well (More positive caster). ADF makes a kit to correct this!

https://andersondesign-fab.com/product/2005-2009-outback-2-multi-link-spacer-kit/

As for the front, a little trimming as needed should do the trick.

splitboarder

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 12, 2017

The 4 inch kit comes with the 2 inch multilink spacers. But Im wondering if trailing arm spacers are needed on top of that, or should I say under the TAS.

Got any pics of larger tires on this year model?

scalman

· #4 · Dec 12, 2017

they should fit why not ? 65 for sure. 70 ... hmm they should maybe with some triming

anyway why you needed so much lift ? if front bumper will be left as it is it will make problems. cut half of it or change. cut is cheap , custom costs a lot.

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splitboarder

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 12, 2017

What size tires are on the one above scalman?

scalman

· #6 · Dec 12, 2017

i think he said its 2'' lift with multilink spacers and 215/70r16

splitboarder

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 12, 2017

Yep I think that's the biggest size KO2 you can get under an 05-08 without cutting anything

splitboarder

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 12, 2017

Oh , scalman Im going for a bigger lift to try to squeeze out more ground clearance . I want to get to trail heads in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Roads are old mining roads that are no longer maintained

Laurel Lakes Road

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MiddleAgeSubie

· #9 · Dec 13, 2017

I try not to comment on the choices people make but since your concern is with function not looks I feel compelled to do so! Especially since I have been eyeing Laurel Lakes myself. I would have driven it when I had 0.5" spacers and 1" larger tires but could not make it fit the schedule when passing by.

So...why the 4" lift? I know it provides extra angles and rocker clearance, but that is it. If you have proper suspension geometry, you are not getting any more ground clearance than what a 2" lift provides (and technically a 2" lift does not give you more than stock minimum clearance, it just gives you more usable undercarriage clearance but that's another story). If you manage to squeeze extra ground clearance, you do not have proper suspension geometry with all the consequences that follow (one thing few people consider is insurance, yet 3/4 insurance companies I talked to in AZ would not insure my OB with more than a 2" lift). The other concerns are drivability, reliability, and tire life.

I will put it like this. If you buy the Wells California 4x4 book and want to do difficult trails, just ditch the Outback. If you want to do moderate trails like Laurel Lakes, then 2" lift with oversize tires should do it. Your real issue there is not undercarriage clearance--I have plenty with a 2" lift--but angles and those can only be improved by cutting the stock bumpers, especially the front one (or paying a lot for questionable fabrications).

I know very well that some older Subarus do well on big lifts but the OBs are not among them and my remarks above would still apply.

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scalman

· #10 · Dec 13, 2017

splitboarder said:
Oh , scalman Im going for a bigger lift to try to squeeze out more ground clearance . I want to get to trail heads in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Roads are old mining roads that are no longer maintained

Laurel Lakes Road

That looks like great road to drive.
About insurance , so they look at your car before they give you insurance? I just book insurance online with just telling what my car model is. It can look as monster doesnt matter.

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splitboarder

Discussion Starter · #11 · Dec 13, 2017

4

So...why the 4" lift? I know it provides extra angles and rocker clearance, but that is it. If you have proper suspension geometry, you are not getting any more ground clearance than what a 2" lift provides (and technically a 2" lift does not give you more than stock minimum clearance, it just gives you more usable undercarriage clearance but that's another story). If you manage to squeeze extra ground clearance, you do not have proper suspension geometry with all the consequences that follow (one thing few people consider is insurance, yet 3/4 insurance companies I talked to in AZ would not insure my OB with more than a 2" lift). The other concerns are drivability, reliability, and tire life.

I will put it like this. If you buy the Wells California 4x4 book and want to do difficult trails, just ditch the Outback. If you want to do moderate trails like Laurel Lakes, then 2" lift with oversize tires should do it. Your real issue there is not undercarriage clearance--I have plenty with a 2" lift--but angles and those can only be improved by cutting the stock bumpers, especially the front one (or paying a lot for questionable fabrications).

I have a 2014 K1500 Silverado also. If I really need to get somewhere I drive it

But my Subie is a fun car. I get to do what I want to do with it.

I travel this road and others like it not to offroad, but to get higher up a mountain. And its usually in the dead of winter.
I travel from Tahoe to Lone Pine during storms when most are inside drinking hot coffee.
Once I get up the road I spend the night inside the car, wait for sunrise and start splitting to the top ( Google splitboarding)

I have found the Subaru wagon is suited for my needs, and in summer I can drive the road in a stock outback with a spotter for big rocks
But in the dead of winter larger more aggressive off road tires are a must and more fender clearance helps with snow and ice build up.
Besides, I love challenges.

And its all about wants. I think putting a tent on top of your car and driving around is odd. But they do sell a lot of rooftop tents

As far as Insurance, not worried

And finally....

Its a lot about looks and the finished product, and that's just a personal choice .

But to me this looks cheap

Where these look much better

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MiddleAgeSubie

· #12 · Dec 13, 2017

scalman said:
That looks like great road to drive.
About insurance , so they look at your car before they give you insurance? I just book insurance online with just telling what my car model is. It can look as monster doesnt matter.

Nah, no, you just talk on the phone. Not having told them about a lift may or may not matter after an accident. Insurance practices depend on state, company, and agent. Then there is the question whether you just want to be safe with them or if you want to actually insure the mods. The latter is harder to do and will likely cost you extra. Some people spend really big sums on aftermarket parts. You can buy a bottom-of-the-line Wrangler, for example, and have pretty much everything other than the frame and body replaced lol.

scalman

· #13 · Dec 13, 2017

MiddleAgeSubie said:
Nah, no, you just talk on the phone. Not having told them about a lift may or may not matter after an accident. Insurance practices depend on state, company, and agent. Then there is the question whether you just want to be safe with them or if you want to actually insure the mods. The latter is harder to do and will likely cost you extra. Some people spend really big sums on aftermarket parts. You can buy a bottom-of-the-line Wrangler, for example, and have pretty much everything other than the frame and body replaced lol.

im not talking to noone for insurance. if i want i can go to their office and do paperworks there or do it online and print documents myself. they never care about car or see it. they trust MOT pass means your car is good for road. thats all to it. then you can lift it and do other stuff as you like. well as long as its safe sure.

and sure 4'' is not that extreme yet. people do 6'' and drive ok on all roads. because in the end all real lift is 2'' no more.

splitboarder

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 13, 2017

Mine is the same. All over the phone . They do ask if you have custom wheels ect. You can say yes and they will cover them if stolen. You do need a receipt for the wheels. And of course by saying yes to custom your premium will be higher
But as far as lifting, as long as California DMV and Highway Patrol are ok with it its covered.
However, if your tires stick out of the fenders too far the cops can ticket you here. Never saw it happen but it is on the books

scalman

· #15 · Dec 13, 2017

i like this look. 6'' custom lift.

but then question is : can your granma get in the car ? lol

about tires stuck out i guess its same everywhere. fenders must cover it . there is no other way to drive legally

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splitboarder

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 21, 2017

5

Im finished ! Went with 215/70/16 KO2's and Sparco rims with a +35mm offset. You need the +35 offset to keep the tires from rubbing the inside of the rear springs.
I had to trim about 3/4 of an inch off the front bumper . The front of the bumper. So far no other rubbing
Love the way it looks and drives.

After lift with stock tires and wheels

215/70/16 BFG KO2's

Was Rubbing on the front bumper

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scalman

· #17 · Dec 21, 2017

looks good but looks kinda high no ? maybe its angle tho . it looks a lot lifted. like rly a lot . hope ride its still enjoyable . what you did with sway bars ? left them, or disconnected rear or else ?

splitboarder

Discussion Starter · #18 · Dec 23, 2017

Yeah, lots of fender room. Would have liked to get a little larger tire on but it wont fit without a lot of trimming

All swaybars and linkage are connected. Im loving it. Got AC, heat good stereo and no rubbing. No odd bumps creaks or knocks and because I only went one size larger in tires I still have the same power as before the lift.
Lost 1.5 mpg on driving around town. As soon as I get all the brackets welded I will be ready for some off road testing

311Gryphon

· #19 · Mar 26, 2018

scalman said:
they should fit why not ? 65 for sure. 70 ... hmm they should maybe with some triming

anyway why you needed so much lift ? if front bumper will be left as it is it will make problems. cut half of it or change. cut is cheap , custom costs a lot.

I like the look of your ride as well as the finished product of the OP. Out of curiosity what kinds of lifts do these have? I'm exploring options and am looking to do something similar but everywhere I look it seems like I'm missing something.

So this one is a 2" lift and the OP is a 4", is that correct?

scalman

· #20 · Mar 26, 2018

311Gryphon said:
I like the look of your ride as well as the finished product of the OP. Out of curiosity what kinds of lifts do these have? I'm exploring options and am looking to do something similar but everywhere I look it seems like I'm missing something.

So this one is a 2" lift and the OP is a 4", is that correct?

correct , mine and this pic is 2'' lift and OP i 4''. but 4'' lift is 2'' lift with struts spacers same as mine , and then you do another 2'' lift on subframe. then you need lower diffs. so in end you have car body more higher but your diffs under car are same 2'' lift only. because vc axles cant take more then 2'' lift. thats how you can do 6'' lift if you want. but real suspension lift is only 2''. and rest lift is subframe so its lifts car more up. diffs stays in same 2'' lift only.
as much as i do offroading i never was in situation when i thought that i need more lift. you can find different approaches to tracks that your lift will be enough.
only way to lift diffs more is with bigger tires and they dont fit well with those cars without cuting trimming.

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