Interesting shock extension and new bump stop - sounds promising - the Crosstrek and Outback mount the sway bars differently but the video is still interesting - I notice they say to torque the shock extension to 40 foot pounds but I don't see him using a torque wrench.

 

I've been wondering the same thing, and maybe if they can be used on the Outback Wilderness to get an extra 1.2" lift off the already present 0.7" lift. I asked Grimmspeed directly, but I have not heard any response from them. I also asked if the springs are stiffer than factory as it might be nice to havea littlw extra load carrying capacity over stock. I'll let you know if they answer my email.

 

I am wondering the same thing - let us know when you hear more!

 

Hi, I finally got a reply from Grimmspeed. Sounds like yes, you can use the kit, but as suspected it will only provide a 1" lift. Also, it would be worth investigating what the spring rates are on the longer wilderness spring/struts to know if they are already stiffer than regular OB XTs. They might be. I just don't know. If anyone has done this research, please share it as the spring rates listed below are likely over the regular OB OEM, and I would guess that they might be different for XT models versus the 2.5L engine, but maybe they are all the same spring rate. I also wonder if the OBW has linear or progressive springs (linear likely) but the stock OWB springs seem to fair better under load than even the Ironman 4x4 suspension 2" lift in either B or C variants (search YouTube for videos on this as they show pretty awful spring sag under heavy weight / OEM seems to fair better and sag less under load. I have no idea if these will be the same or better than OEM under heavy loads. Hopefully, one of us can get the kit and give it a try. Please reply back if you do!

Nevertheless, here is what Grimmspeed replied to me with:

Hey Justin,

Thanks for reaching out to us! Our Lift Kit is compatible with your Outback Wilderness edition. However, since the Wilderness edition already offers a longer strut from factory; you will not get the full 2" lift that our kit offers. It will be closer around a 1" lift all around. The spring rate on our Lift Kits offers a 19% increase in stiffness over OEM in the front, and a 24% increase in the rear. Our manufacturing team is currently in the process of producing this next batch of Lift Kits. The current ETA for when this will be finished is looking to be around 3-5 weeks from today. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions!


Thanks,
Khang Dao

 

Hi, I finally got a reply from Grimmspeed. Sounds like yes, you can use the kit, but as suspected it will only provide a 1" lift. Also, it would be worth investigating what the spring rates are on the longer wilderness spring/struts to know if they are already stiffer than regular OB XTs. They might be. I just don't know. If anyone has done this research, please share it as the spring rates listed below are likely over the regular OB OEM, and I would guess that they might be different for XT models versus the 2.5L engine, but maybe they are all the same spring rate. I also wonder if the OBW has linear or progressive springs (linear likely) but the stock OWB springs seem to fair better under load than even the Ironman 4x4 suspension 2" lift in either B or C variants (search YouTube for videos on this as they show pretty awful spring sag under heavy weight / OEM seems to fair better and sag less under load. I have no idea if these will be the same or better than OEM under heavy loads. Hopefully, one of us can get the kit and give it a try. Please reply back if you do!

Nevertheless, here is what Grimmspeed replied to me with:

Hey Justin,

Thanks for reaching out to us! Our Lift Kit is compatible with your Outback Wilderness edition. However, since the Wilderness edition already offers a longer strut from factory; you will not get the full 2" lift that our kit offers. It will be closer around a 1" lift all around. The spring rate on our Lift Kits offers a 19% increase in stiffness over OEM in the front, and a 24% increase in the rear. Our manufacturing team is currently in the process of producing this next batch of Lift Kits. The current ETA for when this will be finished is looking to be around 3-5 weeks from today. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions!


Thanks,
Khang Dao

Just to note, the struts on the Wilderness are not longer than the non-Wilderness. They are the exact same length. The lift is provided with stiffer springs and most likely (not confirmed) different valving internals.

Please see thread below showing side by side measurements as somebody swapped stock XT suspension with Wilderness suspension components. With this in mind, would you get the full 2" or the loss of the stiffer Wilderness stock springs, vs Trails springs? I dunno, be interesting to see what it does for you. I have a non-Wilderness but wanting this setup.

Links to Thread with Measurements:
Rear
Front

 

This is a really interesting idea for a lift kit.

Using the factory struts with an extension.

More work but it should potentially cost less.

I wonder if they'll loan me one?

 

This is a really interesting idea for a lift kit.

Using the factory struts with an extension.

More work but it should potentially cost less.

I wonder if they'll loan me one?

With your sincere honest face, why wouldn't they????

 

The strut extension is similar to what we do with the Honda Grom SF front forks. For the little Honda Grom we use a hydraulic fitting that we can thread on. I like the design of this.

 

Ordered the GrimmSpeed kit.

I’ve been waiting to receive the Whiteline rear end links and sway bar for a few weeks now.

I have ready for install the pitch stop and anti wobble insert, Rallitek adjustable front end links, Perrin front strut brace, and Rallitek 1.5” spacer kit and rear subframe drop spacer, but will wait to do it all at once… I think I’ll be done with suspension for a bit when done, but will wait till everything is in to do it at one time.

will post up when complete..

 

I got a 2nd reply from Grimmspeed here are the spring rates and what the kit would do for the Outback Wilderness:

Khang D. (GrimmSpeed) Jun 24, 2022, 3:06 PM MDT I have just spoken with our engineering department on this. With our Lift Kits for your Outback Wilderness Edition, you will only be getting around a 1.5" Lift after installation. The spring rate for our Lift Kit springs are 215 lbs/in in the front and 260 lbs/in in the rear and utilize a linear spring design. Unfortunately, we do not have information gathered whether or not our Lift Kit spring rate is stiffer then the OEM springs on the Outback Wilderness Edition. Hope this information helps, let me know if you have any further questions! Thanks, Khang Dao

 

I think I might have to order and try this kit out. I've done the Readylift spacer lift on the 18 Crosstrek, and while I like it I'd like to give something else a try on the 22 OBW.

 

So did anyone here actually install the GrimmSpeed setup? Anything to report?

TIA

 

I pulled the trigger today and purchased the Grimmspeed setup. I found it at JDMuscle.com for $445 with free shipping and couldn't pass it up. Their website says they have 15 left in stock, in case anyone's interested.

Grimmspeed Trails Spring Lift Kit Subaru Outback 2020+ | TBG114059

Subarus are built to be capable on and off-road vehicles from the start, but their limitations quickly become apparent once the terrain in front of you starts getting rough. With that in mind, our GrimmSpeed Engineers focused their attention on creating an easy-to-install, OE-quality spring lift...

jdmuscleusa.com

 

Wow! Really good deal, I’ve been waiting for a deal like this but now I’m steering more towards Ironman. Hoping they do 30% soon.

 

Looking at the Grimmspeed Trails kit. My wonder is this. Their's seems to be the only kit that does not include nor recommend lengthened mounts for brake lines, ABS, etc. Maybe the Outback can accommodate that amount of suspension lift without it. Nor does their kit include or recommend subframe spacers. Observations from anyone else who has installed this kit or any other 2" suspension lift.
I do like the idea of a kit that I think would transfer when and if I replace the stock struts?

 

well here you go....I had this one initially until the second I heard about the one from IronMan and got the kit plus a set of recovery treds for 1045$. Done I would still prefer the PR over the GS one. I am actually selling mine (the PR one) WITH the stock struts that have only 5k miles on them in the for sale section. 450 includes shipping.

Subaru Lift Kits - Subaru Suspension Enhancements

Primitive Racing lift kits deliver a steeper approach, departure, and break over angles, and increase clearance, and compliment larger wheels and tires.

get-primitive.com

 

ArizonOB, thanks for writting us back. Looks like you got a decent amount of lift out of the strut extensions. I'd be curiousto know what your ground clearance is now that you've got the kit installed.

Do you feel that ride quality has improved with the longer/stiffer springs from Grimmspeed. Grimmspeed has said that they are stiffer than what is on the OB. If be curiousto know what your experience with them is.

Thanks again for the write up and photos! It's great to see that someone has this kit installed as we all have been so curious.

 

ArizonOB, thanks for writting us back. Looks like you got a decent amount of lift out of the strut extensions. I'd be curiousto know what your ground clearance is now that you've got the kit installed.

Do you feel that ride quality has improved with the longer/stiffer springs from Grimmspeed. Grimmspeed has said that they are stiffer than what is on the OB. If be curiousto know what your experience with them is.

Thanks again for the write up and photos! It's great to see that someone has this kit installed as we all have been so curious.

With the car unloaded, ground clearance at the lowest part of the exhaust pipe is about 11", although I won't be surprised if clearance decreases a tad after the springs break-in.

In my opinion there is a slight improvement to the ride quality. So far I'm pleased with the kit and would do it again.

 

Just a follow-up...

I parked next to a Gen 6 Outback with stock suspension and snapped a pic. Mine is on the left.

 

Hello! Just joined the forum but have had our 2020 outback since new. Just purchased this lift kit and was wondering if there were any big surprises during install I should be aware of. I’m planning to install ours in a few weeks. Would also love a follow up now that you have had some time with the kit installed. Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum.

No real surprises, more of a "gotcha" due to my inexperience with this suspension and because the kit installation instructions are for a Crosstrek. On the front suspension I didn't realize that I needed to disconnect the sway bar end link to lower the wheel far enough to install the extended strut and longer spring. After I figured that out the rest of front-end work went smoothly. On the rear end, I struggled for (quite) while to position the wheel while re-assembling but no matter what I tried I was not able to get things to line up. Once again, I forgot about the sway bar end link. I easily positioned the wheel after I installed the end link first.

I'm happy with the lift kit. It's easier for me to get in and out of the vehicle and I don't bump my head so much on the opened rear hatch anymore (I'm 6' 4"). I also like the extra height when driving. The longer springs seems to have not affected the ride and I don't notice much difference in handling, either.

Good luck with your install!

 

Hi when you were swaping the springs were you able to resuse all the nuts? Subaru parts online says that some of the nuts are not reusable, and need to be replaced. Did you encounter this isssue? Just want to be sure before I go down the same road(ie. Want to grab allthe needed parts).

 

I followed the instructions provided by GrimmSpeed and reused the factory nuts. I assumed any hardware requiring replacement would be included in the kit. Which nuts does Subaru say are one-time use?

 

I want to get this so bad for my Outback Onyx but I only have 2,500 km. on it and don't want to f up my warranty lol.

 

I guess pretty much most of the nuts attaching the strut (so states Subaru's parts online), so two at the top for rear (14mm), and 3 at the front (14mm), along with the 17mm larger one at the bottom of the strut. I ended up reusing mine as well as it seems fine. I am sure that Subaru would actually replace these on worn out struts when doing regular service, but it seems silly when the bolts are still new. I got a new 2024 Outback Wilderness, so it now only has 3000kms on it.

Also, I ended up not going with the Grimmspeed kit in favor of 3/4" Overload Springs from Ralitek. I just installed those last night on the rear. I'll do the front later this week, and then get an alignment. It was quite the task. It took me about 2.5hrs to do the 1st one, and then about 45 mins to do the 2nd one (once I knew how). I was very surprised by the actual increase in ride height. I had 10.25" of clearance (I have larger tires 255/55/r18) under the rear diff skid plate (factory), and after installing the overload springs, and I now have 12" of ground clearance! I am quite sure that it should settle down to about 11" once I get the alignment and the springs get some use. I ended up going with the Ralitek set up as it is basically the same idea as the Grimspeed kit (springs and strut extensions - rear only/front no extensions). The spring rate is just so much higher on the Ralitek springs (355ft/lbs for rear and 240ft/lbs for front). We just went on a road trip to WA and OR, and the back end of our OBW was sagging about 1.5" lower than normal with all our gear, so when we drove through Portland, I couldn't resist buying both front and rear 3/4" overload springs from Ralitek as they had a sale on for $462 USD.
Here is the link as the deal is still active if anyone is interested: 3/4" Lift Spring Kit - Fits 22-23 Subaru Outback Wilderness

 

My question is could I just simply replace the springs and wouldn't that give me a bit of increased ride height without changing to much else? Any issues that could cause?

 

Yes. That is exactly what I did. The lift is supposed to be 3/4" with the Ralit3k kit. I'm sure that it will be exactly that once the springs settle in.
It's a complete spring swap kit. You still need to get an alignment done after, but that's how this all works. Hopefully,that is helpful.

 

Great just one question. On their website someone reviewed them and said their teeth chatter when going over railroad tracks. I am not interested in a rougher ride.

 

Hi Richbloom5,

Sorry that I took so long to write back, but I wanted to wait until I got the front springs in, and had the alignment done so that I could really gauge the new springs. They will not chatter your teeth on bumps, but are they stiffer than stock - by a lot - but in a very good way - in my opinion. They are not harsh or rough. They cure the rolly-polly-ness of the stock springs when turning, and train tracks, pot holes, big bumps, speed bumps are just overall much better handled by these springs. Potholes hit hard with the stock springs...with the overload springs, the impact is much better absorbed, less noisy, and impacts the cabin less.

Now...if you like the plush softer ride of the stock OBW, I would say... maybe don't get these as you do loose the floatyness (aka plushness) of the stock springs.

However, if you want the car to feel tighter, much better damped, be able to handle better, not nose dive on hard breaking, go over much larger bumps with ease (without bottoming out the suspension), have slightly better approach/breakover/departure angles, load up the vehicle with much higher loads than what is recommended for stock payload), and generally have the vehcile feel more capable off road, then I would highly recommend these springs. In my opinion, I wish that the OBW would come with the overload springs from factory.

As predicted, the rear settled down to exactly 11" of clearance under the factory skid plate (fully keeping in mind that I have larger tires fitted 255/55r18). With the stock Geolanders you likely be at about 10.2" of clearance after installing the springs front and back - still great! Overall, I am very impressed with the 3/4" overload springs from Rallitek, and I would very much recommend them to anyone who chooses/wants/needs to carry more weight such as heavy gear, ebikes/MTB on a hitch mounted bike carrier, etc. If I had 3 thumbs, they would get 3 thumbs up! 👍

I attached a photo so that you can see the difference in ride height (parking lot). I also attached a photo of the car with only the rear overload springs - just in case someone is thinking of only getting those, and keeping the front stock (rainy photo). It's still better, but my advice would be to get both front and rear as it feels great once done.

Also, I had the alignement done at the dealer, and they said that this is the maximum that you could lift the 2024 OBW without resorting to some other method of adjusting the camber for the front wheels. The camber adjustment to get the front wheels back to neutral is maxed out with my set up (I had positive camber after the lift springs were installed - very normal and why you always get an alignment done afterwards). Just an FYI for others.

 

How you liking it so far? I just purchased my set of 3/4 springs

Hi Richbloom5,

Sorry that I took so long to write back, but I wanted to wait until I got the front springs in, and had the alignment done so that I could really gauge the new springs. They will not chatter your teeth on bumps, but are they stiffer than stock - by a lot - but in a very good way - in my opinion. They are not harsh or rough. They cure the rolly-polly-ness of the stock springs when turning, and train tracks, pot holes, big bumps, speed bumps are just overall much better handled by these springs. Potholes hit hard with the stock springs...with the overload springs, the impact is much better absorbed, less noisy, and impacts the cabin less.

Now...if you like the plush softer ride of the stock OBW, I would say... maybe don't get these as you do loose the floatyness (aka plushness) of the stock springs.

However, if you want the car to feel tighter, much better damped, be able to handle better, not nose dive on hard breaking, go over much larger bumps with ease (without bottoming out the suspension), have slightly better approach/breakover/departure angles, load up the vehicle with much higher loads than what is recommended for stock payload), and generally have the vehcile feel more capable off road, then I would highly recommend these springs. In my opinion, I wish that the OBW would come with the overload springs from factory.

As predicted, the rear settled down to exactly 11" of clearance under the factory skid plate (fully keeping in mind that I have larger tires fitted 255/55r18). With the stock Geolanders you likely be at about 10.2" of clearance after installing the springs front and back - still great! Overall, I am very impressed with the 3/4" overload springs from Rallitek, and I would very much recommend them to anyone who chooses/wants/needs to carry more weight such as heavy gear, ebikes/MTB on a hitch mounted bike carrier, etc. If I had 3 thumbs, they would get 3 thumbs up! 👍

I attached a photo so that you can see the difference in ride height (parking lot). I also attached a photo of the car with only the rear overload springs - just in case someone is thinking of only getting those, and keeping the front stock (rainy photo). It's still better, but my advice would be to get both front and rear as it feels great once done.

Also, I had the alignement done at the dealer, and they said that this is the maximum that you could lift the 2024 OBW without resorting to some other method of adjusting the camber for the front wheels. The camber adjustment to get the front wheels back to neutral is maxed out with my set up (I had positive camber after the lift springs were installed - very normal and why you always get an alignment done afterwards). Just an FYI for others.

 

I also installed the Grimmspeed trails kit. I've had it on the car since mid November - installed by the dealership, along with my prinsu rack, sway bar, strut brace and adjustable endlinks. Only issue during install is that one of the strut extensions broke in half when tightening. The manufacture rushed replacement parts and the install was completed. I've put about 5k miles on the car since then, no major issues and mostly highway miles (and one camping trip with rooftop tent at the beach).

Unfortunately last night I had a major malfunction and car is currently in the shop getting looked over. Driving on typical streets at lower than typical speeds transitioning to a side street with a slight grade change, we heard a pop and clunk sound. From the pictures you can see the bent strut and the wheel is now leaning inwards at the top.

I'm interested to see if the strut extension or end link is damaged as well. Will send an update once I figure out what all went wrong.

This car has never seen any crazy speeds, off-roading (other than the beach) or heavy trail driving, and I don't ever remember hitting anything major in the road since having it and I am the first owner of the car.

I am not sure the best path forward as the dealership is not assisting further (they declined to assist me and said any damage would not be covered) and I have it at a local shop instead. The local shop has concerns about putting in a new strut with this kit (if not damaged itself), they would prefer built struts to install. I am leaning towards Flatout GR Lite, but they are 5 weeks out and can't wait that long. Any recommendations are welcome.

UPDATE: Shop called me and let me know that both front struts are bent, drivers side is just significantly worse. They stated that they think the issue is that the stock strut isn't built to handle the stress of the springs with extension. No other damage that they saw and the rear has no visible issues. I am trying to figure out a solution to temporarily get the car road worthy (if possible) to decide on a replacement lift kit.

 

My guess is that the elongated strut rod puts extra compressive strain on the strut because now the full compressive travel is not limited by other parts of the suspension, but instead the rod itself. Does that make sense? Unless there was a larger bump stop somewhere to prevent the normal full range compressive travel that expects the shorter rod.

 

The kit included a bump stop to protect the strut, but I guess it wasn't enough against the overall strain.

 

I worked it out with my wife to deal with the one car situation until the new kit comes in.

I had already spent quite a bit of time on here researching parts and kits, so it was just a refresh to see what the best option for my case was. I called or chatted with a few of the different manufacturers and vendors and ended up with the Flatout GR Plus kit. I was impressed with the customer service. When I contacted Flatout through messenger and they were quick and responsive with me. They had a lot of patience and took the time to answer all of my questions, which was great. I'll keep everybody posted through the repairs/replacement if anything new comes up.

 

Bilstein just came out with a kit for the Gen 5 and hopefully the Gen 6 isn't far behind.

BILSTEIN B8 TerraSport - BILSTEIN Off-Road

BILSTEIN B8 TerraSport direct fit shocks are designed to increase ground clearance and improve off-road capability for CUVs.

offroad.bilstein.com

 

I would have gone for that if it had been out for sure. I saw some old posts that said that they didn't have anything in the works, but that might have been 2 years ago.