Lifted Crosstrek Question

[grambo]

So, I have inherited my kid's 17' Crosstrek while he has my STI at school. I'm going to lift it with a Kartboy or Subtle kit and am contemplating adding the Eibach Lift Springs for a, combined, 2.5-3.0" lift.

I am wondering about suspension geometry and possibly need to extend axles and things of that sort.

Tom, at Kartboy, has plans to check out this same recipe but, has not yet.

So, I thought I'd ask the all knowing NASIOC and see what happens. Thanks.

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[boostin23]

Hey hey man, its chicken from IWSTI/Iclub

I would assume that would be too much lift for the CVs. I know the first gen has 2 inch lift kits avail from numerous companies.

I personally dont know about any shops selling custom axles, but if there are any, i doubt they'd be cheap considering how expensive OEM ones already are.

Ive got a 2018 (2nd gen) and most are limiting to 1.5 inches (might be a couple 2").

[jcbluescooby]

With any lift I'd sugest subframe spacers that match up to your lift ro re-center the rear wheels under the wheel well/arch. 2" is the most people would go without adverse effects tot heir car. Anything over that then you start endangering your car due to the CV angles from the lift.

I also always suggest to people spring lift > than spacer lift performance wise. The stiffer suspension from the lift springs effect the car similarly to how it would if you were to drop it. Obviously there is still body roll but not as bady as one would think IMO. The body roll on a straight 2" spacer lift would be horribly on stock springs. If you wanted to do a 2" lift I'd suggest a spring lift along with a 1 inch spacer lift with subframe spacers.

Anderson Design Fabrication (ADF) does customer work as well. He can factor in a spring lift with a spacer lift and design you subframe spacers accordingly.

[grambo]

Originally Posted by boostin23

Hey hey man, its chicken from IWSTI/Iclub

I would assume that would be too much lift for the CVs. I know the first gen has 2 inch lift kits avail from numerous companies.

I personally dont know about any shops selling custom axles, but if there are any, i doubt they'd be cheap considering how expensive OEM ones already are.

Ive got a 2018 (2nd gen) and most are limiting to 1.5 inches (might be a couple 2").

My Iclub Homie!!! Thanks dude.

[grambo]

Originally Posted by jcbluescooby

With any lift I'd sugest subframe spacers that match up to your lift ro re-center the rear wheels under the wheel well/arch. 2" is the most people would go without adverse effects tot heir car. Anything over that then you start endangering your car due to the CV angles from the lift.

I also always suggest to people spring lift > than spacer lift performance wise. The stiffer suspension from the lift springs effect the car similarly to how it would if you were to drop it. Obviously there is still body roll but not as bady as one would think IMO. The body roll on a straight 2" spacer lift would be horribly on stock springs. If you wanted to do a 2" lift I'd suggest a spring lift along with a 1 inch spacer lift with subframe spacers.

Anderson Design Fabrication (ADF) does customer work as well. He can factor in a spring lift with a spacer lift and design you subframe spacers accordingly.

Good point about the springs and CV angles. It'd be similar to driveshaft yoke issues on a traditional 4x4. I'm leaning towards springs and spacers now. Hmmmm.

Thank you.

[Jack]

That's a LOT of lift. Even on a Wrangler, that amount of lift requires component changes. With a Wrangler (I have one), lifting is typically done to fit bigger tires to get over bigger rocks offroading. With a Crosstrek (hey, I have one of those too), with the small wheel openings, there really isn't any room to take advantage of bigger tires because they're going to hit in front of and behind the tire. Or are you planning to cut the fenders to fit 35's or something? With independent suspension, I'd think you're talking at least axle changes. What I'm not sure of is during articulation, how's that work? The high wheel is going to want a shorter axle (or stock length). So perhaps control arm geometry changes are needed?

I think overall, this is a bad idea. If you want to go offroad, get a Wrangler. I say that owning both and soon to replace a Ford Fusion with yet another Crosstrek......but later, replace our 13 Crosstrek probably with a Rubicon or Willys Wheeler.

[old school]

https://www.subaruxvforum.com

Try that.

[sonbum1]

Hi all long time reader first time poster. Grambo I have lifted my crosstrek 2" 1" spacer and 1" spring. the problems doing it this way are that you have to source subframe spacers, personally I think lowering the subframe defeats the purpose of raising the car. So alternatively you'll have to find adjustable caster, toe, and control arms for the rear, and that is just to align the back the front caster and camber don't seem to have many solutions there aren't any longer or adjustable lower control arms I am contemplating a camber plate but that still leaves caster. One of the things I'm wondering about are control arms from other Subarus, I know some people have put STI arms on outbacks and Legacy arms on Foresters is there a Subaru front control arm that is "wider" to correct camber????
As far as axles I've read that Forester axles are 5/8" longer and have the same splining, I am looking into Forester shocks/struts as replacements as they have a longer travel.
I think the problem is lack of demand for truly lifted crosstrek parts. Most crosstreckers are content with the out of the box spacer lift because their crosstrek looks more awesome on a dirt road.