DirtSubies

Most people just lift their Subaru and stop there. But my buddy Ryan didn't. In this episode, we break down his Outback build that went way further than most people are willing to go. We talk about tires, suspension, offroad parts choice and real-world trail use. We also go over some things that Ryan would have gone back and done differently now that he's got more experience with the Subaru platform. If you're thinking about lifting your Subaru, this is one you'll want to check out. Consider using Ryan's link and code to get the Upside app. It'll save you some money on gas and other items: Get 15¢/gal extra cash back on your first fill-up + 10% back on your first restaurant or grocery purchase. Use code 853RH or download here: https://upside.app.link/853RH Thank you to our awesome sponsors. These are parts that I've been using for years and have spent my own hard earned money on: Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF) Get 5% (10% this month) off with code DIRTSUBIES https://awdadventure.com [https://awdadventure.com/] MeLe Design Firm Get 10% off with code DIRTSUBIES https://meledesignfirm.com [https://meledesignfirm.com/]

In this episode I sit down with Cory (aka @sk8foz) to talk about his 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness build, how he got into the Subaru off-road scene, and the lessons he learned along the way. Like a lot of people, Cory had no idea the lifted Subaru community even existed when he bought the car. Shortly after he was already on the trail scraping the bumper, overheating the car, and figuring things out as he went. We get into: • His Forester Wilderness build • Spacer lift vs coilovers • Falken Wildpeak tire choice • Skid plates and protection mods • The $1200 roof box mistake • Night runs and ditch lights • CVT limitations off-road • The Subaru off-road community in SoCal If you're thinking about modifying a Forester Wilderness, Crosstrek, or Outback, there are some great takeaways here — especially if you're new to off-roading like Cory was. I'd also like to mention that Cory has done volunteer work/donated to the following organizations: National Alopecia Areata Foundation naaf.org and also with @dadirtyroos doing cleanup events at the Nevada Desert Wildlife Preserve. Follow Cory: Instagram: @sk8foz Sponsors Huge thanks to the companies that support the podcast. Anderson Design & Fabrication Lift kits, suspension parts, and Subaru off-road accessories https://awdadventure.com [https://awdadventure.com/] Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% off MeLe Design Firm Performance battery mounts and lightweight batteries for enthusiast builds https://meledesignfirm.com [https://meledesignfirm.com/] Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off

In this episode, I'm joined by Josh aka @Further_Motion, one of the early builders who helped kick off the lifted VB WRX movement when everyone else was busy hating on the car. We dig into why he chose a 2022 Subaru WRX, what it was like cutting into a brand new car, and how the build evolved from a daily driver into a full on safari-style experiment. Josh breaks down suspension choices, wheel and tire fitment, spacer vs spring lifts, and Crosstrek & Forester parts swaps. We also talk about CV axle myths, drivetrain concerns, and why sometimes the smartest mod is knowing when to stop. If you've ever thought about lifting a VB WRX or wondered whether it's actually practical, this episode answers a lot of real-world questions. Follow Josh / Further Motion Instagram: @further_motion Our Awesome Sponsors: Anderson Design & Fabrication 5% off with code DIRTSUBIES MeLe Design Firm 10% off with code DIRTSUBIES

In this episode, I'm joined by John from Subaru Off-Road Adventures, and this one is full of good real-world Subaru experience. We get into why John stopped wheeling his newer Forester and built an SG Forester strictly for off-road use, what mods actually made a difference, and where Subarus realistically start to show their limits. We talk lift kits, CV axles, center diffs, rear lockers, and why more lift isn't always better. John also shares some solid tire experience with Wildpeak AT Trails, Maxxis ATs, and why tire choice matters more than people think. We cover: * Why SG Foresters are still one of the best Subaru platforms to build * CVT limitations vs older drivetrains * Benefits of rear lockers and VTD center diffs * Tire size, width, and PSI * Trail breakage stories and on-the-spot repairs * DIY fabrication, bumpers, swing-out tire carriers, and learning to weld out of necessity * Why Subarus make incredible overland and camping rigs, even if they're not rock crawlers Big thanks to the brands that help support the podcast: Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF) Lift kits, skid plates, and other Subaru off-road accessories that I use Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% off your order MeLe Design Firm Performance battery mounts and power solutions built for off-road abuse. Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off your order

In this episode, I caught up with my friend Eric, better known as @Bearded_Pixel to talk about his off-road 2017 Forester XT and how it ended up becoming one of the more dialed-in turbo Subarus in Arizona (my opinion.) What started as a stock daily slowly turned into a trail-ready setup with an ADF 2-inch lift, Primitive Racing skid plates, Full Force Metal Works rock sliders, Sparco wheels, Geolandar MTs, and a bunch of other cool parts & accessories. Here are just a few of the mods Eric has on his car: • ADF 2-inch lift • Primitive Racing skid plates • Full Force Metalworks rock sliders • Sparco wheels + Geolandar MT tires • SSD light bar + hood-mounted pods + 32-inch roof light • Transmission cooler • CVT anti-wobble insert • Ultimate9  throttle controller • ScanGauge 2 • RokBlokz mud flaps If you're looking to build your Subaru, a quick shoutout to a couple companies that support what we're doing here. You can save 5% with Anderson Design & Fabrication and 10% with MeLe Design Firm using code DIRTSUBIES at checkout. Both make solid gear I actually run and trust.

Brandt Kayser (@jackie__roo) has built one of the most capable non chassis swapped Subarus in the U.S., and today he breaks down how he built it. From lightweight Pepper Pot wheels to RaceWorks coilovers he rebuilds himself, Brandt explains every mod, every mistake, and every lesson learned. If you're lifting a Subaru or trying to squeeze real performance out of an SG Forester, this episode is loaded with tons of good info! Discounts for listeners brought to you by our awesome sponsors: ADF Lift Kits and offroad parts – 5% off with code DIRTSUBIES MeLe Design Firm Battery Mounts and Subaru accessories – 10% off with code DIRTSUBIES

Can you build a reliable off-road Subaru without spending a fortune? Josh McWorthy, a 10-year Rebelle Rally tech, says yes. He took a $1,500 Forester, welded his own lift kit, sleeved $68 eBay struts, threw on used Outback wheels… and then spent thousands of miles ripping desert rally courses in it with no issue. In this episode, we talk about: * How Josh built a lift from scrap steel at work * Why reinforced eBay struts can survive serious offroad abuse * DIY trailing arm spacers from Jeep JK control arms * Bigger wheel and tire fitment * Pirelli Scorpion AT performance in the desert * The Rebelle Rally inside scoop and why Subarus are perfect for it This is a legit budget Subaru that keeps up with trucks and side-by-sides in the dunes at speed without the fancy parts. Subaru Parts I Actually Recommend: If you're looking to lift or upgrade your Subaru the smart way, these brands support the podcast: • Anderson Design & Fabrication - Lift kits, trailing arm spacers, skid plates, and more. Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% OFF • MeLe Design Firm - Lightweight performance battery mounts, batteries. and other cool Subaru parts Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% OFF Support the brands that support the Subaru off-road scene 👊

Dan Benoit is back by popular demand, and we dig into a lot of topics that I've always been curious about. Follow Dan's shop on Instagram @whiskeyrowauto From keeping Subarus alive past 300k miles to why cheap parts and bad advice cost people engines, this episode covers ALMOST everything related to long-term reliability. We get into head gaskets, turbos, cooling systems, OEM vs aftermarket parts, and even some veteran automotive horror stories. If you've ever wondered why one car lives forever while another dies young, this episode is very informative. Discounts for the Subaru crowd: • Anderson Design & Fabrication — 5% off (code DIRTSUBIES) • MeLe Design Firm — 10% off (code DIRTSUBIES)

Special thanks to our listeners from our awesome sponsors: Use code DIRTSUBIES and checkout for 5% off your order with ADF (awdadventure.com) and 10% off at meledesignfirm.com Today I sit down with my buddy Raf, and honestly this is one of the most real conversations I've had on this show. It was great. We talk about the day he got laid off, how it happened, how it felt, and what goes through your head when the rug gets pulled out from under you. Raf opens up about dealing with burnout, and trying to find something that actually fits his life instead of drains it. And because we're both Subaru nerds, we go from life-stuff straight into how he blew up his center diff, why his Crosstrek was clanking like a shopping cart, and the path that got him deep into the Subaru community in the first place.

In this episode I sit down with Benjamin aka @BMC_Adventures and we get into everything from first-cars-turned-trail-rigs, to living and wheeling in Colorado, to why the Subaru community is honestly one of the coolest groups of people you can meet. Benjamin breaks down his full setup: tires, lift kit, suspension, the whole journey from stock 2010 Outback to a legit trail-ready build. We talk about camping spots, high-altitude mountain passes, transmission temps, and what it's actually like running a lifted Subaru in real Colorado terrain. If you're into Subarus, offroad builds, real-world upgrades, or you just enjoy hearing how people got into this hobby, this is a solid one. Super laid back conversation with a good dude. Thanks for listening and if you're in Colorado, check out his Facebook group San Juan Subies and go show him some love.

Cody's the type of person who says "If you hit it, I'll follow" and then actually sends it into the sketchiest trails. In this episode, we get into his transition from a modded WRX to a Crosstrek and eventually the Outback Wilderness… plus all the off-road craziness that came with it. From blowing through sidewalls, taking summer tires into a snowstorm, overheating power steering on a cliffed out road, and sending it on Naches like he was driving a Jeep, Cody shares the real, unfiltered stories of taking an Outback Wilderness to places only 4x4's usually go. If you're into lifted Subarus, off-road trail stories, overlanding, or you just love hearing how things went horribly wrong (and somehow still worked out), this one's for you.

In this episode, we talk with Karly (@ursula_the_gx) about her lifted Subaru Outback build and what led her to make the jump to a Lexus GX460. She shares what got her started in the off-road Subaru world, how she found Off-Roading Subarus of Colorado, and what it was like to take on her first real trails with a lifted Outback. We get into the full story, from installing Primitive Racing skid plates and a custom snorkel setup to overheating CVTs and realizing the limits of a Subaru when things get serious. Karly breaks down what worked, what didn't, and how she decided to move to a body-on-frame 4x4 with 33-inch tires, Toyo Open Country A/Ts, and a body-mount chop.

Support our sponsors by using code DIRTSUBIES at checkout on meledesignfirm.com and awdadventure.com In this episode, I sit down with Dan Benoit, co-owner of Whiskey Row Automotive in Prescott Valley, Arizona, and one of the most hardcore Subaru enthusiasts you'll ever meet. We talk about his decades-long obsession with Subaru engineering, from rolling a Brat off jumps in Northern California just to see if it would break (it didn't), to building a full-blown rock crawler out of a 1991 Legacy wagon that's still street legal and drives way better than it should. Dan explains why the EJ22 might be the most bulletproof engine Subaru ever made, why old-school engineering is great, and what makes Subarus so endlessly modifiable. We get into everything from Toyota gearbox swaps to custom Bilstein shocks and even the wild story behind Subaru's 1989 endurance world record that still stands today. It's not just car talk though. Dan also opens up about his life off the wrench, overcoming serious injuries, learning to accept help, and how many lessons from the garage apply to everything else. This one's packed with stories, technical insight, and perspective from a guy who's lived the Subaru life for decades. To see an image gallery and recap of this conversation, visit https://liftedimports.com/biggest-lifted-subaru-legacy

I this episode, Brandon (@starscream1201) joins me to talk about his one of a kind 2010 Subaru Forester, "Sherman." From picking it up sight unseen in California with a 4" ADF lift already installed, to installing custom skid plates, Bilstein B6s, and a torque locker, this is a true off-road monster. We get into dealership life as a mechanic, the truth about car warranties, why KO2s aren't as heavy as people think, and the biggest game changers for building offroad Subarus. If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a Forester that looks wild and actually performs well, this episode is for you. Check out photos of Brandon's Forester on the Lifted Imports website: https://liftedimports.com/modified-subaru-forester-4-inch-lift/

In this episode, Sam breaks down his Northeast-tested Subaru Forester SJ build. If you want a reliable trail and family-camping Subaru, this is the pinnacle modification that offers comfort and capability. In this episode, we cover body armor, suspension, wheel and tire fitment, lighting, and a great camping system that stays organized. There's even a door-meets-tree story with a surprisingly easy trail-side fix. Check out this article [https://liftedimports.com/sams-offroad-2015-forester] for a full build list or go to https://liftedimports.com/sams-offroad-2015-forester

We're switching over to a bi-weekly schedule so that we can devote more time to each episode.

In this episode, Chris talks about what actually holds up on a daily-driven, trail-ready Subaru. We get into his rack setup, the wheel/tire choices that survive abuse (LP Aventure LP1s), and the simple rule that guides his whole build: if it doesn't make the car more usable, it doesn't matter. If you're building a Crosstrek/Forester/Outback to drive every day and beat on weekends, this one's for you. We talk mounts that don't bend, what breaks first, what's worth upgrading, and the maintenance mindset that keeps you wheeling longer with fewer surprises.

"Pay it now or pay it later." In this conversation, Carter explains the maintenance reality of a lifted Subaru Crosstrek: alignments, fluid intervals, and parts that actually fail when you drive hard on dirt. Plus: lighting/mounts that worked, a plate-relocation fix after installing a tire carrier, and the changes he's making before the next race.

This is a very special episode for me. I've been using ADF parts for over 10 years and am proud to call ADF Pat a good friend. Patrick Anderson (founder of Anderson Design & Fabrication) joins me to talk about building Subaru parts that actually survive real off-road use. We dig into lift-kit geometry, tire fitment, common install mistakes, and the R&D behind ADF's billet CVT pan (why cooling matters, what went into the design, and what they've learned during testing.) If you daily a lifted Subaru or you're planning your first build, this one's packed with a bunch of good info. We're pleased to have MeLe Design Firm as a supporter. Use code DIRTSUBIES at checkout for 10% off on anything in their store.

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle (@wazzubaru) to talk about her very first off-road adventure in her Subaru Outback Wilderness and yeah… things got weird. From a naked guy on the side of the road, to getting threatened by people with cordless hole punchers, to getting rock rash on our wheels, this trip was anything but normal. We also talk about car mods, tire setups, and how to get started in the off-road Subaru scene. This one's got stories, laughs, and some moments you won't forget.