Subaru Forester Off Road - Poughkeepsie Gulch Trail

[@mikehoiriis4637]

What I am getting here from the video and the comments is that an AWD Soccermom-Mobile kept up reasonable well on a trail that it should not have been able to survive. This does not seem to be sitting well with people who paid a lot more for purpose built 4x4. Good on ya bluefox4848 (although I would have told you that was crazy to try)

[@mikehoiriis4637]

+Mike Hoiriis And I should point out that I have owned 6 subarus from an 1991 loyale to a 2015 crosstrek and aside from the EJ 2.5 being an abomination before God, I am not slamming the "soccer mom" aspect of the cars..it is what it is.....

[@Flightagressor97]

The EJ25 is a great engine, well, after 2002 it was.

[@mikehoiriis4637]

Flightagressor97 mine was an 07....motor was junk, it's not yet 10 years old and three time the motor was out....gaskets, heads, heads again, then a crate motor. It has shot out 8 wheel brings an various other suspension parts. Trany is now clunking and shifting badly. All as a grocery getter.....never raced it or off road ed it. When my wife got a new car I kept my 99 saturn sl2 and gave the 07 to the 16 year old new driver because I don't want it. The 2.2s were the stuff of ledgends....

[@ModFoz]

I have a 2000 Outback as my primary daily while the Forester is getting worked on, and it has 210,000 original miles. Thing has been bulletproof for the past 45,000 miles, weeping head gaskets at all.

[@djarizona]

I can do this trail every day for a month can you?

[@Endurorodzndubz]

At last a real life off road video, that has not been over edited with a bad music sound track. wish we had roads like this in England.

[@mlvncgndhn9583]

this is true.. i hate those vids with techno music.. this vid is one of the best straight forward

[@JohnUllrey]

So I have an '07 Forester 2.5 x 5-speed manual (non-tubo) and have stopped on a 40 degree uphill rock and gravel covered road. There isn't enough torque at low RPMs to get going again, as soon as you let the clutch all the way out the engin dies. I'm my case I was able to roll back down the trail to where it wasn't so steep and get going again. I was able to continue up the mountain just fine, wasn't doing any serious rock crawling and was able to keep my momentum going. So for all the critics out there, unless you have driven a Subaru manual without a low range in conditions like those in this video; please keep your driving tips to yourself. bluefox4848 you did an amazing job with the tools at hand. Thanks for posting a great video!

[@ModFoz]

John Ullrey Thank you!

[@patriciojunquera5188]

Hello I'm from Barcelona, Spain. Great video and good driving skills. I'm an off road driving instructor and I know pretty well how difficult should it be to drive a car just lifted a little bit without low range and open difs at high altitude. You need momentum and good driving skills plus luck to avoid breaking something. Here in Spain, you can't buy a manual gear box Subaru Forester without low range on petrol engines, excepting the diesel engine. Congratulations. Pat.

[@imprezanism]

After all this if you only change the clutch-friction plate you are a lucky person You've been following pure off road animals!!! 2008 Subaru Impreza owner

[@markevens]

I got a new forester, and this video convinced me to go auto as much as I loved driving clutch.

[@ModFoz]

Well, until you retrofit in a dual-range manual and it transforms your car into an epic off road beast of a Subaru.

[@agm5148]

I'm amazed how well the Subaru did, after all it's a car.

[@NukaCub]

Sweet forester man. I'm sure all these keyboard warriors have logged hundreds of hours on trails this year /s

[@sbukosky]

Impressive. I'd never do that to my Forester, but nice to know what it can tackle.

[@ModFoz]

Steve Bukosky Could do much better with low range or an automatic.

[@u3962521]

Maybe you should own a Prius?

[@EngiNetion]

My forester looks like a garage princess. But she sees some offroad abuse of course ;)

[@Nikolashnikov01]

@@ModFoz i always go manual , but i wish they were still making them with a low range

[@peteglanton9259]

@@Nikolashnikov01 is it just the non turbo cars that have low range?

[@hotrodnjarmo]

As a mechanic and jeep xj owner... my jeep is a trail rig. I bought a forested for my daily rig and camping vehicle. this thing is capable of some pretty stout stuff. glad to know it can handle some pretty good terrain with some mods. nice vid guys.

[@redhorse7458]

I think this video may have just sold me on a Forester. That was some serious off road conditions and it did very well. Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@roblapin]

Literally, this video just sold me on Subaru. Thanks for posting!

[@mlvncgndhn9583]

and i am thinking to get one too! lol

[@wasa3545]

Great Video.Very happy that there wasnt any annoying music. Outback owner from Minnesota

[@patfranck9921]

I am really enjoying these videos, I am actively looking to get a Forester. I wanted a vehicle that my daughter could drive, and also have a awd so my son could take down the trails to get to his scout camps. I was considering RAV 4's and CRV's until I saw these videos. Thanks for making them.

[@sunset-eq7rf]

Very impressive, great video. Having a manual means you have a mechanical viscous centre differential, which allows you to go these cool expeditions. This is why I just purchased my 2015 Forester in manual mode. A go anywhere 4WD system, as long as rock crawling is not required,but you just proved it possible. I just wished Subaru had a single low gear just to be used just for the type of off-roading that you are bravely taking on. Way to enjoy your vehicle.

[@1031monlin]

Bluefox4848, thanks for the great vid! Not only did you verify that the Forester is a very capable all around vehicle, but also that you are a very skillful driver. Awesome job!

[@ModFoz]

Thank you, I appreciate that. It's not as smooth as I would like, but with that manual and no low range, it's almost impossible to drive smoothly at altitude. For this kind of off road, I want my automatic back (or an Aussie dual range).

[@ballzack6028]

Bluefox4848 if you plan on doing this terrain again I highly suggest you get and automatic so you dont fry the clutch again

[@luiscannon8808]

I've got a 2006 xt and was told its only good for a sand rack and not good for serious 4 wheeling, so much for that theory LOL! these beasts can go anywhere. I love my Subi.

[@chrischoy9]

That is until you lift it

[@xnova5]

This video was tons of fun to watch. Just be careful with the oil pan and such.

[@TheNazreth]

This is great! Kudos to you and your skills! I used to have Forester with AT (2.5 NA) and I exactly know what you mean - it was great to drive offroad in conditions similar to those in your movie, the crawling speed did all the difference, but then again, it was not that great on the tarmac on all those mountain roads with hairpins - AT took away all the fun... Now I have the 06 XT with manual and this is a blast - killer car. It's much more difficult to drive in offroad conditions, but with enough skill it is still possible (as we can all see in your movie), and after you are done and back on normal roads, you can do 0-60 in less than 6 sec and still have loads of fun with driving it. It does not handle like the WRX, but it is close to that. I can hardly see any other car within this price range, with comparable specs on regular roads, reliability and offroad capabilities. Perfect allrounder. Plus there are tons of mods and parts that can be put even straight from an Impreza STi. I'm so happy with this car :)

[@ModFoz]

TheNazreth Yep, I rave about these cars. They are the most versatile, do anything vehicles you can get for the money. You can lift them, lower them, off road them, or track them. Just the best all-round car I could ever think of.

[@alpha_stag9297]

I've owned 3 Jeeps, and 2 full size Rams. I put all of them in some crazy spots. But YOU sir... BRAVO!!!!! Skills!

[@ModFoz]

Justin S Appreciate it, thanks!

[@MagnumLapua338]

Who wants to see this Subaru/Bluefox off road in the Moab UT region? It will be these three vehicles again.

[@atadoff62]

Poor clutch. Awesome performance by both driver and vehicle btw.

[@anamanu2485]

video: excellent Driver : excellent Subaru : excellent 4x4

[@LostAndFoundAdventure]

Driver is all but not exzellent 🤣

[@albertogarcia-mendoza6021]

I have an 09 Forester, and I was amazed watching this video and seeing what a Subaru can do. That terrain should be reserved for true off road 4wd vehicles and the Subaru kept up with the other 4wds. I like to see someone put a CRV or a Rav4 or an Escape in that trail and see what they can do or not do. Great video.

[@ModFoz]

Thank you! If I would have had an automatic like my old XT, I could have been so much smoother. (even moreso with a low range tranny). But I off road what I got, so a bit of clutch slipping, I got most of the way there. Camera doesn't show how steep some of this terrain was.

[@ger6773]

I love when the guy says, "he's gonna break something " I do the same thing in my forester and nothing has broken yet!

[@brianbrock6774]

Fun Video - Thanks for sharing. I have a '02 WRX Sport Wagon and '03 Forester. Have been in some hairy weather and situations and my Subarus have not let me down. It was fun watching you push the limits of the equipment.

[@Pewpewpoo]

Looks like a rough drive, gotta keep a lot of momentum going and burn up that clutch... Like to see the same forester with auto to see how it would do.

[@thehighcountrymedicalclini794]

does way better

[@tungamiraimsipa1424]

Thinking it would deliver a consistent torque and build the torque linearly

[@soundsolutions]

You've inspired many and me. Putting on a bash plate to protect the sump is a good idea. I can't wait to put in a 2" lift kit :-)

[@Marcolgy]

that's what was so fun about going off road in my forester. the lack of low range just meant you had to carefully haul ass over every obstacle. so much fun, but so many broken parts.

[@u3962521]

Pretty awesome that 99 percent of where people want to go can be had in a Forrester. Ima getting one

Altitude > less power > need higher revs > work the clutch too much > melt it. I like to get my vehicles were they are not supposed to be, but that trail was a bit too much for that car. Nice video and thanks!

[@ZBSlaya]

it's actually incredible a car like this can do that kind of stuff, though screwing the engine/clutch ain't worth it..

[@ModFoz]

Clutch was due to be replaced anyway. Engine can take it just fine. It's not as abusive as it seems.

[@TheCraftyTech]

@@ModFoz i speak from experience, these cars burn clutches super quick off road. automatic is hte only way to go if you dont have low gear.

[@ModFoz]

The Crafty Tech Speaking from my experience, I have done 140k miles over the past 9 years and I’ve gone through 2 clutches in that time. I would hardly say that is “super quick” wear for the kind of conditions I put the car through.

[@HardWired417]

I just sold my 4x4 and will be getting a early to mid 90s Forester also. Not the XT though, and definitely won't be abusing it like this guy. Very fun to watch though. Can't wait to get one.

[@JZProductions713]

HardWired417 forester started in 98, 97 if you're not in the US

[@JZProductions713]

And the xt didn't start until 04 I believe

[@MarAnthem]

Hope you got the XT

[@elhigh]

I understand people who take the Fozzie off road prefer the 4EAT over the manual, for exactly the reasons you stated. Without the low range of a proper off roader the auto's torque converter gives a little extra reduction and allows the engine to dig a little deeper.

[@bryanhain969]

The Jeep hand;ed everything super smooth in this. The forester was pushed to the edge but looked super fun. Impressive for sure.

[@ModFoz]

Bryan Hain I drove the Forester a little sporadic trying not to slip the clutch so much at first. Halfway through the trip I said screw it and you see what ended up happening. Ha.

[@dangleesac102]

Dude that was dope! Favorite body-style is those early 2nd gen foresters. Did you run into any mechanical issues later on relating to this kind of flexing? Besides clutch of course lol

[@ModFoz]

Dominic Gazzoli No issues at all really. Even the clutch was fine for the most part (at little chattery of course, but still bit well). No flexing issues, no mechanical issues.

[@antiatrophy72890]

I really enjoyed watching this. thank you for taking the time to edit and post.

[@ModFoz]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@cavebandit]

Screw the haters! Run what you got! I know this trail well and the vid doesn't pay it justice. My wife and I ran our 2 wheel drive Honda sport quads here before. We made it the whole way but not without bangin stuff up. Amazing that you didn't break anything! Keep the dirty side down :)

[@porkypineification]

I don't know what everyone's all upset about, I give this guy props as I had a n/a 2000 forester for my first car and took it down some nasty trails on camping trips and you won't make it if you don't beat up on the clutch a little. And to all the people bashing it as a road car, its called a forester, perhaps for its ability to drive offroad. Besides out of all the vehicles there I bet he had the most fun, that's stuff is always better at the top of the vehicles limits

[@knivesinedc]

Subscribed man! I am totally impressed, by both the car and the driver! Keep it up!

[@JoshInTheWild]

This is a good example of the capabilities, and limitations of a non-CVT Subaru. I feel like if Subaru had a low range on at least these types of vehicles they’d be sooo much more capable. There’s plenty of examples of unibody SUV’s that are beasts, e.g., XJ’s, but I feel like a t-case to get you into low range gearing is such a game changer that would open up these vehicles capabilities and save their drivetrains.

[@derrickquintal]

The only time I would like an automatic Subie, great job man!!! Very impressive!

[@sgtagem]

Make me happy that I just got a forester LOL

[@djarizona]

You should take your Forest out and tackle a trail like this man!!! You can do it!!!

[@Xxdarkstarkiller]

I have a 2009 outback limited (Has a rear lsd that actually helps) that's getting some all terrains, 2 inch lift, primitive racing full skid plates, Yakima load warrior (with extension), and some Led light bars. 🤘🏽 Don't get me wrong, stock with some all seasons this car holds its own out there ;)

[@nikondgo329]

Yep, this car can go places most people wouldn't imagine it can, but has limitations - the lack of low range being my biggest gripe. One can lift it up a bit for general off-roading, but cannot do anything about the low range. I burned my clutch as well in a similar situation. Don't think the altitude is a big problem, I've been to 18,000 ft in the mountains with my Forester 2010 heavily loaded, didn't notice much of a difference. Also the combination of on- and off-road performance that Subaru offers is hard to match in another vehicle. Great gas mileage too. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@ModFoz]

The "not having a low range" is now a thing of the past. New vid soon.

[@tkalyvas]

The car is amazing man!!What a Subaru Forester can do even without the low gears and open diffs!!Congrats!!

[@ModFoz]

Thanks for understanding how difficult offloading a Foz is!

[@tkalyvas]

defo!!;-)

[@mattgarrett86]

bluefox4848 Haters gunna hate. Love the video and it's sweet to see someone pulling off this type of trail in a Subi which is obviously not built for this at all. All things considered, it's pretty awesome that your forester made it through that. Real testament to the Subaru Family! Can't wait to get the lift on mine.

[@mattgarrett86]

bluefox4848 Do your BFGoodrich All-Terrain Tires (215/70 R16) fit without the lift? I'm due for some new tires but have yet to put the lift on my '03.

[@Obsidian762]

I own the non turbo version of this car. Even though it has no power, I couldn't be happier with it. Especially in the harsh winter months.

[@abdollahgilani4119]

The ultimate test. No more clutch problem with CT and using mode X

[@tajvwss]

I enjoy watching your videos, actually just bought an 04 black XT w/ a 5spd to romp around the trails surrounding Mt. Rainier, WA

[@jamiesanchez2802]

I saw a post saying you're going to go to Moab, UT. I wish you all the luck. I only hope you have gotten better with the clutch and your friends go with you if you need help.

[@ModFoz]

My clutch work is fine, but at least Moab isn't 10,000+ ft. But I doubt I'll be doing any of the actual Moab slip rock, or I will be toasting the clutch. Nope, if I go, I'll be out in the Canyonlands.

[@foellerd]

I didn't honestly realize how important low range was till watching this video. Ive driven automatics 99% of my life so the idea of going slow and having power hasn't seemed like an issue. I have driven a manual though so now I can clearly see how the clutch could go quick.

[@ModFoz]

Dylan Foeller I used to have an Auto Fozzy, and it was much easier to off road and crawl with. The manual is epically difficult without low range.

[@foellerd]

bluefox4848 If you can handle a stick you are such a boss though. Manual is way more fun. It just sucks for slow calculated maneuvers like rock crawling. I have a 03 AWD Honda CRV automatic, not nearly as capable as your whip, but its pretty nice throwing it into first off road and not having to worry about the tranny after that. Haha. I have a new appreciation for my automatic. If only I could have dat Subaru symmetrical AWD too. CRV has part time AWD which is really weird. Works great in snow and mud, but nothing with any amount of articulation.

[@markevens]

Very cool that the forester was capable of this! I bet if you installed the subaru dual range transmission, their ultra low 1st gear would have gotten you to the top!

[@ModFoz]

+markevens Easily. Not having low range is the downfall of this car. Can't wait until I can throw a dual range in it.

[@bazzamow7031]

I'm not a jeep guy , but you are pushing that Subaru to its limits

[@ModFoz]

Sort of. Since this video, it’s been equipped with a low-range transmission, larger tires, and better protection. This trail is a walk in the park now.

[@michiel75]

love the engine sound soo much. Its a tough little car.....thats why I bought me one this year. A MY2015 automatic with X-mode.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

It's almost as if the Forester wasn't designed to go on the most difficult mountain 4x4 trail in Colorado. Lol.Very brave! Wished you could've reached "The Wall"! That would've been a show!

[@ModFoz]

Hayden Cook Almost. Next time, most likely next spring. Should have some more goodies installed by then.

[@TheEgb18c]

awww little forester trying to run with the big boys:) this looks fun!

[@sublimetitan4276]

Whenever you have the time i would love to hear your setup on your Forester, i just bought one and id like to see where to start

[@reyes8444]

Such a bad ass looking forester! Great video

[@eddielee70]

Great video, question on lift kits. I only see the rear lift kits for your 2005. the front list kit is only 1998-2002.

[@VoytekR1]

Thanx for posting this, it will give me an idea of what my future car can do.

[@ModFoz]

No prob, thanks for watching.

[@kuladeeluxe]

Impressive what that Subaru can do. Was the clutch destroyed on that trip?

[@ModFoz]

Nope, I thought it was (hence why I asked for the winch up to turn around), but the car drove fine the rest of the week with no issues. I replaced the clutch anyway, but it looked fine when I took it out. Just had a little judder to it is all.

[@phattygoodness7347]

Well...we just got back from Colorado and we passed a Subaru as we went down Engineer Pass to Ouray. He was a bout 2/3 of the way up to the pass and it was amazing that he had made it that far with so little clearance, but he was out of his vehicle and seemed to in trouble. He had also just returned to his vehicle after recovering something from the trail that had been expelled from his car. Have no idea how he fared or if he made it to the top and back down, but to think a Subaru can compete with Jeeps or other 4x4 in environments like this...maybe, and for a little while, but at what cost? It hardly seems worth it. We spent the next several days wondering how that guy...or anyone in that position makes it off the mountain. Maybe they don't. But if they do...it's probably an endeavor they wish they had never undertaken. Can't imagine anyone in a low clearance vehicle NOT wrecking havoc on their vehicle's drive train and under carriage.

[@heybulldog137]

Subaru makes an impressive 4x4, but this trail might be a bit too much for the ol girl. It wasn't the vehicle so much as the tires, imho. I run a 95 toyota Tacoma, and could pull this rig up that trail, but, it's refreshing to see someone get outside of their limits. Kudos.

[@ModFoz]

Slim Stickly Tires weren’t as much of a problem as the lack of low range. That was the whole issue from the beginning. But, I have since purchased an Australian Subaru 5-speed gear box with low range.

[@64crew4x4]

Bluefox..John from the Foz Forum here.I really enjoyed this one.I have done this in so many stock Roo's.I need to get 2-3 Go - Pro's and start recording it.If you ever get a chance to Run to Oregon, You need to definately Hit me up... I have some very Good Wheeling locations to Test your skills on...:) And I so Want to Come visit your Woods as well.Definately Need Low Range....The One I installed in the Turbo Foz Last Fall is Doing AWESOME Dealing with the Canadian Winters and Spring....:)

[@kelseycompagner626]

Thanks bluefox! Will do! Super excited to get your input!!

[@taza11659]

Nice vid... I've just finished building my custom offroad dual range box. Has L-Series 1.59 low range in a 2008 Outback box, sti 6 speed front lsd machined to fit the 5 speed housing(torsion type), 20kg centre diff over the stock 4kg(almost like a locked centre but only binds at low speeds).

[@ModFoz]

taza11659 I may have to get some info on your build. I need something like that!

[@danjones8162]

I had the same problem with torque to crawl in first gear with my forester as well, but then noticed it was only happening uphill. I did some research and found out that the forester 2003 has hill holder (excellent for city driving but not at all for 4x4 for this very reason). once you are on a hill and your clutch and break is in it will apply a automatic breaking system which will only disengage once you take your clutch fully out, therefore only giving you the option to give it a little bit of gas and stall, or give it heaps and spin the wheels rather than being able to crawl etc. long story short, I disengaged hill holder (with the help of an online form) and I haven't gotten bogged since!

[@danjones8162]

plus my forester actually has a lo gear range as well so that probably helps

[@ModFoz]

I don't do it to save money, I do it because it "shouldn't" be able to do it. Everyone knows a truck or Jeep can get up these hills. Rather boring to watching videos of it too. It's expected. Seeing a Subaru with no low range, no locking diffs, with a manual transmission attempt the same stuff? That's fun and exciting. (at least to me).

[@Aka.G0llum]

The Forester really is a wolf in sheeps clothing. Looks the least capable of all vehicles present, yet handles almost everything with no problems at all.

[@Rincon009]

Great Vid!! Nice to see the Fozzy out playing with the purpose built offroaders! By the way, it looks hella good with the lift! ...gonna try to pick one up myself for my 2006 XT.

[@tuck123kw9034]

Excellent video guys Great Subaru (Japanese) technology - Beautiful scenery too!!

[@macstiker]

Amazing video!.. I am looking for a family car with which you can travel with my family without problems out of the way,I think the Forester is an excellent choice.

[@danielwinn5707]

Excellent video man! If only you had a low range, you would have most likely kept up with the big purpose built off roaders! Gotta love Subaru tech though, takes a beating, and doesn't quit.. Glad to see a fellow Fozzie owner out havin a good time in the mountains!

[@nucl3arfamily906]

Cool video! Thanks for posting! You're really giving it hell! Gives me a lot of encouragement for our Discovery Sport. We want to take it up to the Alpine Loop.Ive had it on some semi-gnarly stuff but noting like Poughkeepsie. I think it will handle Engineer Pass no problem.

[@kimhawtin]

Low range in SF5 makes a big difference. A 50mm lift helps plenty too. However the lift with a heavy clutch makes the life of the CVs shorter ...

[@redpilledpatriot8484]

That suburb is pretty amazing, but nothing compared to a good truck off road.

[@DouglasVanBossuyt]

bluefox4848 have you looked into getting a dual range transmission from Australia or the conversion kit sold by an Australian company? I'm in the Front Ranges and have an 04 Forester XT with the 5MT. Like you, I don't really have the resources for a dedicated 4x4 and like you, I see real potential in our Subarus. I talked with the guys at the local Subaru shops here and the guys at the company that makes the kit in Australia. They all were worried that the turbo engine would put too much stress on the dual range tranny but operating at the elevation that we do here in Colorado, I suspect that perhaps the result might turn out okay for us. The kit is a couple thousand USD plus install though... However, it would also be possible to re-gear the transmission to the exact ratios you want. Now if we only had inexpensive front and rear Subaru trail bumper options like they have down in Australia... :-)

[@ModFoz]

Yep, I've been looking into it. Once I get myself a different daily driver, or in a better financial position, I'll be looking more into modifying the Forester.

[@omersavas8584]

bir subaru ya bu kadar eziyet edilir hayatımda subaru yu bu kadar acemice kullanan birisini hiç görmedim vallahi içim parçalandı ya

[@ModFoz]

If I had an automatic, this trip would have been a cakewalk to the point where we turned around.

[@sashasol_mtl]

Care to explain? I just got my first Subaru ever (2006 Forester), it's automatic. I always thought that a manual would do better off-road, why would automatic be better?

[@danemadsen2969]

@@sashasol_mtl I don't have one but know quite a lot about how the vehicle components work. My thoughts: With an automatic transmission he'd have a torque converter instead of a clutch. So he'd never need to worry about revving up and slipping the clutch to try to get sufficient power and torque at near-zero mph. Also, the more slippage in a torque converter the more torque multiplication, which would also help climb up some of the steep rocks. On the negative, that same torque converter slippage generates heat in the transmission fluid, so a transmission fluid temp gauge would probably be a must-have. My understanding is that manual transmissions are preferred by many offroaders due to the added control they have over exactly what gear, rpm, etc they're using. And I think a manual transmission gives more engine braking when that's needed.

[@rallychamp2003]

wow - I had a 2004 2.0 XT with auto gearbox which I took into the mountains of Romania on tracks like this. Didn't realise just how good it was until I saw this. I'm looking for an SH Forester (2009-) to take to Colorado - will definitely choose an automatic! Will 215/70 R16 fit? Poughkeepsie Gulch is rated as difficult in Charles Wells' guide.

[@dissident_mantis7]

Just picked up my 2015 Forrester 2.0xt touring today, Fully loaded. I was considering doing some trail riding (nothing too aggressive). I have never been offroading before. Can I do light stuff with a Cvt? And I don't really want to change any parts and void my warranty. Should I even bother?

[@ModFoz]

Will Dominguez XT Touring has X-Mode, which was designed for off road use. I wouldn't hesitate to do aggressive offroading in it (save for it being a brand new car that is)

[@dissident_mantis7]

well then... time to start looking for trails in the Maryland Va area

[@BelieveMontana]

Will Dominguez hey that's where I'm at! any luck, 2 years later?

[@djarizona]

I would I would take it out as soon as I had the chance and do trails just like this.

[@roocrew86]

Hi BF Love your vids Just wondering after watching your first auto foz vids it looks to me like xt auto is more capable and enjoyable for off road over manual. Do you agree?

[@seanfabul6054]

Strong car bro that baby is still catching up

[@bigleemac]

It did amazingly well against two hardcore rock crawlers, loved the way it just scampered over the rocks, excellent! Wonder if the new X-mode on the 2014 models would have helped with the lack of a low range?

[@ModFoz]

X-Mode would have made this look like a cakewalk. I've demoed the X-Mode a couple of times on test drives up here. It's a very clever system, works well.

[@TheFiller76]

2Author= my respect to you! your Forester run everywhere on video without low range! for best performance you need low range gear box and self-locked rear diff. if you get ith your Forester will be run much better at outback!

[@graham2631]

Nice! I've got a stock '99 haven't put threw a rock pile like you were in when clutch got hot tho. When they smoke like that or you smell um I've found if you have a puff and let it cool down your fine. Real damage occurs when you keep roasting it. I've had quite a few 4 wheelers some pure bush beasts 50mph top speed nobody parks beside you that sort. Had some daily driver's. I like my forester cheap parts good on fuel my only complaint is no low range and not wild about AWD but it works. Next time you have the clutch out beef up your fork l had mine fail so l took bar stock and 7018 rod made it solid using old one as a guide.

[@ireneuszwu1517]

Blue Fox I'll be waiting for your new movie about Forester. You inspired me to create Forester XT in 100% paper model in scale 1:35. Soon on KZbin :) Take care mate!!

[@FixtIt]

Rallye car rock crawling, new sport?. I'm super impressed by the capabilities of that car. It is way out of its realm.

[@ModFoz]

FrankiePintado It is, but still puts a smile on my face.

[@baloodh2000]

Great Video man! Getting my Legacy up and running after an engine rebuild. Can't wait!

[@ModFoz]

Matt Akers Awesome, get it running and get out there and tear it up!

[@baloodh2000]

What wheels and tires do you have on that? The black rims look awesome!

[@ModFoz]

Matt Akers Those are stock SG Forester steel wheels powder coated stain black. The tires are 215/70 R16 BFGoodrich All Terrain K/O.

[@baloodh2000]

bluefox4848 no kidding? They look great man.

[@philtwowheels]

The Forester may not have low range, but it sure has another deciding factor, power and light weight.

[@noelebbert9322]

i like the suby and your vids man. Do you save money in the long run by not having say an old 4runner or a 2nd dedicated off road vehicle? i love foresters but this is the kind of trail i really would want to be able to handle without too much wear and tear. with your and other parts it seems that long run you could save money..??

[@1400VID]

I wonder if the new X-Mode traction program would have diverted power better during rock climbing situations?

[@ModFoz]

+1400VID I'm pretty sure it would.

[@7150285]

+1400VID of course ;)

[@BushmanCanuck]

This is ridiculously hilarious in an awesome way!

[@ModFoz]

Bushman Canuck Thanks!

[@BushmanCanuck]

bluefox4848 I have a 99 legacy GTB I'm about to turn over....i think a forester s tb is next thanks to your vid! Stb is a turbo sport JDM....basically a wrx.

[@mrwick7961]

Bushman Canuck the stb was the first sti forester!

[@BushmanCanuck]

we have to wait until the first sti forester is 15 years old before we can import to Canuckistan...looking forward to it!

[@noelebbert9322]

yea i understand. I agree it is appealing seeing a suby do this. But in terms of keeping it as a daily drive i would like a forester possibly. I like the new xmode, however i wander if the 14 could keep up with yours here. also.. can you do your mods to a 05/06 baja? or for that matter any baja.

[@Randomadventuresebike]

you made it all the way up there and didn't crack a beer or set up the tent and fire 🔥

[@ModFoz]

We weren't to a camping spot yet, and the other vehicles had to turn around due to deep snow further up the trail.

[@trentmitche11]

Cool video, neat to watch how little cars can do more than most people think. But damn bro, you were murdering that clutch. Was painful to watch. You've got balls though! I won't be taking my '14 Forrester XT up there and I have the new x-Drive. Mine is strictly a get around town in the snow vehicle! Thumbs up!

[@rockodog6510]

Clutches are relatively easy and cheap compared to bogging the engine and potentially cracking a ringland or spinning a bearing,

[@whereisbenzo_]

If only your Forester had a winch and a 4AET+ an LSD then you'd be fully set for off-road. Sweet Forester man! From one Subie owner to another.

[@ModFoz]

ThatWhiteSTi I only want low range! That's what's holding me back the most.

[@christophersousa109]

Amazing offroad run! This is where the XT pays off bigtime, as I'm not sure any NA Subaru could handle the torque needed to get over those rocks. Did you need a clutch replacement after this?? I'm not sure I have the cojones to try anything remotely close in my 5spd Crosstrek!

[@ModFoz]

N/A has torque at a lower RPM, so it might have managed better. Turbo you have to wind it up a bit to get power. I didn't need to replace the clutch, but it was an older clutch anyway (about 50,000 miles or so), so it was time after this trip, yes. $170 bucks DIY.

[@dkphantomdk]

great video, great scenes, great trail. a shame you didnt make the top of the trail/mountain. one thing I must ask, would it have been possible to not use the clutch this hard, and just drive more constant in obstacles with out all the stopping and starting.. - you know, just hope that the car will hold up with a bit more speed.. ofcourse something else might be stressed alot more from the bumps but, it might have saved the clutch. how high an altitude was this filmed "start to stop" ?