How To Lift a Subaru Crosstrek

[@steveknots514]

best lift kit tutorial I've seen! It's great that you show the zoom-out view of what to do first and why, not just a super closeup of each nut

[@johnosvids]

Your video really helped me out. I just installed the same lift kit on my 2016 Crosstrek. Without the video, I might not have gotten it done.

[@twrecks4598]

Are you happy with the kit?

[@frankweathersbee2553]

Man that brake hose was happy to see that extension tab, can you say guitar string! Good looking stance after the lift.

[@paulwright7239]

I owe you guys a HUGE thank you for this video, it saved me last weekend while installing this lift kit on our 2014 Crosstrek. You are right, the instructions from the manufacturer SUCK with black & white low res images on paper and the assumption that you are a professional mechanic who touches different cars every day ("if you have the model with short braces, do this..."). What a joke. They didn't even include disconnecting the front sway bar end links (I had to cut mine off and replace) to get the strut to fit with its spacer attached. Very much appreciate the time and thoroughness of your work and documentation!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

[@kczephyr7845]

@@EXPLORISTlifeEverything is installed, but got problems. I hear a noise like torque wrench noise clicking on rear. All 4 wheels become random camber.

[@mrspookypoo727]

Tips for installing: Front end: I found it difficult to remove the sway bar link (stripped the Alan key) to get enough room for the strut to fit in correctly so to install without removing the sway bar link simply just undo the bolts on both sides of the car so the suspension hangs freely together. This allows for both sides to hang lower and gives enough room to connect the suspension. Rear end: I found it extremely hard to get the strut to line up with the lower control arm. Instead of taking out of the 4th bolt closest to the dif. I loosened that bolt and actually took out the bolt connecting to the brake rotor (the one you were supposed to only loosen). Then I reassembled the strut and the stabalizer (using a bolt to just hold it in place) and then using a jack, jacked up the brake rotor connector along with the control arm and finnesed it to get the bolt through. Also please if you have a 2013 Crosstrek, please don't use 95 ft pounds of torque! The 17 mm nuts require 59 ft/lbs and the stabilizer requires 28 ft/lbs

[@EXPLORISTlife]

*Lift Kit:* amzn.to/2NdWhi2 *Blog Post:* www.explorist.life/how-to-install-a-lift-kit-on-a-subaru-crosstrek/

[@noahtr7244]

One of the most well thought out videos I’ve seen in a while! So helpful guys. TY!

[@andoniades]

19:20...yup, having to disassemble something you though was, "All gud" absolutely sucks. Thanks for the vid!

[@stevenfowler8825]

Hey Guys! Thank you for your video, it was essential while I lifted my car the last two days. I followed along with y'all and it worked out perfect!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@corypackard9686]

Great video. Only way I would have even considered completing the install after the challenges of the front sway link. Thanks a lot completing the rear strut install tomorrow abs testing it out. I think the new stance will look great. Thanks again Cory

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@jross13450]

Great video. I have been looking to lift my Forester and this video gave me a very good view of what I need to do.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@randlayman2668]

Great to see you both at work again, smack it and tap tap tap equals finesse I like it!!

[@ZombieLoveNeverDies]

I purchased this kit for my 2014 XV and I’m SO grateful for this video. Without your tips I probably would have been too frustrated to finish the lift given the absolute dogshit instructions that are included. Thank you so much! Subscribed as soon as I finished!

[@twrecks4598]

NIce DK Crossie... looks just like my wife's.. our first Subie ever. Loved it so much, I got me a HB Crossie! These cars are just so perfect for us... absolutely love them!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Nice! Yeah, we love these cars.

[@philabraham658]

Just a though, but you might not have to undo the sway bar links if you use a spring compressor on the coil spring. just one less potential issue to worry about

[@dropshoo]

Crazy helpful ! Thanks you guys

[@gparroz3288]

If I could only talk my wife into this on her 2018 … LOL great video

[@mkw133]

PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS Hey Nate & Steph, I know this video is old, but I am using it and your blog post to install the Rough Country lift in my 2016. Crosstrek. I unable to get one of the LONG bolts in the rear to catch the thread. I had no issues with the passenger side. Any advice?

[@jesamynmiller9269]

Did you end up figuring it out? I am having trouble with my driver side rear as well. Haven’t tried the passenger side yet

[@devinratcliff9512]

I know this is an older video. Installed the same lift on a 2013. Did you notice any weird sounds after install? I assumed it was just the car just settling in. I'm 700 miles in and still have clunking sounds from the front end. I rolled it before tightening everything. Also rechecked torque at all the recommended miles. Stumped on what it's coming from

[@EzzyMike]

Nice video, love it from A to Z!!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thank you very much!

[@jayl6029]

And here I thought this was a video about stealing a Subaru Crosstrek. Lol

[@steveknots514]

haha love the bouncing chocks being removed in reverse

[@BradColemanisHere]

Love your videos! Cool idea. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with this thing. 30:43 for the before and after. :)

[@nowayjose20]

Wouldn't it be more beneficial to take the rear strut out while the whole rear suspension is dropped instead of trying to take it out by undoing the control arm?

[@cfitzgduke]

Will the shocks now bottom out before the bump stops or does this kit account for that. That is my main issue with cheaper lift kits, but does this one fix that issue?

[@zenfishn]

Great video! Any Idea if this will also work on the 2014 Crosstrek Hybrid?

[@georgepyrpiris7857]

Great video, thank you. It answers a lot of questions for sure! I did notice that when you dropped the rear subframe it touches the exhaust pipe enough that the muffler moved down as well. Maybe it's me but is there enough clearance to the exhaust? If not what did you do and how?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We didn't have to do anything with the exhaust.

[@smashingtrees2961]

With the 2 inch lift do you need longer brake lines

[@adventurewhitasiam]

did they existe to do whit Mitsubishi RVR 2021 ?

[@JasonKambak]

Side Notes: tighten all bolts with bushings after setting car back on ground, otherwise bushings will fail prematurely. retighten all hardware after 300 miles. use a torque wrench and tighten to factory specs.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! Very much so. Thanks for watching!

[@OutdoorVibing]

Thanks for the video. It's very helpful. How much did your MPG change with the lift and new tires?

[@robertmiller4639]

Thanks for the video, it's really gonna help me. Just curious, when you fastened the front spacers, how did you get the torque wrench in there to torque the factor nuts to spec?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I didn't. lol Just had to go by feel on those.

[@eduardoalcantar9519]

Putting pucks and screws in the rear suspension having trouble lining it up with the holes any tips?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

It's definitely finicky. Moving the jack up and down a bit was key for me as well as being sure to use the bolts with the points first.

[@markorleans7088]

I have purchased a 1-in lift. and somebody told me it didn't need all the extra spacers other than the ones on top of the shocks. any chance you know if this is true? Great video can't wait to install.

[@C_Robbins]

Currently researching lifting a crosstrek and from what i've seen you do want the spacers if you hope to get the car back into alignment. without the spacers the lift will probably cause suspension geometry to change and make it so the alignment shop doesn't have enough adjustment range to get everything back into alignment. so yeah, rear subframe spacers are a must. good luck with the install!

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

Would this affect the Subaru’s ISight at all? Great install vid thank you

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That, I'm not sure of... We don't have ISight on our Crosstrek, so I can't say for sure.

[@ciorstaidh_hall]

Two minutes and eight seconds in, and you might as well be talking Martian 🤣.

[@giuseppedagostino9026]

Great video

[@jeffreyocampo5623]

I liked your video! Thank you! I just have one question do you have any issue on wobbling when accelerating after you lifted your Crosstrek? Thank you in advance.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

A little bit, yes. This should fix it (but I haven't messed with it yet): awdadventure.com/collections/2020-subaru-outback/products/cke-subaru-2-5-type-1-cvt-trans-mount-insert-anti-wobble

[@twrecks4598]

So after some time has passed, would you recommend the Rough Country lift kit, or would you use something else? $300 right now on Amazon. BTW... do you suppose this same kit would work on an Impreza for ppl who have one but wish it were a Crossie?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I'm still fine with it. Had some issues with the alignment after installing, but I think that was just a matter of an incompetent alignment shop. Ultimately, nothing is broken and has held up well.

[@dglj15]

Could you please please help me, I have this lift installed and like other people wanted to pair it with some better springs so I bought the Rallitek 1/4 inch sport springs. I took it to the shop today and asked for a quote for installing the springs and they told me it wouldn't work because they think it'll create an alignment issue? I've seen people with lift and springs combos before so I think it should work I mean they're only stiffer springs with 1/4 inch lift. They didn't even seem sure about it because they said they could still try it to see if it would work or not. Thank you

[@freedom_foz_6337]

What did you do?

[@LelouchVelvet]

Awesome video, ordered my lift kit today. And actually quick question (I'm sorry if you're getting this a lot, just want to make sure before ordering): Are you using 225/65/17 as your bigger tire here? Is that the biggest one that fits without serious trimming?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! the 225/65/17 is indeed what is shown here. I do think that any bigger on these stock wheels are indeed the biggest you could go without trimming.

[@thomasgronek6469]

Getting the body bolts back into place; seems like there is something wrong. It's almost as though the threads on the new bolts aren't cut deep enough,,, causing the bolt to bind when threading into position: Has anyone else had similar difficulties with the four LONG body bolts? (the ones that hold the round spacers) (Rough country lift kit)

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I don't believe I had issues with that part, but suspension work always seem like it's just a massive game of getting the holes to line up.

[@thomasgronek6469]

@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks for the reply, I think the threads on the replacement bolts boogered up the threads on the frame nut, I'm going to take out the back seat, and run a tap from the top down just in case the first few threads are crossed, If need be, I'll drill clearance holes, and put a bolt in from the top as I assemble the spacers, and put a castellated nut on the bottom.

[@jesamynmiller9269]

I am right now! Trying to find a solution, I’m currently in the process of installing on my 2014 crosstrek

[@eastbayrider9511]

Did you guys ever end up making that blog post? I wasn't able to find it on the website or through searching on Google.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I got super behind but it's FINALLY out: www.explorist.life/how-to-install-a-lift-kit-on-a-subaru-crosstrek/

[@bobbyrouse898]

Do you have a link to the instructional blog post? I can't seem to find. Likely my error.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Just realized I hadn't finished it. I just got it finished and published it. Here's a link: www.explorist.life/how-to-install-a-lift-kit-on-a-subaru-crosstrek/

[@nathanmcdonald5563]

I was looking at this exact kit for my 2014, my only concern is if there will be added strain to cv axles & brake lines n such. Did you guys have the same concerns?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

There shouldn't be any strain to the brake lines as the kit comes with extensions. As for the CV joints... they are replaceable.

[@nathanmcdonald5563]

@@EXPLORISTlife that's fair. I'm already after replacing 2. Safe to say it didnt like the bigger tires orginally. Thanks for the response! I look forward to watching your build.

[@freedom_foz_6337]

How are the CV joints and bushings holding up? And ride/body roll?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

So far so good! No additional body roll due to lift but maybe a bit due to the roof rack we installed.

[@freedom_foz_6337]

EXPLORIST life - DIY Campers sweet! I thought it was a bit odd you have to “tap” the bolts into the rear strut lift it’s odd that isn’t pre installed. Maybe it’s a legal liability thing..

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yeah, no telling. That part was pretty annoying, tbh. Lol

[@nomadmav7040]

So the 2" ready lift doesn't have all the additional spacers and they seem to stand by their design. Is there a reason you chose rough country rather than ready lift?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I picked rough country over ready lift because I sent them both an email and ready lift read the email but never took the time to respond. Rough country responded and answered my question. Just being honest. Lol

[@nomadmav7040]

@@EXPLORISTlife I would of done the same. I appreciate the response. 👍

[@87gunsnroses]

The readylift 2 inch kit is only for 2018+ crosstrek. They dont use the extra spacers due to the 2nd gen crosstrek suspension geometry being better maintained with the added height therefore not needing a cradle drop like the first gen. Readylift only offers an 1.5 inch lift for the 1st gens 13-17. I also have the 2 inch readylift on my 2019 and I love it

[@nomadmav7040]

@@87gunsnroses awesome thank you.

[@yaseenarchuletta]

Brilliant!

[@JJO117]

would you recommend this lift kit over the other ones?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Not necessarily. It's just the one we chose.

[@JJO117]

@@EXPLORISTlife Ok thanks yeah was seeing the other lift kits are mainly spacers and was wondering what was the difference other than easier to install.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The kits with the spacers alone will be tough to get your alignment back to normal as the suspension geometry will be 'off'. Apparently.

[@JJO117]

@@EXPLORISTlife Ah yeah heard about that thanks.

[@alexhallett7540]

Did you guys sell the sprinter??

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Nope! Still have it.

[@3wheel_motion]

Yeah I just put a lift kit on my crosstrek and one Side sits taller then the otherNot sure if I’m gonna keep the left on their

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hmm. Strange. That's definitely not normal.

[@thomasgronek6469]

Thanks for the presentation,,,, nice job. Just a tip: When installing the studs (20 minutes) clean the paint out of the holes, and put a few drops of oil on the studs (where you suck them into position),,,, trust me, it makes a world of difference).

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Good tip! That part was a pain.

[@thomasgronek6469]

@@EXPLORISTlife Thank you. Yes, that is what prompted me to do it,,, it did look like quite a bit of struggle.

[@forthisclassinschool]

Did you notice a change in mpg?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

To be totally honest, I never kept track of my MPG before the lift, so I dont have an answer to that question.

[@chiil034]

Any bump steer issues?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Nope.

[@JuanRodriguez-gf6cz]

SUPER

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@jaksmith6465]

look like they are about to scrape the arches

[@jamesmeadrs9309]

Better install springs or it will ride rough.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

It rides fine. 👍

[@beyondtawhito]

These types of videos need less narrative

[@EXPLORISTlife]

These types of videos need less comments like yours.

[@trentmorrison6074]

This is why I dont wanna buy the wilderness version of the crosstreck. Because doing this myself is 10 K cheaper then getting a wilderness version.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Haha, true. Next go around, I'll be getting the Outback Wilderness so I can get the 2.4 Turbo for a bit more oomph under the hood. 🤣 I just wish they'd offer that engine in the Crosstrek.

[@kaliguy47]

Boots

[@EXPLORISTlife]

👢👢👢

[@gordaallsop3403]

Just got wind of your chnnel...WOW.