LP Aventure Skid plate install

Install and informational video on the LP Aventure front skid plate. To use their skid plate you have to have either their small or big front bar. Aluminum construction and 3/16" thick. You will lose about 1 to 1.5 inches of clearance up front with this install. Plate weighs 22.8 lbs.
Music is from the youtube music library: Gunnar Olsen-The end is near.
Mods:
Method race wheels vt spec 15 " 5x100 +15 offset
Tires BGF KO2's 215/75/15's
No lift
Yakima bike rakes
Subaru Crossbars
Gorilla Mud Flaps
Curt Class 3 Hitch
Rear Compartment LED light
Cameras: Hero 4, Hero 7, Canon G7X mark ii, Canon 6D

[@CrucesNomad1]

Just put a hole in my plastic skid plate and came across this. Cool vid.

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you John!

[@greym6436]

Rick, I love the way you are digging in on the Trek project! Im slowly getting my rig together too bro🤙🏽

[@AZdroptop]

Nice! And thank you. What do you have cooking on your end?

[@Gili1973]

Cheers Rick! The car looks great with the LP bar and skid plate !

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you! I am really liking it.

[@carlquirico391]

Great video Rick, really like the LP combo. I might go with just the small bar myself.

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Carl. The bar is nice for sure and if you want to do some lights you are all set for mounts. The little bit I have driven the car I can feel the extra weight up front. Not bad, but noticeable.

[@secret5.]

Should throw some antiseize on there, will make future servicing a lot easier once corrosion starts occurring. Thanks for the product info.

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you!

[@mrosaine]

Damn, that looks good! You're really making me want to spend a lot of money on my Crosstrek haha. Thanks again for the excellent and detailed install videos. Great work on editing too!

[@AZdroptop]

That is my evil plan Matt. :) To make all of you join me. LOL. Glad you are liking the videos and thanks very much for watching..Thank you!

[@johnwick1289]

Another great video!! Thanks for the weight info because it can make a difference!

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you John! Much appreciated.

[@toxictabasco]

Excellent install. Those protector washers are a clever idea.

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you! They are very cool...after seeing how far the bolts hang down I figured I better get them...especially knowing my track record of breaking stuff. Haha. :)

[@Bicketybam68]

Cheers for the content Rick, much appreciated.

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you! Hope all is well with you and yours.

[@DrDennis]

Sweet set up Rick

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you! I am loving it so far.

[@debsisson4559]

Looks slick Rick. Enjoy!

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Deb! Have a great week.

[@andreasoszko2140]

Sweet setup! Makes me want that too☺️

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you my friend. Hope all is well with you!

[@dougsullivan3564]

Love lp adventure gear. Couldn't help but notice that it sounded like you were in downtown Bagdad with all that jet noise!

[@AZdroptop]

Ha ha. We do have an active military base around here. Sorry about the audio...they were busy on filming day. :)

[@apal8]

Actually looks pretty good Rick! Looking forward to your thoughts on how it affects your ride height on your adventures. Keep up the good work!

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Anthony!

[@ArcticHawk2003]

Wow! Looks great! Andre

[@AZdroptop]

Hey Andre, thanks man. Hope you re doing well!

[@louisvilaros9066]

Looks good

[@smorrisfx]

Looks awesome

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Sam!

[@jason5777579]

Great video .

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Jason!!!

[@mikerobinson8734]

Love the look, Hate the protruding bolts though, Wish they could figure something out with that.Definitely looks as though you lost some approach angle and ride height. I have the same exact Wheel/Tire set-up on my 19' because of your informative videos. Thanks Rick

[@AZdroptop]

Thanks so much Mike! I agree, the loss of clearance is a bit of a bummer for sure. Maybe it will push me towards a lift a little sooner? I will have to see how she does off road now.

[@CoRoNaExE]

Rick, Awesome video appreciate seeing how easy the install is. It's a shame that the lift takes away from the ground clearance I just got a lift kit for mine and will put up a video in a few days on my experience with it, so far I am happy with it.

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Martin. I am looking forward to hearing what you have to say about your lift and how it feels on the car. I go subscribe so I can check it out.

[@CoRoNaExE]

@@AZdroptop thank you and I will be posting it on my other channel at architects & alchemist. I will be doing other Crosstrek videos as well. I really do appreciate the videos you put out.

[@AZdroptop]

Very cool. Can't wait to see it. Thank you for letting me know. I am not familiar with the other 2 sites but will check them out. And thanks for the kind words about the videos!

[@Mudslidex1]

I like it, but being that I always change my oil, that would drive me nuts. However, there's been times (snow/rain) when I don't feel like crawling under and have used my Topsider oil extractor to suck the oil out the dipstick tube. Being that the filter is also up top on these cars makes it almost easier to never have to crawl under again!

[@AZdroptop]

I have not heard of the extractor before! Cool. I have seen a few LP skid owners say they drilled a hole in theirs, but I plan to just leave it at this point. Cheers brother.

[@jsteeder]

Rick Hutton Strange, I just installed the LP skid plate on my Outback. They offered cutouts for draining oil.

[@AZdroptop]

I just found out that they do offer it for the Outback, but not the Crosstrek. I emailed them about it since a lot of people were asking about why the Crosstrek plate doesn't have it. Sounds like they are moving in the direction of offering it with the drain plug hole in the future...there are some there who want to have the hold and others who do not, but they want to please their customer base so they are moving in the direction of having it in there.

[@mick4790]

Nice job on the install and looks awesome, too bad you lose 1.5 in of ground clearance!

[@AZdroptop]

That is a bummer. I'll be interested to see how it goes off road here in a few days, but the added protection will be worth it I think. And thank you!

[@slashfan23]

Hey there Rick! Great set up my friend! Does LP send those badges with orders? Thanks!!

[@rileypart1]

Afternoon Rick!

[@AZdroptop]

Hey Stanley. What's going on?

[@rileypart1]

@@AZdroptop I'll send you a message what is going on...

[@AZdroptop]

Cool! Sounds good.

[@davemcguigan218]

Rick I think the skid plate looks great and will give you good protection off road. I am wondering why they did not have an access hole for oil changes like the plastic one that Subaru uses!

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Dave, I am not sure on that one but have seen some skid plate owners drill an access hole...I will ask them next time I email with them. And thanks as always Dave!

[@TrentTheCarGuy]

That looks great, Rick! I have a feeling that you are going to start costing me some money now that I am seeing these things you are adding... 🤔

[@AZdroptop]

Ha ha. It is time. Your car has been stock long enough. :)

[@TrentTheCarGuy]

@@AZdroptop I am getting close... :)

[@AZdroptop]

Awesome. We shall be running in the dirt soon!

[@Chubbydippin]

Just saw both install segments for the bar and the skid plate. Since it's been 3+ yrs, any thoughts on how they both have performed for you? Also, since the skid plate looks aluminum unlike the bar system it's mounted snugly to, has there been any oxidation from the 2 different metals touching? Thankyou for sharing and you got a new subscriber.

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you for your question and for subscribing. No obvious issues with the bar and skid and oxidation. The big issue with this set up is the loss of ground clearance with the skid plate. I would only suggest doing the skid if you plan to do a lift as well. I ended up adding RaliTEK springs, but I never got back all of the lost clearance. If I were to do it over I would do the bar and not the skid plate. You will still loose clearance under the bar, but it would be limited.

[@sassichembunni]

Thanks for the video! Very informative. Im curious if youve installed the CVT case cover and rear plate. Also, what is this torque setting LP refers to?

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you for watching. I have not done the CVT cover as of yet, but have considered it. Justus haven't pulled the trigger yet. I am not sure which torque setting and LP? I have not been able to find any torque settings from them.

[@Sw00per_actual]

Hi Rick - whats next the read skip plate? In for a penny in for a pound... ;) I am think you might do lights next? I like the old skool rally type lights but the LEDs are nice as well.

[@AZdroptop]

HI John, you know I am not sure at this point. I plan to drive it and see how the loss of clearance up front and extra weight effects the car. I am really liking the look and never really considered doing a light kit before installing the bar. Now those little mount holes are calling my name. :) So you might be right about getting lights.

[@jackbergeron6465]

Your video production skills are impressive. Subscribed. Updates on the skid plate? Car handling?

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Jack, thank you very much! To be honest I don't really notice the extra weight up there like I did initially and I don't notice anything negative handling wise. Maybe a bit of reduction in the understeer. I do miss the 1.5 inches of ground clearance that I lost with the bar/skid, so I need to do a lift soon. Thank you for subscribing and let me know if I can help with any other questions.

[@Dav2]

Looks great, does the skid plate need the bars to be mounted or can it be mounted to the car directly?

[@AZdroptop]

The skid does need the bars...at least my set up does. There are other companies that make metal skids that mount to the stock location and if I had to do it over again I might go that route. You will loose ground clearance if you go with my set up and no lift, about 1.5 inches or so.

[@trexn8]

I kept the factory plastic plate. It’s going to help airflow and cooling. It’s not really a “skid plate”. It was pretty easy to cut out the factory plastic with a razor blade.

[@AZdroptop]

Very cool. I don't see any problem with keeping it at all. How are you liking the set up? Do you notice the weight up front? I am kind of noticing it a bit I think? Need to drive it more to be sure.

[@robhem5810]

Hey man great job! I know you probably already answered this but what kind of bar is that? I really like the style.

[@AZdroptop]

HI Rob, thank you. It is the LP aventure small front bar. www.lpaventure.com Love it as it is the only bar I could find to protect the front plastics that I always seem to rub when off road. Losing the 1.5"s of ground clearance was a bummer, but still worth it for the protection!

[@miguelojk]

Hi Rick, look awesome. When you're planning lifting? I'm considering also lifting mine XV 2018 as well.

[@AZdroptop]

Thank you Miguel. I'm honestly not sure...still a bit unsure if I want to do it. I don't really want to dramatically change the driving characteristics, but don't mind a little bit. I will decide in the next few months or so.

[@herschelwalker591]

Ah, the video I've been waiting for. I like the construction and mounting method, but I'm not sure losing 1.5 inches of clearance or $900 (cost of spacer lift) is worth it over the Primitive skid plates. I'm generally not a fan of spacer lifts anyway, which is all that anyone makes..

[@AZdroptop]

It is a bummer losing the clearance, but I am hoping it will not be a huge deal. The protection will be worth it and if and when the lift comes around it will help. The quality is excellent for sure.

[@herschelwalker591]

@@AZdroptop looking forward to seeing you hit the trails with this setup, hopefully the clearance is a nonissue!

[@rileypart1]

I see you throw a LP Adventure badge emblem there lol. My next mods will be de-badge “Subaru” letter and “Crosstrek”then rebadge to “XV” and “symmetrical awd” just like Japan Spec look. Cheer Bro

[@AZdroptop]

That sounds like a good idea...I miss the XV moniker and don't really understand why Subaru got rid of it?

[@rileypart1]

@@AZdroptop I think it's because It's a marketing thing or people doesn't like the name just prefer Crosstrek sound alright. But in other countries, they called it XV instead.

[@Bicketybam68]

@@rileypart1 It is only called an XV here in Australia. It looks nice, just with XV at the back but I kind of just wish they kept the entire name because I've mentioned to others that I have a Subaru XV and they're like _What?_ and you have to say it is a Crosstrek XV. It is the "Crosstrek" name that people identify with much easily. I think we just crave the familiarity of the names we know.

[@garrytaylor]

Bickety Bam I'm not surprised it's named XV in Australia. We like to shorten everything and Crosstrek is quite a mouthful. :-)

[@Pisquini]

Hi Rick, Love your videos, just got a 2021 Sport and I am loving it. I just bought the LP Aventure big front bar, Rock Sliders and all the skid plates. I did the ReadyLift lift and I am running 225/65/17 K02's on the stock rims and there was no rubbing what so ever, before and after the lift. My question is, I am concerned about Dealer oil changes. Did your dealer give you a hard time about taking off the skid plate? Should I be concerned about this? Thanks in advance for your time

[@AZdroptop]

Thanks very much Vic, much appreciated. My dealer has never said a word about it so far, but they are really cool. Can't see why it would be a problem for them to pull it off real quick. Congrats on the set up and thank you for watching along!

[@Pisquini]

@@AZdroptop I was reading down a bit and you have said you talked to people that have drilled a hole for oil access. Did these people do any videos about drilling the hole? Or can you tell who they are or ask them if they know the measurements so I might do it myself? Thanks.

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Vic, man, it has been so long that I don't remember the specifics about guys drilling a hole there. I know when I spoke to LP Aventure about it at the time they were thinking of adding a hole to the Crosstrek plate, but there were some deserters about the idea. Might we worth a call to them and see if they can help. They were really great when I have spoken to them.

[@microsnook3]

Man, kinda a bummer the bar hangs so low and reduces clearance a bit. I think a lift would be a great idea to counter that. I'd love to do an aluminum front bumper to get better approach angle and have an overall stronger bumper. But those are hard to find for the XV!

[@AZdroptop]

Definitely a bit of a bummer and I have noticed that I rub things more often when I am off road...I still think it is worth it for the protection, but I agree with you a lift will be a big help. it is on the list at this point and I am still leaning towards the LPaventure set up. Thanks much for watching along!

[@davidpleitez4382]

Hey Rick do you k ow the difference between this skid plate and the aluminum one Subaru offers?

[@AZdroptop]

Hi David, I am not familiar with an aluminum skid plate from Subaru unfortunately. The main reason I went with the LP skid was how it mounted to the LP bar and not in the stock location. My thought process was if you hit something with a skid in the stock location you could still do damage to what's underneath. The LP gives you a bit of space. The downside is you will need to the buy the bar as well and you will loose about 1.5 inches of ground clearance. From what I experienced off road around Tucson the bar was probably a more important piece because the front end tends to dip into the ground when you go through washers and quick down and up sections. Hope that helps.

[@TubeBrowser2]

Rick, could you clarify losing that inch+. Is the skid plate the lowest thing hanging under the car or did you just lose 1+ inch under the front but still have the same ground clearance?

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Eric, sorry about the confusion. You are correct, the skid plate/bar hang about 1.5 inches below the rest of the car. The rest of the car is still the same 8.5 inches.

[@matthewellis6528]

@@AZdroptop Rick so are you still not wanting to get a lift? I'm thinking of getting primitive racing 3 skid plates. But it will lose an inch or so like you were saying. I hope this doesn't make my ground clearance too low for rocks and ruts! Initially I wanted a 1.5" lift, but I am worried about damaging the CV axles.. that's why I am hesitant about doing a lift to make up for the loss of ground clearance from the skid plates. Not sure what I will do.

[@Necromancer1776]

How do you change the oil? Id be a pain to take that on and off

[@AZdroptop]

Subaru has done it so far since I have the maintenance program…but yes, it will make it interesting for sure.

[@alanlangley7246]

need to drill a 2 in hole in the skid plate and put a fumoto oil drain plug

[@AZdroptop]

I have considered it for sure.

[@xDrGeek]

Ive seen some of the skid plates with oil drain cutouts. Im curious if they only did it on the outback version or if its for an extra cost?? Just seems like an avoidable extra step during changing oil to have to remove the whole plate

[@AZdroptop]

I hear you...not too sure why they didn't put one in. I plan to ask them in my next email to see what they have to say. Maybe for extra protection? Not sure.

[@AZdroptop]

Hey again Steve. I asked LP this morning about the oil drain hole and it sounds like do to customer demand they might add it to the Crosstrek skid plate. The Outback skid has a drain hole already. Some at LP do not like the idea of a drain hole do to the possibility of a something getting caught in there off road...I tend to agree with that logic, but I won't know until I have to do my own oil changes. :)

[@xDrGeek]

@@AZdroptop Yeah I totally get the logic of it as well. But Just like with the outback they give you the *option*. Leave it up to the consumer to decide. But thanks for the follow up.

[@AZdroptop]

I agree. I didn't realize until you mentioned it that the Outback has the drain hole. Cheers brother.

[@johnjames7712]

Outback has two engines, the 2.5 and 3.6. With the 2.5, oil filter is at the top of the engine, and then oil drain below. With the 3.6, both filter and oil drain is below. So I suppose to remedy both, they included cutouts for both engines.

[@freedom_foz_6337]

If I may ask where did you get the Arizona flag overlap sticker?

[@AZdroptop]

Here you go. www.emblemoverlays.com

[@jakeelks587]

Rick, just found you on you tube. Did you ever do a lift on the crosstrek?

[@AZdroptop]

Hi Jake, I never did lift it. I bought an LP kit last Christmas and it sat on the shelf in my garage for months and then I sold it. Just never got around to installing and then ended up buying a Jeep. My son is using the car now. It does have 1" RalliTEK springs on it though...trying to gain some clearance back up front. Unfortunately, I did not get the full 1 inch up front...I think because of the extra 45lbs from the bar and skid plate. I believe I got about 1/2 inch to 5/8ths back. If you are going to do the LP bar and skid I would do a lift as well or you will be digging the plate a lot off road. Thank you for watching and let me know if I can answer other questions.

[@jakeelks587]

@@AZdroptop Hey Rick. I have a 2012 impreza. 2 years ago I installed a 2 inch lift from Anderson Design and Fabrication. I highly recommend it. Great product, easy install, no issues. I just put larger tires on yesterday. You and your son could install the kit in a long half day. I gained a total of 3 inches ride height. Patrick offers a military discount as well if you guys can take advantage of it.

[@AZdroptop]

Nice. I have heard they make great stuff! Any issues with alignment after your lift? Did you need a camber kit at all. Thanks Jake, much appreciated.

[@jakeelks587]

@@AZdroptop Hey Rick. Yes I needed an alignment because the steering geometry changes slightly no matter how well you mark the strut bolts. No camber kit was needed.

[@AZdroptop]

Awesome, thank you!

[@raymondgignac6027]

Sorry...video is fine now...Funny, just found out that I live 50km from LP Performance....

[@AZdroptop]

Oh good! No Problem Raymond. You never know what can happen here on youtube. I mistakenly turned up the volume in one of my videos and didn't notice it until after I posted it. :) Had to take it down and repost. I appreciate the help. LP seems to be a great company and their products are super nice.

[@pirihern9329]

How much ? My guess about 250 to 300 dollars

[@AZdroptop]

$395 for the skid and the bumper guard that you attach the skid to is $525. Not cheap, but seriously well made.

[@GG-si7fw]

Next time you jack up the Crosstrek can you show us where you place the jack stands? They don’t look like the factory location in the rear.

[@AZdroptop]

Hi, no problem Gary. It was actually right at the factory jack points. Probably looked weird because of the large round plate on my jack..

[@uzielsalgado3749]

Hey do you have Instagram? Or a way to contact you?

[@AZdroptop]

You can email anytime. [e-mail] :)

[@illduitmyself]

RIIIIICK get a pocket impact. im cringing as i watch you use a ratchet. its not 1942 anymore lol

[@AZdroptop]

ha ha. I know, I know. :)

[@Sudhana]

Yuo do not need their front bar for install

[@AZdroptop]

You don't need LP's front bar to mount their skid plate? What would you mount it to?

[@rfcdgaf]

1:39 for the actual install don't waste your time

[@raymondgignac6027]

That video quality was pretty bad.....

[@Mudslidex1]

probably because he just uploaded it and KZbin usually makes the low quality vid available to view first and the HD one can take up to an hour later to show up

[@Mudslidex1]

@@AZdroptop Yeah it looks like now the video will play with all available HD versions, where when you first uploaded it, only SD was an option

[@rodspov1915]

Works fine here.

[@AZdroptop]

Oh ok. Interesting...Not sure I have seen that before. Thank you.