My 5 Favorite Free (or almost free) Subaru Mods

Don't get your hopes up...I mean, we are talking free after all. We're just having fun in response to a challenge from KZbin channel @bruceyyyyy to present five free mods. Be forewarned...there's nothing earth-shattering or life-changing here. :-)
Thanks to Lucie for her participation in the making of this video, and thanks to bruceyyyyy for looping us in on the challenge.
Watch bruceyyyyy's 5 Free Mods video here:
• Top 5 FREE Mods for yo...
Drum beat courtesy of JKD Stay Free
/ stayfreecmc
Consider supporting softroadingthewest via Patreon. Patrons have access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content and other perks:
/ softroadingthewest

[@therootedprogress]

Challenge accepted 😎 👍 Thank you for the support and shout out. Looking forward to the challenge. It should be fun :) Loved the Lil music video btw. Kinda corny but a fun entertaining twist. Great examples of fairly affordable and or free mods! Idk if I'll be able to top those. But we'll see 😏

[@softroadingthewest]

Can't wait to see what you come up with! Oh and yeah, we were deliberately trying to channel 1980s Fresh Prince...corny, cheesy, cringy...choose your adjective. :-)

[@therootedprogress]

@@softroadingthewest it was a damnnn good edit tho and I enjoyed it! I want to say you nailed it and Lucie did a great job acting it out as well. I would have been laughing too much to even get a good clip.

[@akalinh]

🎵Her name is Lucie, and she like to see Brucey🎵 Aaaaaaarrrg! It's staying in my head! 😫😂

[@moonsapling]

The best free thing on the new Subies is the free CVT replacement for the first 100k miles.

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL - that is brilliant. :-)

[@bruceyyyyy]

I'm a rare CVT defender and I even thought this was funny.

[@stevend776]

I have a 2013 that's CVT feels like the clunky unpredictable driving of a beat up 90s S10... Its about to hit 100k... Is there something I should know?

[@moonsapling]

@@stevend776 change the CVT fluid. every 30k if possible.

[@mikey8710]

We got a free one at 98k on a 2014 OB

[@rickyhernandez6742]

Gaaah! that intro was cringe af! lol great work

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL thank you! We were aiming for cheesy! We'll take cringe AF for sure! :-)

[@GRA466]

that was awesome 8) she will regret that but love it deep down when she's older!

[@kusheen...]

@@GRA466 im kusheen the cat

[@jimboheadspace1788]

How beautiful to see dad and daughter relationship. The blooper section you said was nothing is really everything. The free Subaru mods are not bad either. Thank you

[@702bartending6]

I was born and raised in Oregon city and now reside in Vegas, I enjoy watching your videos with my fiancé and showing her places from back home! Thanks for your videos

[@danhohman]

Ok, Lucie was amazing in this video. Watch out, she might be starting her own channel! And the blooper reel, wow, I loved it. Thanks for keeping it real!

[@softroadingthewest]

Oh she loves being in front of the camera, no doubt about it!

[@ovconley109]

May want to check out swapping your interior lights with LED's. Small LED's draw basically no power, so there's no real danger of a dead battery due to lights being left on. They also put out a lot more usable light. I've had one left on for several days with no start up issues. Check out Diode Dynamics, you can replace all the interior lights for around 30 bucks.

[@ScottGlisson74]

Funny Ending. Love the blooper outtakes. I think it adds to the channel.

[@tomas5376]

This is one of the most enjoyable video endings! Hey Dad, what’s ya doing?

[@trogoloff]

Thanks for the video! My 2004 Forester actually has a hook and line that attaches to that anchor point. It is attached to my spare tire cover, so when you lift it up, you can hook it to the anchor above. I was unaware they didn't do that in all their vehicles.

[@Sirgromulus]

Great video. The last mod is my favorite! Also loved your daughter's routine....very creative! Thanks!

[@CliffdropChad]

My 99 has a factory strap- essentially a bungee- designed to hold the cover open.. I'm surprised they did away with it on newer models. If you look under your cover does it not have a strap with the hook secured into a little holder?

[@MrNoNameForYou]

The legacy wagin tire storage opens and comes with a hook thankfully ! Good vid

[@TheKitMurkit]

2 gen forester has it too

[@CliffdropChad]

1st gen as well

[@xxxYYZxxx]

A good mod is to upgrade your 12v electrical wiring system by performing the "Big 3" upgrade. The "Big 3" is associated with car audio, but it's also ideal for running any high-output devices via your 12v system, including extra lights and any power-inverter you have. Using 4awg wire is probably sufficient for doing a Big 3 upgrade, unless you're also adding amps for a stereo system with subwoofer, then use 0/1 or 0/2 (or larger) awg wire. I run an 0/1 wire for my sub amp, and a 4awg for a 4channel amp + a small power inverter I use mostly to charge my laptop. There are tons of "Big 3" install videos on KZbin, and the principles are all the same whether it's for car-audio or installing a 12v refrigerator or flood lights and such.

[@jmsuitter5]

Always appreciate the outtakes especially this go around

[@Dannyhallfilms]

That brucey bit was cracking me up😂

[@Jay-vv2qs]

Awsum bloopers ! Thx for adding - inspirational father daughter relationship makes me excited to be a dad one day

[@jmsuitter5]

Fan of the plasti dip especially for that chrome fix

[@GroovyCycleworks]

Lucie rocked the intro...tips weren’t bad either :)

[@pablocasares5589]

That last one is a life saver! My old ‘01 had a built in hook for that. The things Subaru will do all in the name of mpg!

[@argospilotsigyn]

Your outtakes had me in tears.

[@porsche558]

Great video, I too watch Bruceyyyyy as well (we both have an Outback 3.6r). The Forester is a very capable off-roader without the comprise of a stiff ridding gas guzzling vehicle.

[@russellherberg2213]

Dome lights!!!! I did just that several years ago with the wifes' '93 Impreza. I just look :) now.

[@oakcreek3468]

good tips, definitely going to use the last one to hole up the trunk floor cover.

[@Stoner_Jesus]

nice vid man

[@bruceyyyyy]

Also I never realized the Outback integrated hook on the floor board was an exclusive feature.

[@softroadingthewest]

I had to Google that. I never realized the Outback had clever features not present on the Forester. I wonder what else I'm missing.

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@softroadingthewest H6? :D

[@softroadingthewest]

@@bruceyyyyy LOLOLOL touché

[@adrianmiller1168]

My 02 fozzy has hooks that came stock

[@terryyouth]

4.50 I had a captiva 2007- it turn off all internal lights after 10minutes- irrespective if door is left open or switch is left on. I also liked the follow me home lights once you turn off the car or unlock the car

[@GPosner8]

🤣🤣🤣😆👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻You’re having too much fun!

[@jackliu8343]

HAHAHA Can't stopping laughing on the last couple minutes.

[@istp1967]

Cat upstages preseter--Classic! 😆😆😆👍👍👍

[@paulkoller8104]

It's not free and maybe not even cheap, but the best upgrade I've made to my 09 is putting in the tweeters. (About $60 on EBay). Already wired for them. I was able to get a pair for $12 at the Pick-N-Pull. Incredibly easy and improves the sound 3X. Not kidding.

[@fkb9490]

Your daughter was correct in saying that the bloopers should be included. Nice video!

[@davontemartin5752]

I died when you had to take that cover off in the intro

[@tarzaan2603]

I got the crackers, you brought cheese

[@Ghryst]

i tend to leave my dome lights in the "door open" mode (the switch set to the middle/horizontal position, between on and off), so they only turn on when doors are open. its a great double-check for if you have closed yr doors properly (thereby keeping out the nasties) its also good for when yr getting in the car to have some light, so you dont sit on a snake or redback spider, and when yr getting out of the car, so you dont step on a crocodile or shark. keep truckin'.. luv from australia!

[@bruceyyyyy]

Oh cool I am in a rap song now.

[@softroadingthewest]

When life hands you silly rhymes, make cheesy rap. I mean, that's how Will Smith got his start and look where he is now. But hey, you're immortalized now...I'm anticipating a call from the Academy at any moment with news of my Oscar nomination for best soundtrack.

[@milesb4231]

Xterra has the bungee built in and doesn't have a spare in the way (real storage). Also has dual glove compartments, roof storage and tie down points on ceiling, rear seat back and floor. I've owned a Jeep TJ, Suburu Outback, and Nissan Xterra. Hands down the best value, best thought out, and most capable was the Xterra.

[@softroadingthewest]

I'm a fan of the Xterra actually. I had an early XTerra (~2003 maybe?) as a rental vehicle many years ago and loved driving it! That was my first offroad experience ever. It's a great 4x4 for sure.

[@angelfernandez3109]

Yooo I drive SH and that last mod is gonna save my life, thanks brother lol

[@gabbisacha]

Wonderful video. Thanks

[@virginiarocks]

I like the neighborhood vat the best. Lol. And the outtakes!

[@karenpetrossian2346]

Thank you for making great videos😄

[@MarcGyverIt]

Well holy shit, #1 was actually a decent idea lol And Lucie...is a cutie

[@ronman33]

Fun video! I do the dome light thing too lol. Plastic Dip is a great idea.

[@richardlove4287]

The outback 3.6r has the bungee chord attached from factory standard.

[@SeanStewart88]

Nice content. Your channel is exactly the reason I don’t have cable or even a tv! You definitely check out some amazing places. Living in the PNW is something I’m grateful for. We have some of the best places on earth. I moved here from Scotland in 2008 and I don’t regret it one bit. Keep up the good work! I’m going to have to try some of places out in my Tacoma. How many miles do you have on that rig? I gotta think it’s quite a fair bit.

[@softroadingthewest]

It's a 2012 and I've only recently clicked over 70,000 miles. It looks kinda beat up because I beat it up. But that's what I bought it for. :-)

[@raclark2730]

Just bought a Forester and was curios, now I find myself down the rabbit hole.😱👍

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha...congrats, have fun!

[@shannonmuldrow3118]

I have a salutation for you License plate mounting issue dress up washers with a nut backing and so tread locked for extra protection

[@jmsuitter5]

Function over looks always

[@danielwoods404]

My favorite mod in my 03 outback would have to be removing the bottom of the back seat. It lets the back of the back seat lay down flat so I can lay flat, put stuff in there flat, and make it easier to reach from the front into the back.

[@softroadingthewest]

That's a great mod. I've looked at simply removing the entire backseat altogether and built out that entire space to my needs, but alas my needs sometimes include a someplace for a third to sit in the back. :-)

[@savannahsullivan8764]

Good stuff, thanks for sharing

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks for watching! :-)

[@stayfreecmc]

Thanks for using my drum loops great video !

[@softroadingthewest]

Duuuude!! Thank YOU!! This beat is inspiring and super versatile, I actually first used this exact same loop for another song with a completely different feel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGGbeHWVYpmIodU (comes in at around the 1-minute mark) Thank you for sharing your craft, good stuff!

[@adriand3753]

check out: Subaru OFFROAD Australian Sand

[@dancartlidge5202]

Yup....my daughter and I can crack each other up for no apparent reason too!! Fun vid!! Now to get hacking on my Outback!!

[@joemdee]

I can’t believe that if Subaru is a trail vehicle that no-one has developed an external carrier for fuel tanks for when you head into the wilderness.

[@paulyokoyama7162]

The seat belt trick. Click the seat belt on then remove then click on again. Repeat quickly 20 times and seat belt chime will be disabled.

[@softroadingthewest]

Ahhhyeah, that's a good one! I've never tried it but that's a great tip!

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Thanks for the laughs. I only laugh because I know your pain of multiple takes. George.

[@jmsuitter5]

Cats like I got rhymes

[@K03sport]

It so doesn't sound like "brucy". Anyway, for the dome/map lights, have you thought about switching to red leds (yes I know this is about "free")? VW & Mazda solved the trunk floor hold strap; strange Subaru hasn't. Nothing wrong with the license plate holders; I don't think ppl will judge you by that, and if they do, who cares.

[@daviduarte1523]

Nice vid!

[@Pixx4you]

My kinda girl.. dangerous.

[@therealsolo23]

I need those style bull bar for my 03 forester

[@softroadingthewest]

Check out Rally Innovations, that's where I got mine.

[@istp1967]

10/10 for imagination 😎👍👍👍

[@valdius85]

The plastic dip is what I need. My Forester is full of chrome. I hate it. I want cheap black plastic :)

[@davidgabriel9843]

Brilliant video mate! Subscribed :-) What size are your tyres?

[@jfgaxeworks3447]

I love my sage green SH FXT.

[@j.canyonsjoblom9840]

Hey, chief! Love your content. It is not just technically and logistically informative, but also lends enough of the personal, anecdotal, and good-natured shit that makes us feel called to nature and the free ranges in the first place. So firstly: Thanks for what you share. If I may pick your brain, I really like the Plasti Dip suggestion from this video and am particularly curious how you covered the chrome Subaru emblems so cleanly. Did you go hyper-meticulous and tape them off? Or did you remove them from the sheet metal, paint, and then re-adhere? Or.... What? I'd be grateful to hear your process if you have the time. Thanks, dude! Jeremy - Chicago

[@softroadingthewest]

Do a quick search on plsti-dipping emblems on KZbin. There are a bunch of videos and that will make it much easier to understand than my explanation. The nifty thing about plasti-dip is that it's a rubbery coating that you can peel off. So the technique for letters is to mask a rectangle around the lettering, and spray everything within that rectangle, including the paint of the car. Do this in many very thin coats (learned this the hard way). I probably did 6 to 8 very thin coats. Then, you peel away the plasti-dip off the paint. It should largely come off as a single membrane, but will tear away underneath the bases of the letters, leaving you with clean paint and perfectly painted letters. That's why people use plasti-dip for this, no need to remove the letters or do detailed masking. Watch a couple videos and that will all make more sense. :-) Good luck!

[@pbisbad9367]

Didint know Heisenberg drove a Subaru.

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

Ha! I also did #5 when I got my Foz. Where'd you get the new logos? I'll have to try #2 as my front wheel spats are cracked from deep snow-roading (playing in the deep snow). Great video!

[@softroadingthewest]

The emblem overlays are from jdmfv.com. They make them to order, so you can choose your color combo from a range of options - doesn't have to be black on black - and they have designs other than the JDM Forester logo too. I've had those on there for over two years now, they haven't budged in the slightest.

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

@@softroadingthewest Looks great! Didn't know that was even available. Learn something new everyday. Thanks!

[@amandadickson-otty8638]

Where did you get the front bar for the Subaru from? And what's the name of the model? Thank you :)

[@softroadingthewest]

That is the "Rally Light Bar" from Rally Innovations. www.rallyinnovations.com

[@TrackDaysandTougeRuns]

First time taking my SH through mud I ripped off the driver side cover things. A few months later I just took off the other side completely and a few months after that while getting some exhaust work done I realized I am missing a rear mud flap guard on the passenger side.

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, yeah, I don't think they were thinking of people like us when they designed those bits. :-)

[@OutNAboutWithBrad]

Who's Hans Frie?

[@justinbray2773]

I bought a 2013 Forester earlier this year….what bolt size should I use to mount my front license plate?

[@johnphillips1879]

What tires are you running on your Subaru? They look good. And how do they do on snow&ice, mud, and on paved road?

[@softroadingthewest]

They are BFGoodrich T/A KO2. I do have a whole video just about the tires. They're fantastic in fresh snow, but nothing to write home about on ice. I haven't done much serious mudding but have slogged through some mud well enough...probably no comparison to an MT but way better than the all-seasons I ran before. I'm fine with them on pavement. A little noisy, and definitely heavy enough to impact the performance of my not-very-powerful Forester, but I've found them well mannered enough...the downsides on the road for me are easily outweighed by the superb performance on the trail.

[@NotSoFlatAdventures]

That bungee cord mod! Cheers!

[@SalemCBR1]

Go ducks.

[@softroadingthewest]

Lucie agrees. :-)

[@SalemCBR1]

@@softroadingthewest I like your production quality. Makes me feel like a noob.

[@TheSolitere]

What´s the part number of the "Front tyre plastic spoilers"

[@softroadingthewest]

www.subaruparts.com/v-2012-subaru-forester--x--2-5l-h4-gas/body--fender-and-components I believe you're talking about part #10 there

[@TheSolitere]

@@softroadingthewest Thanks!

[@RVingwithG]

I run with my driving-lights on all the time... aka it does not cost you anything to be safe on the road... but the other day I got hit from behind and was pulled off the side of the road for an hour and guess what? YEP, DEAD Battery. After the accident I get home and my neighbor tells me I left my Dome lights on.... oddly, the driver side door light switch that turns off the dome lights is now broken... I guess I will be doing your MODE # 3 (4:02)

[@michaelbettell5379]

Doesn't worry about a flat battery, but has jumper cables.... 🤷‍♂️🙄 to help others who leave lights on I assume 😜🤔

[@softroadingthewest]

Oh...I forgot to mention in the video, I do use my headlights to illuminate my campsites at night.

[@ButternutTrucker]

Ahhhh.... The simple things.

[@ItsSnoow]

What’s your wheel set up?

[@imagiine]

Outbacks have the mod #1 built-in. Im guessing forester should have it too. Here's the part number parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_2012_Outback-25L-CVT/HANDL-REAR-FLOOR-LOWER/49320283/95070AG050.html

[@nathansterrett3054]

Do you remove the parts to plastic dip or just spray and then peel off around them?

[@softroadingthewest]

I sprayed everything in place, because generally you can just roughly mask around the area, then peel the overspray and the coat of Plasti-Dip will naturally separate at seams. Watch a few videos on using Plasti-Dip on vehicles to see this in action. In my experience it does not work well in scenarios where you don't have an existing seam of some sort...if you just spray up to an arbitrary line of masking tape, the Plasti-Dip often tears randomly as you pull the tape off and doesn't leave a clean line like spray paint would. In fact in any situation where it's easy enough to remove parts, I would use regular paint instead of Plasti-Dip. Where the Plasti-Dip excels is exactly in those places where you can't or don't want to dismantle parts and where traditional masking would be difficult or impossible (such as emblems). It's much easier to visualize all this if you watch some videos. Good luck!

[@nathansterrett3054]

@@softroadingthewest Thanks! very helpful! Going to do this on my 07 forester. Love your videos man.

[@dasgoofinhiemer5039]

strange that subaru deleted the hook line from the tire cover.

[@softroadingthewest]

I didn't even know that hook was a thing until bruceyyyyy mentioned it in a comment here. I had to Google it just to know what he was talking about. The only thing I can think of is, the rear cargo area of a Forester is a good bit smaller than an Outback, so that cargo floor isn't as big and heavy as the Outback's...maybe that's why they left it off the Forester?

[@dasgoofinhiemer5039]

@@softroadingthewest my 02 foz has one

[@APheonixPretense8]

I would...

[@tjadventures]

Wow...it’s weird how the SH Forester doesn’t have a cord and hook from the factory...my SG Forester has mod #1 from the factory, I also did the #2 mod after I noticed that they were ripping the wheel well plastic covers off while driving through snow...nice video :)

[@DjSp3ck]

Where can I get a bull bar like that? I don’t like the one I got

[@softroadingthewest]

It's made by Rally Innovations, available on their website

[@boricua0707]

What are your wheel and tire combo?

[@softroadingthewest]

Details here, along with other common questions about the Forester: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH-Uiqyin6aFnbs

[@nore8141]

Hey great video and commentary. What size tires and rims and where did you get the push bar. Thanks

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! Wheels are 15x7 +15 Black Rhino Boxer and tires are 215/75R15 BFGoodrich T/A KO2. Rally light bar is made by Rally Innovations and available only through their website.

[@jmsuitter5]

Lmao rollin

[@swimfast2231]

"uhh tHaT WaS sOo HaRd" .... you know that cuts both ways right...?? lol people could easily be like oh it's not hard to just turn them off, just as easy as turning them on you might say

[@softroadingthewest]

Of course. Nothing here should be taken too seriously. :-) The issue I personally have, as I explained, is *forgetting* to turn them off amidst everything else I'm dealing with at camp, which includes not only setting up and in many cases chatting with friends I haven't seen in months, but for me in particular, also rushing to capture footage while the light is good, etc. My camp experience can be a bit of a whirlwind and turning off dome lights - as easy as it sounds - is inevitably the last thing that crosses my mind. :-)

[@ValConB]

I have enjoyed watching your videos - thanks! I noticed the full size spare tire in the back of your Forester. Did you have to do any mods to get it in the spare tire well?

[@softroadingthewest]

None at all, aside from eliminating the center foam insert. It otherwise fits just fine. I'm running 215/75R15, which is a little larger than OEM but not as big as the 235/75R15 that some of the 2" lifted Foresters run (which I'm nearly certain will not fit in the spare tire well).

[@ValConB]

@@softroadingthewest Thanks for your response. I have another question: I purchased a 2008 Outback with manual transmission. Based on your experience, Should I have gotten an automatic since the manual doesn't have a low range? Which transmission do you have?

[@softroadingthewest]

@@ValConB You can find differing opinions. Some people prefer manual, some people prefer autos. I have the 4EAT auto in my Forester. Really the main issue with manual transmissions is that with certain types of obstacles, it can take a lot of feathering the clutch to ease over something without getting going too fast, and that can result in burning up your clutch. Those scenarios are pretty rare though if you're not out specifically looking for difficult terrain. My buddies with the CRVs both have manual transmissions and they seem to do just fine with all kinds of offroad scenarios.

[@MrBuskid]

where did you get the JDM badge for the grill?

[@softroadingthewest]

It's a vinyl overlay made by jdmfv.com - you can pick your design and two vinyl colors and they make it to order. Very very reasonably priced. Had it on my car for 3+ years (car is now gone) and it held up impeccably!

[@MrBuskid]

@@softroadingthewest Thank you, and Thank you for the inspiration, Im building my Forester out now.

[@levey2]

On my 09 SH XT Forester i cannot turn off the map lights, i have to shut the door and wait for them to go out. with the doors shut i can however turn them on.

[@isaiahsanchez7548]

Hello Great video! Just wondering what exact shade of plasti-dip you used and did it match well with the rest of the black trim? Thanks

[@softroadingthewest]

Just plain black. It maybe appeared a little deeper/darker at first but still looked pretty natural at a normal viewing distance, and with a bit of use and exposure to the elements, it quickly became just part of the car. Plasti-dip does usually end up having a bit of texture and isn't as easy to get perfectly clean as the original finished on the car. That's a non-issue for me as my car is dirty most of the time, but could become frustrating for someone who details their car every weekend. :-)

[@danmititelu4546]

What tires do you have for offroad?

[@softroadingthewest]

Those are BFGoodrich T/A KO2, 215/75R15

[@JoeBplus12]

Did you remove the Subaru and Forester lettering to do the plastidip? If so how easy did it come off and go back on?

[@softroadingthewest]

No need. The beauty of plasti-dip is that you can (and should) overspray. The plasti-dip forms a membrane...you peel off the excess and it will tear right along dividing lines. This will be easier to understand if you find a video on plasti-dipping your emblems, but basically you mask off a small rectangle around the lettering, spray the whole area (including the painted body) then you simply peel the plasti-dip off the body...it will stay on the lettering. Trickiest bit is inside of enclosed letters like O, D, P etc but overall it's pretty simple, just watch a few videos. :-)

[@JoeBplus12]

@@softroadingthewest I checked some out and it looks like as long as you take it slow spraying and removing, its pretty easy. Wife is picking up a can for me as we speak!

[@xaviersanchez9483]

Hello, what can you tell me About your tires and rims,?? What side where can I get them and how much ?? Thank you

[@softroadingthewest]

Tires are BFGoodrich T/A KO2. Wheels are Black Rhino Boxer. Both can be ordered through most major tire/wheel dealers. Price will depend on the sizes you need.

[@xaviersanchez9483]

@@softroadingthewest hello Goodmorning Would I need a lift? I have a 2011 forester no lift everything stock.

[@softroadingthewest]

No, should fit just fine. It's slightly larger than OEM but not by much. Before I bought these tires (215/75R15), I was running 225/65R16 which is virtually the same size, and that was before my lift.

[@jasonstratton6422]

We're you able to get a BR Boxer with KO2 in the spare location?

[@softroadingthewest]

Yes...with 215/75R15 KO2s. You won't get anything larger in there...it juuust fits.

[@ttommy1946]

Where can I buy a light bar like the one on your Forester? Thanks

[@softroadingthewest]

It's made by Rally Innovations and is available on their website.

[@clayscott777]

Zip ties.