REVIEW: IRONMAN 4X4 Suspension lift for Subaru Outback

[@softroadingthewest]

This is a useful summary. I agree it's excellent to see more players in the aftermarket game creating competition and driving innovation. Nothing like this existed when I lifted my Forester, and figuring out what to piece together in terms of spacers, springs & struts was confusing to an inexperienced, non-mechanical guy like me. Clearly, a spacer lift + King or RalliTek springs remains a legitimate and in some cases preferable solution, but I think for many people who don't need the extra spring stiffness in the rear, the Ironman setup makes all kinds of sense. And gaining extra travel is a huge plus when taking these cars offroad.

[@JDS-Dalton]

I've got the ironman lift on my '19 Forester, got it during a sale, and the next day after ordering it, they changed the sale to include some freebies which annoyed me, and they wouldn't add the bonus stuff to my order. Anyway, got it installed, and it was practically a 4 inch lift for the first month or so until it settled right at 2 inches. It most certainly makes my forester more capable than an older model forester with a 3 inch SLO spacer lift due to the increased travel, and if I don't have anything in the back it's fine. But once I start loading my camping gear in the back, I lose an inch. Tried reaching out to ironman as I heard some people mention that they're working on actual overload springs, but I ran into the same issue as you. They simply left me on read. I will also say that they have changed up the design as I have a friend who got the lift for his '19 forester months before I got mine, and not only are they different designs, his looks like it's pretty much at stock height now, so that makes me concerned about the longevity. If I knew all this stuff, including the bad customer service prior to purchasing, I probably would have gone another route.

[@charlesmansell6348]

I installed the Iron man lift on a 21 outback with a 2.3, So far I have been happy with it. I got it on sale, installed it a few days later when it arrived, and within about 4 to 5 hours with basic tools, having never done a lift before and outside. so far I have been happy with it even as it has settled, I notice a difference in height, and it rides nicer, I still have the sway bars connected and find it more than adequate for my needs. For the price and being a full package lift, comparable spacers weren't much less when including the lift spacers as well as subframe spacers, rallitek and higher performance lifts are great but far more then I feel would be justified for a rarely used vehicle especially offroad. for context I live in Michigan and don't really have off road trails by near me and as much as possible I ride A motorcycle instead of the Outback, that being said I love the review video and generally would agree, but for the value, ease of install, and use that I have I have on ifs or buts with it.

[@chanceboarder]

I've been running this lift on my 2015 Outback for about a year now and would completely agree with bruceyyyyy. Not dissatisfied but not overly satisfied. I run a lot of extra weight in the rear, 100ah lithium battery, charger controller, tools, recovery gear, air compressor in the spare tire area, then a Dirtcom Trail Swing and full size spare on the rear trailer hitch. Definitely notice the sag in the rear specially when fully loaded for a trip. Would like to see a heavier spring option but the ride quality off-road is night and day compared to the OEM suspension and so much better. Paid right around $1k last Dec.

[@belectronberg8677]

I don't know if you saw, but they are now offering Spec C coilovers that are rated for more weight. Maybe they'd work with you to get those on your ride.

[@normanretes]

I just got the springs on my Ironman suspension swapped out for their new heavier load springs for the 3.6R that adds some nice rake. I have the Rigd Multi-fit Trailswing spare tire carrier w/full size spare, fridge setup, iKamper X-Cover roof top tent, 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 dogs… rides great, no sag, and still have about 1.5 inch increase in lift on all four corners. Highly recommend on the 3.6R! Look forward to seeing how it compares with the Flatout!

[@chanceboarder]

@@normanretes How much did it cost you to get the heavier springs?

[@normanretes]

@@chanceboarder Ironman took care of it at no cost. I live about 1 hour from their new shop in Oregon and they did the initial install and swap for the heavier load springs.

[@robsouthoz]

Thanks for the honest review - we need more of them to decide for ourselves what a product is good for, and what it isn't - rather than glowing about something to justify the purchase we made. What you have found here is the ride / weight carrying ability compromise that has been made. To get good articulation and ride requires softer springs, which wilt under heavy loads. Ironman should really bring in the load carrying option and then they'll be able to market more appropriately for ride/articulation or load carrying overlanding. I went with some Flatout GR Lite coilovers on a SH Forester, like you an early adopter, which I think has since been refined since. It came with 225lb/4kg springs all round (compared to 170lb/3kg with Ironman I believe). The fronts felt about right - but were only short at 10inch/250mm in length - meaning there was no way to get the claimed 8inch travel from them. I replaced these with 12"/300mm which gets close to the promised travel. The rears feel firm - though this is due to firmer shock valving as well. I've had it loaded up a few times, and hasn't moved much, so should handle camping gear fine. Removing the rear anti-sway bar hasn't turned it into a wallowing mess on road - it's still quite firm and much better than stock. Hope that helps some else out there trying to decide which option is best for them.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I'm considering the flat out at this point for the ability not have to stack lifts but I'm worried the ride will be firmer than I want.

[@ignitionoffroad5028]

Sounds like they didn’t quite get the springs right for the kit. It’s great that they are pioneering long travel suspension for the subies (that isn’t an expensive coilover) and hopefully this will allow other companies to create some competition in the market.

[@freedom_foz_6337]

Good summary. I had a slightly different experience with mine. I do believe the older model geometry lends more to sag in the rears. I gained a little over 2” in the front and closer to 2.5” in the rear. I have had it super loaded down with very little sag with approx 1,0000 LB in the rear only had about 1” of sag. I have all these in a mixture of videos I need to put out on my channel. The issue is generally speaking we can’t have compliant and softer suspension AND have stiff suspension it’s typically a one or the other scenario. On the newer gens I think they did a great job but it may not adapt to older models as well. I had a spacer lift before and the ride quality is noticeably improved on and off road.

[@mikepledger6362]

Did you install the medium load or Spec C heavy duty suspension?

[@kodoman66]

@bruceyyyyy I've had all the same challenges. I too have the 3.6R. I've been asking for help for months, the front end sag, the scripted customer service until you send them pictures and data, it's disappointing. This is supposed to be a warranteed product. The sag, its unacceptable. I had to replace my C/V joints. Their response, we can offer you two c-spec front "heavy load" springs for the "heavily discounted price" of $486. Note, all springs on their website are $180 each or less for the Subarus. $486 is half the cost of a full strut kit with c spec springs already on it, but without the struts. When I got that email I swore they had to be joking. They were serious! Appreciate you man. Glad I'm not the only one. Going to end up putting rallitek top strut spacers on to relieve some stress on the components.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I got a Spec C in a later video and tested it. I think most would actually be happier with the standard model. You might be an exception with the 3.6. I also added an ADF 1/1.5" lift to the standard one and had no issues. I don't run sway bars so I would watch out for them if you do that. If Ironman would call the standard one a 1.5" lift with no increased load capacity I think I would give them an A from my experience. The Spec C is more like a 2.25" lift with increased load capacity and a rougher ride. Check out the later videos I have, there is a lot of data I put out regarding Subaru suspension lifts. Not a lot of people have watched it but I don't mind, I am not trying to earn a living off my MySpace page.

[@kodoman66]

​@@bruceyyyyy dude, you're amazing, keep doing what you're doing, thank you.

[@kodoman66]

@bruceyyyyy, I've been watching all your vids and reading your comments on the forums. Could you clarify for me if you added the 1.5" front and 1" rear to the ATS regular, cuz I'm not seeing the 1" front/1.5" rear. If so, which one, the 600 dollar or 300 dollar? (both of which are offset for alignment but the 600 dollar having additional parts) Or, did you add the HDPE 1" spacers (forums say 1")? Also, after doing so did you have any issues with this and C/V joints? Thanks man! Really appreciate it!

[@bruceyyyyy]

The lift was the ADF 1/1.5" the 1" being up front. The plastic spacers. I want to say they were like $200 actually. No CV issues yet.

[@jonmarchilgers384]

Guys, I can’t even get it out of the shop! 3.6R 2018 and the installer replaced 1 drive axel and 2 associated cv joints. Install shop can’t get the alignment squared away. I’m still in a rental and there is no solution in sight. Any help would be welcome! 🙏🏼. Oops, C spring rates.

[@Benjacques1173]

Great video & thanks for the input. Video is 10 months old so I doubt much has changed,but I have a 22 forester wilderness & have had a few questions about the lift as the forester wilderness already has a factory lift & have never heard anything back after multiple e mails .

[@therootedprogress]

Hey Bruceyyyyy Great review and thanks again for taking the time to really test their claims as far as suporting additional weight and ride height. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the ironman suspension. Overall, I would def agree with you that it's just satisfying. Love that you mentioned this isn't a glorifying review 😂 but you were honest straight forward but still showed appreciation for the brand and are thankful that they provide parts for the Subaru community. Would I buy some for or recommend em? After your review I think I would consider it for a milder built off-road/overland Subaru. But as you said imma be going in with the expectations you have given and not by the ones that ironman details. Hopefully they can make a true 2inch plug in suspension down the road for more Subarus and future Subarus. Makes me wonder... Maybe many people could get buy with buying this suspension and adding it to their outback XT and get more ground clearance than the wilderness. However I don't know if the wilderness has a stiffer rear end suspension for overlanding and carrying extra loads.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Interesting stuff. I remember when the ATS lift came out for the Crosstrek many popular instagrammers were saying they got 2 to 2.5” of lift. Maybe that’s right before the suspension settled. Thank you @bruceyyyyy for doing a proper review. It’s a good thing that you waited this long to do the review.

[@therootedprogress]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring yaaa I've seen the same as well. The. Some people started to mention that its more so a 1.5inch lift. Maybe initially plus the tires @29inchs I'm sure initially 2-2.5 sounds about right

[@judih.8754]

Hi thanks for you review. I see that they offer a heavy load setup (type c) now in addition to their standard kit like you have.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Where can I buy that wooden Jack ramp? Great honest review bruceyyy!

[@bruceyyyyy]

I made it from scrap wood but I used it as fuel for a bon fire once I was done. Wish I hadn't! Wood is still crazy prices.

[@bradhazard4118]

@@bruceyyyyy I told you not to do that

[@JRLesPaul]

It has definitely helped me. My Outback is not that old and only has 34k miles. So likely these wouldn’t benefit me more than an LP lift kit.

[@donaldtuc]

hey brucey, just wanted to add on the price. i just purchased my lift with the black Friday 30% off sale and after tax it was $1057. it has taken some time for processing to happen, so far about 9 days but im still excited especially for the price.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I think mine were $1299 pre tax but then after I ordered but before they shipped they had a 15? Percent off coupon.

[@donaldtuc]

​@@bruceyyyyy i have been waiting a while because i knew they would go pretty high on black Friday sales and didn't see the value near the original asking price but at 1057 i thought it was too good to pass up. what spacers did you run for the extra lift? were they just strut top spacers?

[@bruceyyyyy]

ADF 1/2" spacers. They're designed for OEM and installed the same. I think if you know what I talked about here going in it's a great product especially at the price point.

[@donaldtuc]

Small update, they are throwing in some free recovery boards at no cost to me as part of a sale/ special.

[@rodricktrinidad]

I did the exact same thing and I'm looking at adding 1/2" spacers as well for piece of mind. Couldn't pass up the Black Friday deal.

[@Subie_OffXroad]

They upgraded. My forester c-kit is great and I added 2” spacers as well. Gives me a full 4 in the back and 3 1/4 in the front

[@bruceyyyyy]

Did you have any control arms or anything additional to run that much lift?

[@Subie_OffXroad]

@@bruceyyyyy No need to. I have some swaybar extensors and 3/4” carrier barring spacers.

[@bruceyyyyy]

Do you have the 18 mph shimmy? What vehicle?

[@Subie_OffXroad]

@@bruceyyyyy Yes I bought and installed the transmission shimmy. I worked on it for five hours, I got in all the new suspension. But I could not fit the spacers to increase the entire lift 4 inches. What I’m gonna do Is wait for the suspension to settle a little bit to see if when I add the spacers I can fit the tire and all that good stuff with a wheel back in. I also added the three-quarter inch carrier bearing spacer help keep the drivetrain in line

[@Subie_OffXroad]

@@bruceyyyyy I have a 2022 Forrester wilderness edition

[@joshuamoninger2792]

If you do a 2" lift AND switch to a larger tire at the same time, say a tire with a 1" increase in its overall diameter, then half of that 1" will fill the gap between the tire and the fender and thus make it appear that you only got a 1.5" lift. We have to keep that in mind when measuring the gap from tire to fender. Therefore, it is best to measure from the jack point to the ground or floor. In that case, the added 2" from the lift and the extra 0.5" from tire radius should show increased lift of 2.5". One can also do the before and after measuring with the same set of wheels and tires, but the larger wheels and tires often do not fit before the lift is done and the factory wheels and tires (sizes) look small and silly after the lift. As far as overload goes, I have no comment except that looking at their website now for a 2022 Forester, they offer 2 different spring firmness options, one being very mild overload and one being a more drastic overload. I am not affiliated with them but do plan to buy their kit for my '22 Forester Wilderness in early 2023.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I went from a 2" ADF to a 2" Ironman Lift. The tires stayed the same size.

[@joshuamoninger2792]

@@bruceyyyyy Nice. My comment was meant more for the general audience who may be doing this in the future to their vehicle.

[@travislavender744]

I have a lifted trek when I first saw this system. Now I have an outback 3.6r and have been studying what lift I want, I’m thinking of a 2” lift with spacers and the Ralitek springs that will give me a bit of both worlds. Not just a body lift but some upgraded springs as well. I have seen these lifts on several Subarus and the height is not there after installing it.

[@bruceyyyyy]

They have a newer Spec C Kit that is supposed to address the issues I have. I have one for testing but have been slow getting it on since I also have a Flatout GR coilover to test.

[@TheTorgone]

I have been anxiously awaiting this review, and it arrived just 3 days before the magical day arrives when Stellar Built Sacramento is set to install, and I would love it Bruceyyyyy if you could please elaborate slightly on the onroad ⛽️ efficiency effect on the lift kit (prior to your added spacers if possible). Also, I do realize that fuel efficiency isn’t the point of an offroad upgraded vehicle, and adding lift creates drag etc etc: just wanting someone (!!) to speak to this factor of how the car performs post-install (Ironman was cagey about this) for someone who doesn’t off-road all the time but wants something better than OEM stock.

[@bruceyyyyy]

The lift doesn't really effect gas mileage. The tires do but the lift effect is pretty negligible and I would have a hard time discerning any effect even after ABA testing which I'm not going to do. I can still get 25-27 mpg highway driving with the standard bumper installed.

[@thewheelneil1379]

Did Stellar provide the lift? I live in Roseville and looking for a shop for this. Thanks!

[@esthes]

Interesting you mentioned adding Ironman suspension and spacers. I've been considering doing this on an outback wilderness but I can't find info on whether this will throw off the geometry beyond alignment-ability, or over stress other components. Do you happen to know the max lift these cars can handle without having to change other components, or where I should look for such info?

[@oleg_kl]

Thanks for review. Just wanted to make order )) will ask for warranty of it will not hold 2" promise

[@cv6473]

Hello there, I was looking into this as i'm not very mechanically incline and will be paying someone to install a lift. I'm also new to this off roading as I have loved backpacking but now wanting to do it with a car! I did have some questions couldn't find or maybe missed it on this video or other. 1) Would this results apply to the wilderness outback as well 2) Are this results with their rear spec C- Heavy load coils on the rear? 3) If planning to overload the care, install tent, rear bumper for extra trie and interior for fridge ect. Would your just say Ralitek would be better where you can actually load up the car.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I think you would be a good candidate for the Spec C kit. It was not available when I purchased mine.

[@belectronberg8677]

I see lots of comments about sagging in the rear with this kit, they must have heard because they released a Spec C option for more weight.

[@bruceyyyyy]

Is it just the spring that is different?

[@MK-yv7ng]

Heyyyyy any way your could review/comment on different skid plates manufacturers for subies? TY

[@bruceyyyyy]

What would you like to know?

[@MK-yv7ng]

@@bruceyyyyy Which looks best in the Whole Foods parking lot. Really though, like price point vs competition, material thiccness, customer service, mounting hardware, how much clearance is lost, actual plate design (ADF vs Primitive for example).

[@bruceyyyyy]

Ahhh that's gonna be tough since each one is a few hundred bucks. I think all the ones I've seen are 3/16 aluminum so they're all going to offer similar protection from Whole Foods parking lot. (:

[@legion1630]

bro where did you get your front and rear bumpers

[@williams.2002]

Hello there, maybe I didn’t hear it proper in the vid but did you mention to add spacers to the Ironman lift . As along as it drives plush as mentioned before while getting back your ride hight ? Then what kind of spacers do I get on top of the Ironman lift ? Or maybe I’m just getting this all wrong. I work in the desert and put my subie through it more the most and it’s for work. I’ve ripped off stuff and replaced things - a couple inches would make a world of difference if I could manage it - 2018 Outback - I have good tires as big as I can get with tread and turn clean . I can only think of skid plates and possible front bumper guard of some sort of clean lift that doesn’t take away from my ride. I drive over 100 miles back and fourth to work and driving through the desert all day long , making new trails to new construction in the middle of nowhere. We find the artifacts before and while construction is conducted so driving straight through the desert is a real and daily thing. Looking for good ideas on top of that lift that I thought was a great idea as well.

[@bruceyyyyy]

It's a 1"/1.5" ADF lift in addition to the ironman standard kit. If ride comfort is your first priority I would say it's a good option. Just disconnect and remove the sway bars at that point.

[@williams.2002]

Much appreciated, your vids are very helpful . Good stuff

[@steveb8883]

How much change was there to the on road driving after the lift? Does it still feel planted in a corner on pavement or is it "jeepy"?

[@lukemoussa1298]

Question for you @brucey. I know you added a 1-inch strut top spacer to the front end and it’s working out for you. I still have my LP 2-inch spacers. Do you think adding the 2-inches to front end on top of the Ironman ATS on the 3.6 is doable? Or you think that’s pushing into can o’ worms territory because the geometry would be too far off? Thanks. All the best.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I don't think it's doable because the 1.5" rear lift installed required me to partially disassemble the control arms. This likely decreased the the travel since the arms were maxed out. With some modification it could be made to work, dropping the sub frames further, dropping the front sub frame, extending the steering and brake lines. etc

[@lukemoussa1298]

@@bruceyyyyy this is really helpful to know. I don’t want to do that much modification to the vehicle just yet. Maybe once I put more miles and road rash on it I will :) Thanks Brucey!

[@Erelyes]

Hey Bruceyyy, what aftermarket parts do you have installed with them - brake line spacers? subframe spacers? I notice the kit doesn't seem to come with any of that stuff, but other mfgrs (eg Primitive) seem to think it necessary.

[@bruceyyyyy]

The kit comes with brake line and sub frame spacers. I even show them in the install video.

[@robertnicoletti3846]

What would be better?

[@darylhill9400]

Nice!

[@Cagedweller1]

What wheel / tire setup are you running? I am just about to install the ironman kit on my 3.6 outback. Curious about tire sizez... any input there?

[@bruceyyyyy]

245/65/17 Falken Wildpeak with Method 502's

[@joeallfrontsquiet8797]

You added spacers? How did you add spacers, good sir?

[@bruceyyyyy]

Same as any other spacers

[@domenik8339]

If you were to do it over again, would you still get this lift kit or another one?

[@bruceyyyyy]

I would get the spec C version now that it's out.

[@domenik8339]

@@bruceyyyyy Awesome thank you. 👍

[@paulauksztulewicz7381]

Do you have the spec C Heavy load 440 LBS or the medium load installed?

[@bruceyyyyy]

Those were not available when reviewed or when the final review was made.

[@patclark2186]

I think its called "Damming with faint praise.">

[@oleg_kl]

How it drives now with Ironman and spacers together?

[@bruceyyyyy]

Essentially the same I just now have 2" of lift.

[@oleg_kl]

@@bruceyyyyy what spacers do you use? I believe lift is now 1" from ironman and 1" from spacers, right?

[@bruceyyyyy]

@Subaru Outback Junior it's around 1.5 from Ironman and 1" from ADF

[@calehansen1348]

Did you need to replace the Ironman top hat bolts with aftermarket longer ones? If so how did you get the Ironman ones out?

[@bruceyyyyy]

Yes they came out the same way as factory struts. I pressed them out with the vice and a socket.

[@bradhazard4118]

So wait. When I weighed my 3.6 engine it was right around 320 lbs, that was with the heavy cast aluminum 3.0 intake manifold. So guessing around 300 lbs with the proper plastic intake. So the FB25 weighs approx 40 lbs according to Ironman? Gobbless.

[@bruceyyyyy]

Hahaha I didn't even think about that.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I wonder if they factored in the transmission and something else too. It's pretty close in curb weights.

[@gavintaggart7370]

@@bruceyyyyy The 3.6 and the 2.5 use the exact same front spring from the factory without sagging issues, and no other company offering springs specs different springs between the two models. The "extra weight" sounds like a cop out to me, they either paired the wrong springs or lied about the overload rating, or both.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I would say that's a fair assessment. The springs are the same between the models. That's why I mention in the video they say they're overload and then say a couple hundred pounds is too much the next line.

[@stevej4709]

I've come to realize that the problem isn't the product of getting lifted, it's the car itself. These are not jeeps, they are not 4x4's and some of us came in thinking they'd be a good compromise. instead, I have found out the hard way that there are just things you cannot do with this car. It's not going to get you around like a true 4x4 will. Kinda irritating that after getting tires, I discover that by getting better traction the car just locks up...whats the use of getting better traction if your trans/car/computer says to itself...don't spin the tires...lock up. :( So I'm now looking to replace outback with ranger tremor. I love the outback for its gas mileage, for it's ease and reliability but this thing that it won't spin the tires to try and get out of trouble...irritating.

[@bruceyyyyy]

We were considering an Outback Wilderness but for the price we decided to save some scratch and go for the Bronco Sasquatch instead.

[@darylhill9400]

@@bruceyyyyy Are you keeping the outback?

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@darylhill9400 Yes of course.

[@jibba0202]

The dog looks like he needs new suspension.

[@bruceyyyyy]

He was crippled in a car accident when he was a puppy. Always grateful he walks at all.

[@tblue1904]

Its so much more expensive now

[@bruceyyyyy]

It'll be on sale soon.

[@oliviapendley2869]

how old is this video? seems a little bias based on.... buying a 2" lift and only getting a 1" lift with added blocks? doesn't make sense.... this is the #1 selling kit, next to flat out $$$, and LP.