Hey everyone, I’m moving to a rocky area where AWD and high clearance are essential. I’m not looking to turn my 2017 STI into a hardcore off-roader, but I’d like to lift it and make it more of a hybrid for off-road and on-road use.
My question is: Can I install Subaru Forester suspension on my STI? If so, what year Forester parts would work? I’m aiming for a budget-friendly lift and plan to swap out my current coilovers for something suitable. Thanks!
Look into King lift springs if you still have your factory struts.
brad said:
Look into King lift springs if you still have your factory struts.
I don’t have factory struts, unfortunately.
Forester parts don’t align properly on VAs. I’m running GTWORX shocks with RalliTEK’s 2-inch lift kit. It’s a good option if you’re set on lifting.
LillyGrace said:
Forester parts don’t align properly on VAs. I’m running GTWORX shocks with RalliTEK’s 2-inch lift kit. It’s a good option if you’re set on lifting.
Awesome, thanks! How much did your setup cost?
@Devi
All in, probably around $5k including wheels and tires. The lift kit and shocks alone were about $2k. To get proper alignment, you’ll also need LCAs and may need to modify the cam bolt holes for alignment bolts. Suspension gets pricey if you want it done right.
@LillyGrace
I’m trying to keep the budget under $2.5k. Is that doable?
Devi said:
@LillyGrace
I’m trying to keep the budget under $2.5k. Is that doable?
If you’re doing the work yourself, it’s possible with just the lift kit. You can modify the stock LCA and cam bolt holes for alignment. It takes time and patience to fine-tune, but it’s achievable.
Following! I’ve seen Crosstrek suspension swaps on STIs but not Forester. Curious how this turns out.
Zhen said:
Following! I’ve seen Crosstrek suspension swaps on STIs but not Forester. Curious how this turns out.
A guy at my tuning shop has Forester suspension on his STI. I’ll check it out Monday and update here.
I live in a rural area and needed more clearance too. I put fatter tires on my GD STI, and it gave me plenty of ground clearance without changing the suspension. I’m on stock struts, and it handles gopher holes just fine.
@Clarke
Thanks, man! 
@Clarke
With a GD, you can swap over Forester parts and you’re good to go.
LillyGrace said:
@Clarke
With a GD, you can swap over Forester parts and you’re good to go.
True, but I’m keeping mine stock-looking and only drive it occasionally, so clearance isn’t a big issue for me.
W h y t h o
