Best subi for 4x4, or keep the L series?

Brett1981 · Post by **Brett1981** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:36 pm

Hello,

Ive had a '91 L series Subaru for the past 8 years, taking it on steep, slippery, rocky terrains many hiluxes are scared to take on. I am seriously considering either leaving this car behind and updating to a Forester or Outback as a few too many parts are needing help.

Does anyone know how an outback or forester compares to the L series in terms of traction in slippery conditions/low range gearing? Am I better off spending money on the L series if I want a serious off roader?

Hope someone has been there, done that on here.

Cheers,
Brett

guyph_01 · Post by **guyph_01** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:33 pm

A forester has better low range than an outback. but you can build your self what ever you want. For example an Impreza with a forester gearbox, H6 or the 2.5 turbo engine. Options are limitless.

Davidov · Post by **Davidov** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 2:23 pm

It all depends on your budget. And other needs. Will it also be your daily driver? Will there be family needs? Space requirements? Camping?

Brett1981 · Post by **Brett1981** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:20 pm

Daily commuter yes, but no serious kms. I'd be happiest spending about +/- 10k. Lots of camping, we have a family car already. Steep/small rocky fire trail sort of stuff I'd be happy for it to do. Basically, I want a 4x4 or AWD as capable as an L series, love Subaru's and cant justify getting a heavy 4WD, I like small engines and am happy changing a cv joint now and then. Thanks for replies

Post by **Alex** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:31 pm

problem with outbacks is their approach and departure angles.

Id be doing a forester, even though its a smaller car and not as comfy as an outback.

alex

Brett1981 · Post by **Brett1981** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:48 pm

Yeah thanks Alex, I was thinking a forester, dont need the comfort. Are Foresters deifintely both axels working at the same time even with one diff? Thats my main concern of two diffs vs one

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 4:06 pm

yes the rear diff will always have power in the forester, if thats what you meant??
the foresters are the best modern subaru off road, the low range is not as low however to your l series

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 8:15 pm

A gen2 lib wagon would be my choice. I am more into touring though so I like the extra room inside.

Post by **yarney** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 8:39 pm

Forester gets my tick.
Only need strut lift and mt tyres and your done an lsd if your keen.

Jan

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:09 pm

yarney wrote:Forester gets my tick.
Only need strut lift and mt tyres and your done an lsd if your keen.

And no gearbox mods ey Jan?

I think it really comes down to what you need of the vehicle - the liberty has more cargo room, the forester less but a higher sitting position and better approach/departure angles from the factory.

Both have their limitations in one area or another, both have advantages straight off the factory spec - it just depends on what you want to do and what you're willing to do if one vehicle has something over the other that you simply cannot modify...

Cheers

Bennie

Brett1981 · Post by **Brett1981** » Tue Jul 31, 2012 9:22 pm

yarney wrote:Forester gets my tick.
Only need strut lift and mt tyres and your done an lsd if your keen.

Jan

So, it wont take much to lift a Forester cheaply? And I mean that I dont want an axle given preference over others, having one axle spinning and the other one not. Thanks again for opinions

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:50 am

Brett1981 wrote:So, it wont take much to lift a Forester cheaply? And I mean that I dont want an axle given preference over others, having one axle spinning and the other one not. Thanks again for opinions

relatively cheaply yes.
no modern subaru's have a center lock so there is always a chance that the front and rear axels will spin at different rates off rate, but the awd does work very well and isnt like driving one of thoes awd vehicles that are just front wheel drive with a awd badge

Davidov · Post by **Davidov** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 1:11 pm

Strut lift can be done for as little as $200-300 in most outbacks/foresters. I have a 2" lift kit from my 3rd gen outback for sale if you happened to go that way.

stilson · Post by **stilson** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 6:58 pm

Davidov wrote:Strut lift can be done for as little as $200-300 in most outbacks/foresters. I have a 2" lift kit from my 3rd gen outback for sale if you happened to go that way.

Did you get to of your OB?

It was awesome.

taza · Post by **taza** » Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:28 pm

I'd say a Forester. I have both an L-Series and a Foz. The L has a better low range but clearance, engine power and the small tyres let it down. Overall the Forester performs much better and is nice and comfy for what it is. Through in 2" lift, some HD springs, an LSD and some offroad tyres and your pretty much set. The gearing with my 2.0l (new engine) has heaps of power and the 1.447.1 low range is pretty good, not like an L-Series but gets you out of most trouble

Taz

Davidov · Post by **Davidov** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 5:12 pm

stilson wrote:Did you get to of your OB?

It was awesome.

Took the lift out and went road tires. Rear struts kept breaking and i was just over it. Two brand new KYBs in the space of 3-4 weeks. It was fixable by going 3" lift blocks and std height kings in the rear but i just dont have the time nor money unfortunately.

taza · Post by **taza** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:55 pm

Davidov wrote:Took the lift out and went road tires. Rear struts kept breaking and i was just over it. Two brand new KYBs in the space of 3-4 weeks. It was fixable by going 3" lift blocks and std height kings in the rear but i just dont have the time nor money unfortunately.

Should of bought a Forester. lol

thunder039 · Post by **thunder039** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 6:57 pm

taza wrote:Should of bought a Forester. lol

lol

stilson · Post by **stilson** » Thu Aug 02, 2012 10:45 pm

thunder039 wrote:lol

Lol!

2nd Hand Yank · Post by **2nd Hand Yank** » Fri Aug 03, 2012 9:36 am

You've got to be kidding me.

I just typed up an in-depth study on different Subaru's as vehicle comparisons.
Easily 500 words. Spent about 40 minutes typing it on me day off.

Went to hit send and found I was accidentally logged out.

Long story short
newer Subarus keep getting heavier and with bigger turning circles
extra size and weight do not come with increased leg room or shoulder room

a brumby is actually amazing for its size and weight, about 356 lbs lighter than a L Series. I can see why you all love them.

I can see why EJ22 L Series are impressive, as they are probably 150-300 lbs lighter than a Liberty with a EJ22 as standard equipment.

If you do a lot of driving in soft conditions,
it's surprising how much bigger tyres you need by weight comparison

My 185 tyres in my L Series are like:

159mm tyres on a Brumby
215mm tyres on a Liberty Wagon
224mm tyres on a naturally-aspirated EJ20 Forester

I want bigger tyres for soft terrain; at least 205 for my L Series
You might run out of room trying to fit equivalent tyres into newer Subarus.