The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Hi all,
I am new to the Subaru world but so far I am stoked with my little car. I have always had Landcruisers and Patrols, but didn't really need such a big car nor the price to run the big suckers.

I have purchased a tidy 98 Forrester Manual and love it. Nice and quite and smooth and cheap to run day to day after having big 4x4's.

Now my questions - Can these cars tackle rough country like Cape Yorks Telegraph track ect? I have been invited on a trip up to Kurumba and Cape York in 2010 - but the guys suggested I better get a real 4x4 for the trip. I haven't taken my Forrester off road yet other than some dirt roads.

Do I need a lift kit for this type of trip and do I really need to change the low ratio gear? A decent bash plate/engine guard I see the need for.

Any advice and input would be great. I plan on taking my car up to Double Island Pt soon for a drive to see how it goes in the sand... Just need to change a torn CV boot first.

Cheers,

Joe
Brisbane

Forrester will be able to cope with it, but if you installed lift kit to give you better/more clearance. Dual Range, from memory I think Forrester had 1.4:1 ratio (which is way better than Liberty/Outback since they have 1.19:1 ratio)... the highest you could go is 1.59:1 from L series Subaru, you'll need to crack your gearbox open and remove/modify/install in AWD box.

Lift Kit - you can buy legally 2" & 3" depends how much you want to raise it.

Bush Plate - I would get custom made one, if you install lift kit - you'll need custom made anyway.. There has been a couple (not many) heavily modified to make them almost "True 4WD" I guess you'll have to search.

Cheers
AP

Hi Joe, and welcome.

Subarus have been going to Cape York since the 80s at least.
And yes its a good idea to fit a lift kit, bash plate, bigger tyres if you have low profile ones on the car. And make shore you have new or near new shockys on the car as the road is very ruff and the shockys get very "HOT".

Make shore every thing is sealed up so no dust or water can get in to things you dont wont them to.

I have been to Cape York twice, both times in Subarus, so yes subys can do the cape there just not built as tuff as the bigger 4wds.

If you do the top part of the telegraph track the going gets a lot tuffer, mite be an idea to make a small tarp that you can put over the front of the car to stop water getting into the moter.

good luck on you trip and happy driving of your Suby, if you wont to see some subys that have just been up that way, come to a club outing some time and see for your self what has to be done to the car.

Rik