'98 Subaru Forester in the High Desert

[WorldHazard]

So, I've been a fan of this overlanding thing for well over a decade. Have gone out and done stuff in small cars (86 civic, 92 escort) that one wouldn't think is passable. I've been debating on build for the last few years, and only recently since moving to Central Oregon (the High Desert) have I been focused on a 1st Gen Rav4. Reasoning, budget, easy to work on, parts are around. Plan to stay very mild.

Well, in the process i've been rebuilding my daily driver/eventual stage rally car (92 escort gt) and have been dailying a the GFs former 98 Forester. We got her an '08 Outback XT a year ago. I thought about doing some adventure type stuff in 1st and 2nd gen Foresters for a few years, but they all involve buying another vehicle. I finally decided to keep the Forester, and have some fun with it. It's already in possession, it will be able to do what i want (nothing extreme) and it's 'ok' in my book as a daily.

With that said, I'll be documenting the 'build' here. It's funny as i've been a part of this forum since 2010, as well as Forester forums since the same time, but never posted. Just lurking. Now I can 'contribute'...

Here is how the Forester sits today.
1998 Subaru Forester S 4EAT Automatic Transmission
Leather Interior in good condition (i hate leather)
Mileage is in the upper 270+
Still need to remove the snow tires and put the crappy all-seasons back on
Has A/C (need recharging) Cruise/Sunroof/6 CD changer from a WRX. Really in good shape all around.
Bestek 400w inverter for little tasks
Bluetooth adapter to radio frequency for phone and music
Lame Magellan GPs for rural driving.
Backcountry Topo with QStar Bluetooth GPS
Laptop has GlobalSat USB GPS
Factory 'Brush Guard'
Factory Rock Sliders



Plans are:
Minor Lift. Might go around 2", not sure though...
General Grabbers
Figure out how to mount the roof basket and a bike rack at the same time.
Would LOVE to get some custom bumpers up front and back. Might come in time with money
Would also LOVE to get a swing arm spare tire carrier. Might come in time with money
Swap out the horrid flower print seat covers... lol
Considering a custom roof rack with some Aux lighting up top.
Might do a snorkel. Mostly for fun as where i typically go for rallies and such, I'm at the front of the pack. No 'clean air' need..
Likely some Primitive Underbody protection. They're friends.
Quick release mod for rear sway bar
50/50 mod for center Diff

Mechanically, I need to replace the rotors and new pads. considering doing the Head Gaskets sooner than later.

During Oregon Trail Rally, I worked with CVT and they took care of my accommodations for the week. I do the Social Media/Website/Promoting for the rally and others in the area. It was pretty freaking AWESOME


And.. ya.. Not sure what else to share right now. This is my entry into the world of Overlanding!

 

[Hodaka]

Roof basket: look at Kuat. I have one from them, and it has integrated fork mounts for two bikes.

 

[14subiexv]

Looks like a really good start!

 

[WorldHazard]

Roof basket: look at Kuat. I have one from them, and it has integrated fork mounts for two bikes.

Thanks for the lead. I've never seen anything like that before. Quite cool. I did a bit of research and found the fork mounts available separately all over the place. Ordered 1 that accommodates a lock and scheming how i'll install it.

Right now, I'm enjoying looking at all the similar builds that exist, and videos. Getting quite inspired. Really looking forward to having some good ol simple fun in this thing.

 

[KE7JFF]

Hey, I remember you...I was navigating these guys!



Our family grocery getter is a 1998 Forester S as well; I have looked into some upgrades and I do know our good friends at Primative Racing had a 2" lift with strut spacers for under 100.00 I think.

 

[Kerensky97]

I'm always amazed how capable the Subaru Forester and Outback are. You'll be wheeling through some crazy backcountry thinking nobody could ever follow then come across a couple in a Subaru camping off the side of the trail.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Hodaka]

A mechanic friend of mine drives a highly modified Ford Raptor, a massive tube "buggy" based on a 70's or 80's RAM, and a Ramcharger that is jacked up and rides on the requisite big tires.
Every time I tell him about my latest adventure in my Outback, he says 'I can't believe you wheel a Subaru'. Usually followed by 'instead of something cool'. I guess he isn't stopping to think that most people in my area that own Subarus don't 'wheel' them, and therefore they think that it is cool where I go. So, I AM wheeling something cool. (FWIW, mostly I don't think of the places I go as real 4xing, but I have been known to go lots of places people really do NOT expect to see a Subaru)

 

[KE7JFF]

I'm always amazed how capable the Subaru Forester and Outback are. You'll be wheeling through some crazy backcountry thinking nobody could ever follow then come across a couple in a Subaru camping off the side of the trail.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Subaru has the same thing going as VW and Mini have...the car has limitatons but that limit gives them an advantage if that makes sense.

My favorite story was that I was helping out with communications for this mud race. I got assigned to watch a rope climb station that according to the organizer, was up a bad dirt road that only trucks could go up. I took at the road and go "Oh, I can do that!" and drove up there no problem as it was no worse than a rally stage. The organizer was baffled how I got up there, so when she came to check on me, I showed her.

 

[WorldHazard]

Hey, I remember you...I was navigating these guys!

View attachment 343862

Our family grocery getter is a 1998 Forester S as well; I have looked into some upgrades and I do know our good friends at Primitive Racing had a 2" lift with strut spacers for under 100.00 I think.

Ha, yeah. If you've been involved with Stage Rally in the PNW, there's a chance we've crossed paths, several times. I typically do organizing side of duties for Oregon Trail and Mt. Hood at least, while the other events I'll Stage Captain. To help put a face to a name.. Jace is the dude on mic



The Forester is going to be getting some real fun in the future. No mad mods, but enough to make it a little more capable and reliable.

Had it checked out yesterday as it's coming into 280k miles. The motor is in amazing condition, transmission is adequate. It will work and then some. Talked to my buddy at AllWheelsDriven and will likely work out some deals for custom bits. (skid plates to start) Might look at him for some lifting bits, or I'll go with ADF. I'm not as impressed with Paul's stuff at Primitive as I'd like to be.

I'm REALLY looking forward to going on and wheeling with some locals. Started off on some back roads the other day in Redmond, went through the gnarly thunder storm and ended up in Bend, all on dirt. It was a nice, long drive.

 

[KE7JFF]

Ha, yeah. If you've been involved with Stage Rally in the PNW, there's a chance we've crossed paths, several times. I typically do organizing side of duties for Oregon Trail and Mt. Hood at least, while the other events I'll Stage Captain. To help put a face to a name.. Jace is the dude on mic
View attachment 344046


The Forester is going to be getting some real fun in the future. No mad mods, but enough to make it a little more capable and reliable.

Had it checked out yesterday as it's coming into 280k miles. The motor is in amazing condition, transmission is adequate. It will work and then some. Talked to my buddy at AllWheelsDriven and will likely work out some deals for custom bits. (skid plates to start) Might look at him for some lifting bits, or I'll go with ADF. I'm not as impressed with Paul's stuff at Primitive as I'd like to be.

I'm REALLY looking forward to going on and wheeling with some locals. Started off on some back roads the other day in Redmond, went through the gnarly thunder storm and ended up in Bend, all on dirt. It was a nice, long drive.

Oh yes, we have crossed paths before....I'm with these guys: