CMiller
Adventurer
New to this forum. I've read here about people's different Subaru overland projects so I thought to post mine. I have a full write up on this forum link: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=103355 with pictures and everything that I've done to it.
On top of Benett Peak in the Wallowas, where no Subaru has gone before!
Subarus make great light weight overland vehicles if you do the necessary mods to make it strong and capable. I went with this Loyale because of several reasons.
First its lightweight and makes a great base platform for off road accessories.
Second its a fantastic candidate for common Subaru swaps to a more off road focus.
Subaru in the US doesn't import their EJ series dual range gearbox which comes on the Forester in other markets so you have to go with an EA series dual range which the Loyale being an EA series car drops right in. That now gives you 4HI/4Lo, and 2WD. And Low range is one of the best things to have in an overland rig like this.
I added a limited slip rear differential, disk brakes all around, dropped in a bigger EJ22 (2.2 liter motor), 4" lift kit, stiffer progressive wound King Springs and beefier struts, lots of body armor underneath, Primitive Racing front and rear skidplates.
Now I'm currently working on the electrics. Installing a National Luna Dual Battery Kit for an ARB fridge, tidying up all of the AUX lights, and installing on board air.
Even though this is a wagon, cargo space is still snug on longer trips. So a roof rack was in order. I went with a Yakima set up, Load Warrior basket w/ extension, Tire Mount, Hi-Lift mount, Shovel and Axe mount, and a triple Jerry can holder.
on the WABDR September 2011
Fully loaded with me and passenger for a trip the vehicle comes in at 3200lbs. and I still get 22 mpg on the trails! I'll have some more pics to add soon with my winter projects for the rig including the dual battery set up, new front bumper to accept a winch, and a rear tire carrier . Please ask questions or read through the thread I posted a link to above for the complete build.
-Chris
On top of Benett Peak in the Wallowas, where no Subaru has gone before!
Subarus make great light weight overland vehicles if you do the necessary mods to make it strong and capable. I went with this Loyale because of several reasons.
First its lightweight and makes a great base platform for off road accessories.
Second its a fantastic candidate for common Subaru swaps to a more off road focus.
Subaru in the US doesn't import their EJ series dual range gearbox which comes on the Forester in other markets so you have to go with an EA series dual range which the Loyale being an EA series car drops right in. That now gives you 4HI/4Lo, and 2WD. And Low range is one of the best things to have in an overland rig like this.
I added a limited slip rear differential, disk brakes all around, dropped in a bigger EJ22 (2.2 liter motor), 4" lift kit, stiffer progressive wound King Springs and beefier struts, lots of body armor underneath, Primitive Racing front and rear skidplates.
Now I'm currently working on the electrics. Installing a National Luna Dual Battery Kit for an ARB fridge, tidying up all of the AUX lights, and installing on board air.
Even though this is a wagon, cargo space is still snug on longer trips. So a roof rack was in order. I went with a Yakima set up, Load Warrior basket w/ extension, Tire Mount, Hi-Lift mount, Shovel and Axe mount, and a triple Jerry can holder.
on the WABDR September 2011
Fully loaded with me and passenger for a trip the vehicle comes in at 3200lbs. and I still get 22 mpg on the trails! I'll have some more pics to add soon with my winter projects for the rig including the dual battery set up, new front bumper to accept a winch, and a rear tire carrier . Please ask questions or read through the thread I posted a link to above for the complete build.
-Chris
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