Wagonofdoom - 2015 Outback build

[freshlikesushi]

Unrelated to the choice of Outback over Forester, I'm curious if your lift has effected the functioning of your iSight.
I was told by my dealer that the geometry of the car is programmed, so any changes may alter it's ability to detect distance correctly.

BTW, I love what you're doing with your car

no issues at all

except when i pulled the front blend doors in front of the rad, i get a check engine light. so i have to fix that eventually. For now, i have a wifi OBD2 reader and clear it when i drive. I ride my bike more than i drive my car. This is literally a weekend car
streetglide by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

 

[Carphunter]

had to register here to congratulate you. Always great to see someone turning their vehicle into what they want...not what the car company thinks everyone wants.

watching to see how you did the lift as well. Collars on the front struts and spacers on the rear spring perches, or what?

 

[freshlikesushi]

front and rear spacers, also had to lower the trailing arms in the rear to adjust geometry

just talked to Anderson Design and fab yesterday to get him the rest of the measurements he needed to do the 4.5" lift

 

[StomperNJ]

Love it!!!

 

[Dalko43]

Not that I dislike this concept, because I don't, I actually enjoy reading about novel ideas when it comes to car modding, but why did you choose the Outback if you are trying to "go anywhere a Jeep/Xterra/4runner" can go?

I saw the Jalopnik article on this vehicle, and I've driven these vehicles, so i don't doubt that this thing can get over some pretty technical terrain. But with all the money, effort put into it, and the possibility of damage to the underside, why not just go buy a Jeep or 4runner and call it quits? Those vehicles, stock, will pretty much satisfy most of your soft-roading, mild off-roading and overlanding needs, and except for ride quality and fuel economy, they pretty much offer everything the outback offers.

Also, a lack of a 2-speed transfer case has got to be a big issue, even on simple dirt tracts (in the rain or steep inclines). What has been your experience with that?

And what was your risk or cost analysis on going with this vehicle as opposed to a BOF truck/suv?

 

[freshlikesushi]

So. youve seen the jalopnik so you know i had a 4dr wrangler

You will note i never said i was TRYING to go where they do....just that it is able to. Plan for what you want, build for worst case.

IMG_9277 by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
thats Mt Fuji in the background.
_97T5620 by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

And i also had an outback:
Camping Nov 7 by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
you can see it there behind hte jeep a bit.


For what i want to do. Class 4/6 (depending on state) camping, with some occasional heavier wheeling (which its done with no real issues) the outback is just fine. If I wanted to do heavier stuff, id have gotten something else...and who knows, i may do that later on down the road when i find i cant do something i really want to.

And all that money? (before any modifications)
An equally equipped Wrangler is over 35,000. (mid equipped sahara with hardtop), 4 runner is almost 40k, 33k for an xterra

I have less than that total (ok, well now with the tent and stuff maybe right at) into this car with damn near EVERYTHIng i want.

PLUS adaptive cruise control, auto hatch (omg i love it) super comfy ride and VERY quiet ride. Even if you go offorading EVERY saturday or sunday, you spend 70% of your days not wheeling/camping/exploring


I went up with the Exploring NH guys this weekend. Did an "easy" trail with them, found ONE spot where it took a little effort because not having a REAL low range. it happens. thats why i have a winch if i need it. My car is currently overloaded (springs havent came yet) and my rear control arms were dragging a rock not letting me get a running start. I already knew the limit, and opted to bail out on the harder stuff later in the day.

I have nothing to prove on the trail. Im out to have a good time, hang out with people, and camp. wheeling isn't even required. Im super happy just poppin a spot next to the ocean or a lake or a waterfall and hiking.

I have been through rausch twice (and you didn't even see the ****ty stuff honestly. it was almost 4 hours of wheeling) and a few other runs and have never gotten stuck or had ot pull line so far. Its more than i can so for guys on the same runs that ive been on.


I dont see the lack of a REAL transfer a case to be a HUGE issue, but it is one that has to be considered. It does pretty well. Like i mentioned above, i hit a rough spot this weekend at about a 35-40% grade and rocks. Pretty much the worst case for this car. It took about 5-8 minutes, but found a line that worked and pulled it over without pulling line.

To be honest. If Toyota, Jeep, and MAYBE nissan were up to snuff on technology, i would have prolly gotten a 4 runner, or an xterra. I really wanted adaptive cruise control, and neither offered, or planned ot in the next few years. I need to buy a car at THAT time (just moved back from the desert, and needed a car in the US). I had a 35k cash budget, and this was the best overall bang for buck for what i felt at the time are my requirements. I knew i would be doing all this stuff, just as i knew i would with my jeep.

as for possibility of damage...isnt that any vehicle? We all put thousands of dollars in rock rails, skid plates, control arms etc on our trucks to deal with rocks right? FJ IFS drags over damn near everything. ive seen it. Its just part of playing with rocks.

You seem like a rational dude. Any more questions, feel free to throw them. Im always down for discussing with intelligent people.

 

[Dalko43]

And all that money? (before any modifications)
An equally equipped Wrangler is over 35,000. (mid equipped sahara with hardtop), 4 runner is almost 40k, 33k for an xterra

I have less than that total (ok, well now with the tent and stuff maybe right at) into this car with damn near EVERYTHIng i want.

Did you buy your outback new or used? Your price approximations for the various BOF SUV's are fairly accurate, but you can get a lot of those vehicles on the used market (and with low mileage) for a lot less. Other than that, I pretty much agree with your comparison, a 4runner or Wrangler is somewhat more spartan than the outback (I drove in my friend's and yes its pretty nice in terms of ride and comfort).

But honestly, I'm the type where if I have working A/C, a bluetooth connection and power windows, I really don't complain...all the other amenities (adaptive cruise control, 8-way power seats, leather everything) don't really mean much to me.

I mean you obviously have put way more thought into this car transition than I ever will, but from my outside perspective, it seems taking an Outback through some of those roads (while doable) is going to result in added wear-and-tear and repair bills down the road...on the Jalopnik video alone there were 2 big scrapes, one that snagged part of the exhaust pretty good from what you described. I know damage is a possibility with any vehicle, as you said earlier, but the 5th gen 4runner and latest Wrangler seem to have much better ground clearance and approach/departure angles for that kind of stuff....so im not saying the damage won't happen in other vehicles, especially when getting into the hardcore trails, but I would think that they'd be at an advantage over the Outback going over similar terrain, right?

I get the advantages that come with a Subaru versus a Jeep or 4runner (better mpg, better onroad handling, better comfort, more technology perks)....I guess that's the tradeoff...drive a Jeep over those kinds of roads and you don't have to worry about much (but your mpg, comfort will suck)....drive an Outback over those roads, you'll probably make it through but you've got a lot more to look out for (but with all the advantages already mentioned).


It was a cool video and cool concept that you've put together there....so I'm more interested than anything else, because I don't see a lot of people doing that with their Subaru's.

 

[freshlikesushi]

I put a good bit of thought into it. Given the places i normally tend to go, there is no increased wear and tear as it isnt all that rough. What you saw, is like i said worst case. The exhaust actually just got pushed vertically and the exhaust hanger ended up above the body side hanger in the rear pushing it up against the DS and CV axle. all it took was a screwdriver and a pull to put it back where it should be. As for similar terrain. if you check out this video

FJ cruisers occasionally scraped in the same places i did. (at 1:10 it was a pretty decent obstacle that video never conveys) The only real difference is i end up 3 wheels alot more because of lack of flex than the dedicated offroad rigs.

like you said, its a give and take. I gain alot more day to day comforts in exchange for decent but not outstanding offroad ability. Increasing ground clearance, better tires, stiffer spring in the back to bring it back up to where it should, increase chances ill have no issues. Future rock rails, current skid plates, and winch make me comfortable if i get myself in trouble and have to winch myself out.

I bought hte car brand new off the lot. I didnt want to deal with anything used, as within a 200 mile radius, everything was overpriced, not far off a new price, or just not available (the outback for instance is totally redesigned for 2015)

 

[AdventureHare]

It would seem that I'm approaching this hobby from the same "angle" as you freshlikesushi, it's not the expedition but what I can do during the expedition that matters. Getting there via off-road just greatly expands the possibilities of what can be done. Sure, getting there is part of the adventure but it's not why I want to do it.

I love this build. If it wasn't for a bad experience with an '02 WRX, Subies would be further up my list of possible vehicles. And I still might get an Outback 3.0R w/ VDC as you make an excellent case for what I'm wanting to do.

 

[freshlikesushi]

holy crap what a weekend


Mid Atlantic Overland Fest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
bent a trailing arm on an offcamber backing down and just sitting wrong. weight of the whole car went on the back right wheel. crush. was able to straighten it and get home
Mid Atlantic Overland Fest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

overall it was a great weekend. good times and reat people at the MAOF
Mid Atlantic Overland Fest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Mid Atlantic Overland Fest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Mid Atlantic Overland Fest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
Mid Atlantic Overland Fest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
star trail maof by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

 

[cstaikos]

Do you need the primitive camber bolts for any reason? Does it have to do with the lift?

 

[freshlikesushi]

got them just in case. they are sitting in my toolbox, no need

 

[cstaikos]

Did you install the lift on your own? I'm very new to working on cars would you recommend I get a shop to do it?


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[calicamper]

holy crap what a weekend


Mid Atlantic Overland Fest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr
bent a trailing arm on an offcamber backing down and just sitting wrong. weight of the whole car went on the back right wheel. crush. was able to straighten it and get home
Mid Atlantic Overland Fest by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

overall it was a great weekend. good times and reat people at the MAOF

Yikes!!! So did it make contact with rock or just weight folded it up? I think the old 09 and earlier gens had cast trailing arms thats one thing I noticed when I bought our 2010 I thought the stamped trailing arm was penny pinching move. Bummer!

Hey Fresh when your back from your trip I'd love to read up on your take of the Mercedes GLC due to arrive around October. Its no trail bashing rig especially since the US won't get the "Offroad Package" but it sounds like it will price in around high 30's to 40K for the more basic trim and up, up and Up and away for all the stuff you could dream of. Its sizing is interesting some of the numbers are better than the OB though its shorter body wise it has a longer wheel base so less trunk volume but seating room sounds as good or very very very slightly better than the OB. It has a higher load capacity, higher towing capacity etc.

Have a good trip!!!! Looking forward to reading about it.

 

[freshlikesushi]

Yikes!!! So did it make contact with rock or just weight folded it up? I think the old 09 and earlier gens had cast trailing arms thats one thing I noticed when I bought our 2010 I thought the stamped trailing arm was penny pinching move. Bummer!

Hey Fresh when your back from your trip I'd love to read up on your take of the Mercedes GLC due to arrive around October. Its no trail bashing rig especially since the US won't get the "Offroad Package" but it sounds like it will price in around high 30's to 40K for the more basic trim and up, up and Up and away for all the stuff you could dream of. Its sizing is interesting some of the numbers are better than the OB though its shorter body wise it has a longer wheel base so less trunk volume but seating room sounds as good or very very very slightly better than the OB. It has a higher load capacity, higher towing capacity etc.

Have a good trip!!!! Looking forward to reading about it.

Just folded. too much weight in a weird situation and it crumpled. no contact on it at all.

honestly. ive had bad experiences with multiple MB with oil issues on different engine variants that led to blown motors due to failures, and I wont own another one. Anecdotal for sure, but still.

Did you install the lift on your own? I'm very new to working on cars would you recommend I get a shop to do it?


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New to cars and mechanically inclined are different. If you can use a few hand tools and have a weekend you can for sure do it yourself. I will be doing a full how to on my site www.offroadsubaru.com in the coming weeks. we are building up content to open the site up very soon