Search
Close this search box.
Lifted 2010 subaru forester with off road motegi wheels and all terrain tires

Best Lift Kits For Your 2009-2013 Subaru Forester

Lifting your SH chassis Forester can be one of the best mods you can do. However, if you’re planning to make the investment of time and money it’s important to do it right! If you’re just starting your research, this guide will point you in the right direction as you plan to lift your Forester with the best quality kit possible. Regardless of if you want to spend $350 or $2000 on a lift kit, there’s something here to fit everyone’s budget and needs.

At a Glance - Our Top Picks For Best Forester Lift Kits:

  • LP Aventure
  • Anderson Design & Fabrication
  • FDF Race Shop
  • Subtle Solutions

If you own an 09-13, the LP Aventure kits are very comprehensive and have a good reputation for being well-built. They have multiple fit and finish options for each each model. Whether you want a minimal lift or a full 2 inch kit with every piece of geometry correction possible, these are great setups.

LP Aventure is a company out of Canada that has years of authority in the off-road and over-landing industry. They pride themselves on NHTSA and FMVSS126 motor vehicle safety standards, meaning that their kits allow your Forester to retain full factory safety features while providing extra all terrain capabilities.

Their extensive R&D means your Forester will handle as closely to stock as possible!

Anderson Design & Fabrication Lift Kits (Kits For All Needs)

ADF offers kits for literally every Subaru on the road. They offer kits that are ready to go the day you order them. But they also offer custom built kits for people who want something made specifically for their needs.

They’re a leader in the off-road Subaru industry. They have a reputation for designing and building some of the best lift kits in the market. When a new model is introduced, or a new need develops among off-road drivers, Anderson Design is usually one of the first to produce a solution. Their kits are known for being built with the best materials and have excellent workmanship.

Located in the beautiful State of Oregon, Anderson Design is at the center of a growing community of Subaru drivers who want more out of their car. ADF is always pushing the limits and listening to the needs of the community.

Regardless of what you need, Anderson Design will have something that fits your Forester.

I have personally called ADF when I’ve had a question. Patrick, the owner, usually answers and is always helpful. They truly love what they do, and love the Subaru community.

Looking For A Good Set Of Off-Road Tires?

Check out this article: best subaru off-road tires

FDF Raceshop Lift Kits:

FDF Subaru Lift Kit

FDF is a newer company that has heavy roots in racing and drifting. The owner of FDF started building parts for his cars back in 2015 but was quickly encouraged to produce his creations for other people.

They recently began offering more than just track-oriented parts and added lift kits to their product line.

We’ve had our eye on the forums and Subaru groups to see what kind of experience people are having. So far, we’ve only seen positive feedback.

FDF currently offers kits for almost all years of the Subaru Forester for under $500.

Matt Chaplin’s company Subie Lift Oz offers some of the most comprehensive lift kits. A majority of the Subarus that are lifted above 2 inches were built by them.

If you are planning to wheel your Forester hard, the SLO kits are a really solid option. Their bigger kits have subframe spacers, driveline spacers, extended steering linkage, and even extensions for the radiator hoses. This means that all of the weird issues that you run into when “over-lifting” a Subaru have already been thought out by Matt.

Founded in 2008 by an engineer with a desire to bring clean, quality mods to the growing Subaru community, Subtle Solutions is a great option if you’re looking for a top quality Forester lift kit. Their products are made right here in the USA and they have kits for all years of Foresters. They have choices of all types that include springs, spacers, or an entire kit with everything needed.

"How much does it cost to lift a Subaru?"

The price for having a lift kit installed on your Subaru can vary widely. The lift kits start at a bare minimum of $250 for a basic strut spacer setup. Wheel and tire upgrades can add anywhere from $350-$1200. Then you have to consider installation. If you plan to have the installation done at a shop, many people have reported paying between $500-$800 for labor.

We do recommend having a professional do the installation. Remember to budget that cost into your build if you aren’t confident in doing it yourself. Most lift installs will require an alignment as well. When you get quoted, be sure to ask if that is included in the price.

"Can I Get a 3 Inch Lift Kit For My Subaru?"

Lifting a Subaru past 2-2.5 inches can cause serious problems with the drive-ability and safety of the car. If this is something you want to do, many additional parts need to be installed to correct the suspension and driveline geometry. The folks and Anderson Design have a solid reputation for building custom lift kits much bigger than 2 inches. Just remember that this will cost a lot more money than a more traditional lift.

Safety And Performance Are #1

As with any modifications, we highly recommend lengthy research and consulting with a trusted professional prior to installing a lift kit. Never cut corners or install something that you aren’t comfortable with. Lifted Imports cannot be held liable for any negative outcomes that arise from modifying vehicles. The information on the site is strictly for educational purposes and not intended to take the place of advice from a professional.

lifted subaru crosstrek with a lift kit and off road wheels

Other Articles You May Find Helpful: