Эпизоды
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Like a lot of us, Josh didn't originally buy his Subaru with plans of turning it into a dedicated off-road build. But somewhere along the way, a track-oriented daily driver turned into one of the most recognizable off-road Subarus in the Pacific Northwest.
In this episode, Josh shares how he got started in the Subaru community, how he met Milton (@silverbulletxv), and what he's learned after years of pushing a Subaru far beyond what most people think our cars are capable of.
I really enjoyed chatting with him about water crossings, snorkels, lighting setups, suspension, recovery gear, trail repairs, and the reality of wheeling a Subaru instead of a traditional 4x4. Josh also shares some great stories from the trail and some practical advice for anyone looking to build a capable adventure rig of their own.
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Like many of us, Molly originally bought her Crosstrek because she wanted something safe, reliable, and practical. But very quickly, she discovered the off-road Subaru community and has become an experienced driver and source of inspiration for other Crosstrek owners.
In this episode, we talk about her 2017 Crosstrek build, Primitive Racing suspension, camping setups, traveling across the country to meet other Subaru owners, and the people in the community who helped shape her build along the way.
Some of the topics we cover are things like:
camping out of a Crosstrek off-road tires on a Subaru first off-road experiences suspension and lift kit discussion fuel mileage after mods traveling to the Pacific Northwest transmission cooler upgradesOne of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing about the people who helped Molly along the way. This episode really captures a side of the Subaru community that I think a lot of us relate to.
Follow Molly:
@The.Neverending.Subie on InstagramHuge thanks to Molly for coming on the podcast.
Support our awesome sponsors by using code DIRTSUBIES for:
5% off at Anderson Design & Fabrication
10% off at MeLe Design Firm#subaru #crosstrek #offroadsubaru #liftedsubaru #subarucrosstrek #overlanding #subie
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Пропущенные эпизоды?
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Tom aka @4BanginWagon joins us this week to talk about his lifted Subaru builds, how Boxerfest got him excited about modifying Subies, and the terrifying accident that totaled his lifted Outback after another driver crossed into his lane.
We also get into:
Why he immediately bought another Subaru after the crash His new 2022 Forester build Atturo Trail Blade tires Spacer lift install process Pennsylvania winters and snow wheeling Upcoming plans for the buildFollow Tom on Instagram: @4banginwagon
Check out Lifted Imports:
https://liftedimports.comSupport the small businesses that support DirtSubies:
ADF: awdadventure.com
Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% offMeLe Design Firm: meledesignfirm.com
Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off#Subaru #Forester #Outback #Overlanding #LiftedSubaru #OffroadSubaru #DirtSubies #SubaruForester #SubaruOutback #Boxerfest
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I sat down with Jim, the owner of a 2015 Outback that actually gets used the way an off-road rig should.
We talk about a major off-road error that ended up costing him thousands, what led up to it, and what he should’ve done differently. If you’ve ever hit a puddle a little too confidently, this one will hit home.
We also get into building a capable Subaru in your driveway, trail riding on the East Coast, and the Offroad Roos community pulling over 40,000 pounds of trash out of the woods.
Follow Jim:
Instagram: @LittleRubySubieSupport the channel by checking out our awesome sponsors:
Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF) – 5% off MeLe Design Firm – 10% offWant more Subaru themed content? Check out the Subie & YOU! Podcast and The Wave Podcast wherever you prefer to listen to podcasts.
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Most people just lift their Subaru and stop there. But my buddy Ryan didn’t.
In this episode, we break down his Outback build that went way further than most people are willing to go. We talk about tires, suspension, offroad parts choice and real-world trail use. We also go over some things that Ryan would have gone back and done differently now that he's got more experience with the Subaru platform.
If you’re thinking about lifting your Subaru, this is one you’ll want to check out.
Consider using Ryan's link and code to get the Upside app. It'll save you some money on gas and other items: Get 15¢/gal extra cash back on your first fill-up + 10% back on your first restaurant or grocery purchase. Use code 853RH or download here: https://upside.app.link/853RH
Thank you to our awesome sponsors. These are parts that I've been using for years and have spent my own hard earned money on:Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF)
Get 5% (10% this month) off with code DIRTSUBIES
https://awdadventure.comMeLe Design Firm
Get 10% off with code DIRTSUBIES
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In this episode I sit down with Cory (aka @sk8foz) to talk about his 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness build, how he got into the Subaru off-road scene, and the lessons he learned along the way.
Like a lot of people, Cory had no idea the lifted Subaru community even existed when he bought the car. Shortly after he was already on the trail scraping the bumper, overheating the car, and figuring things out as he went.
We get into:
• His Forester Wilderness build
• Spacer lift vs coilovers
• Falken Wildpeak tire choice
• Skid plates and protection mods
• The $1200 roof box mistake
• Night runs and ditch lights
• CVT limitations off-road
• The Subaru off-road community in SoCalIf you're thinking about modifying a Forester Wilderness, Crosstrek, or Outback, there are some great takeaways here — especially if you're new to off-roading like Cory was.
I'd also like to mention that Cory has done volunteer work/donated to the following organizations: National Alopecia Areata Foundation naaf.org and also with @dadirtyroos doing cleanup events at the Nevada Desert Wildlife Preserve.
Follow Cory:
Sponsors
Instagram: @sk8fozHuge thanks to the companies that support the podcast.
Anderson Design & Fabrication
Lift kits, suspension parts, and Subaru off-road accessories
https://awdadventure.com
Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% offMeLe Design Firm
Performance battery mounts and lightweight batteries for enthusiast builds
https://meledesignfirm.com
Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off -
In this episode, I’m joined by Josh aka @Further_Motion, one of the early builders who helped kick off the lifted VB WRX movement when everyone else was busy hating on the car.
We dig into why he chose a 2022 Subaru WRX, what it was like cutting into a brand new car, and how the build evolved from a daily driver into a full on safari-style experiment. Josh breaks down suspension choices, wheel and tire fitment, spacer vs spring lifts, and Crosstrek & Forester parts swaps.
We also talk about CV axle myths, drivetrain concerns, and why sometimes the smartest mod is knowing when to stop. If you’ve ever thought about lifting a VB WRX or wondered whether it’s actually practical, this episode answers a lot of real-world questions.
Follow Josh / Further Motion
Instagram: @further_motionOur Awesome Sponsors:
Anderson Design & Fabrication
5% off with code DIRTSUBIESMeLe Design Firm
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In this episode, I’m joined by John from Subaru Off-Road Adventures, and this one is full of good real-world Subaru experience.
We get into why John stopped wheeling his newer Forester and built an SG Forester strictly for off-road use, what mods actually made a difference, and where Subarus realistically start to show their limits. We talk lift kits, CV axles, center diffs, rear lockers, and why more lift isn’t always better.
John also shares some solid tire experience with Wildpeak AT Trails, Maxxis ATs, and why tire choice matters more than people think.
We cover:
Why SG Foresters are still one of the best Subaru platforms to build CVT limitations vs older drivetrains Benefits of rear lockers and VTD center diffs Tire size, width, and PSI Trail breakage stories and on-the-spot repairs DIY fabrication, bumpers, swing-out tire carriers, and learning to weld out of necessity Why Subarus make incredible overland and camping rigs, even if they’re not rock crawlersBig thanks to the brands that help support the podcast:Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF)
Lift kits, skid plates, and other Subaru off-road accessories that I use
Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% off your orderMeLe Design Firm
Performance battery mounts and power solutions built for off-road abuse. Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% off your order -
In this episode, I caught up with my friend Eric, better known as @Bearded_Pixel to talk about his off-road 2017 Forester XT and how it ended up becoming one of the more dialed-in turbo Subarus in Arizona (my opinion.) What started as a stock daily slowly turned into a trail-ready setup with an ADF 2-inch lift, Primitive Racing skid plates, Full Force Metal Works rock sliders, Sparco wheels, Geolandar MTs, and a bunch of other cool parts & accessories.
Here are just a few of the mods Eric has on his car:
• ADF 2-inch lift
• Primitive Racing skid plates
• Full Force Metalworks rock sliders
• Sparco wheels + Geolandar MT tires
• SSD light bar + hood-mounted pods + 32-inch roof light
• Transmission cooler
• CVT anti-wobble insert
• Ultimate9 throttle controller
• ScanGauge 2
• RokBlokz mud flapsIf you’re looking to build your Subaru, a quick shoutout to a couple companies that support what we’re doing here.
You can save 5% with Anderson Design & Fabrication and 10% with MeLe Design Firm using code DIRTSUBIES at checkout. Both make solid gear I actually run and trust.
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Brandt Kayser (@jackie__roo) has built one of the most capable non chassis swapped Subarus in the U.S., and today he breaks down how he built it. From lightweight Pepper Pot wheels to RaceWorks coilovers he rebuilds himself, Brandt explains every mod, every mistake, and every lesson learned.
If you’re lifting a Subaru or trying to squeeze real performance out of an SG Forester, this episode is loaded with tons of good info!
Discounts for listeners brought to you by our awesome sponsors:
ADF Lift Kits and offroad parts – 5% off with code DIRTSUBIES
MeLe Design Firm Battery Mounts and Subaru accessories – 10% off with code DIRTSUBIES -
Can you build a reliable off-road Subaru without spending a fortune?
Josh McWorthy, a 10-year Rebelle Rally tech, says yes. He took a $1,500 Forester, welded his own lift kit, sleeved $68 eBay struts, threw on used Outback wheels… and then spent thousands of miles ripping desert rally courses in it with no issue.In this episode, we talk about:
How Josh built a lift from scrap steel at work Why reinforced eBay struts can survive serious offroad abuse DIY trailing arm spacers from Jeep JK control arms Bigger wheel and tire fitment Pirelli Scorpion AT performance in the desert The Rebelle Rally inside scoop and why Subarus are perfect for itThis is a legit budget Subaru that keeps up with trucks and side-by-sides in the dunes at speed without the fancy parts.
Subaru Parts I Actually Recommend:If you’re looking to lift or upgrade your Subaru the smart way, these brands support the podcast:
• Anderson Design & Fabrication - Lift kits, trailing arm spacers, skid plates, and more. Use code DIRTSUBIES for 5% OFF
• MeLe Design Firm - Lightweight performance battery mounts, batteries. and other cool Subaru parts
Use code DIRTSUBIES for 10% OFFSupport the brands that support the Subaru off-road scene 👊
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Dan Benoit is back by popular demand, and we dig into a lot of topics that I've always been curious about. Follow Dan's shop on Instagram @whiskeyrowauto
From keeping Subarus alive past 300k miles to why cheap parts and bad advice cost people engines, this episode covers ALMOST everything related to long-term reliability. We get into head gaskets, turbos, cooling systems, OEM vs aftermarket parts, and even some veteran automotive horror stories.
If you’ve ever wondered why one car lives forever while another dies young, this episode is very informative.
Discounts for the Subaru crowd:
• Anderson Design & Fabrication — 5% off (code DIRTSUBIES)
• MeLe Design Firm — 10% off (code DIRTSUBIES) -
Special thanks to our listeners from our awesome sponsors: Use code DIRTSUBIES and checkout for 5% off your order with ADF (awdadventure.com) and 10% off at meledesignfirm.com
Today I sit down with my buddy Raf, and honestly this is one of the most real conversations I’ve had on this show. It was great.
We talk about the day he got laid off, how it happened, how it felt, and what goes through your head when the rug gets pulled out from under you. Raf opens up about dealing with burnout, and trying to find something that actually fits his life instead of drains it.
And because we’re both Subaru nerds, we go from life-stuff straight into how he blew up his center diff, why his Crosstrek was clanking like a shopping cart, and the path that got him deep into the Subaru community in the first place.
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In this episode I sit down with Benjamin aka @BMC_Adventures and we get into everything from first-cars-turned-trail-rigs, to living and wheeling in Colorado, to why the Subaru community is honestly one of the coolest groups of people you can meet.
Benjamin breaks down his full setup: tires, lift kit, suspension, the whole journey from stock 2010 Outback to a legit trail-ready build. We talk about camping spots, high-altitude mountain passes, transmission temps, and what it’s actually like running a lifted Subaru in real Colorado terrain.
If you’re into Subarus, offroad builds, real-world upgrades, or you just enjoy hearing how people got into this hobby, this is a solid one. Super laid back conversation with a good dude.
Thanks for listening and if you’re in Colorado, check out his Facebook group San Juan Subies and go show him some love.
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Cody’s the type of person who says “If you hit it, I’ll follow” and then actually sends it into the sketchiest trails. In this episode, we get into his transition from a modded WRX to a Crosstrek and eventually the Outback Wilderness… plus all the off-road craziness that came with it.
From blowing through sidewalls, taking summer tires into a snowstorm, overheating power steering on a cliffed out road, and sending it on Naches like he was driving a Jeep, Cody shares the real, unfiltered stories of taking an Outback Wilderness to places only 4x4's usually go.
If you’re into lifted Subarus, off-road trail stories, overlanding, or you just love hearing how things went horribly wrong (and somehow still worked out), this one’s for you.
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In this episode, we talk with Karly (@ursula_the_gx) about her lifted Subaru Outback build and what led her to make the jump to a Lexus GX460. She shares what got her started in the off-road Subaru world, how she found Off-Roading Subarus of Colorado, and what it was like to take on her first real trails with a lifted Outback.
We get into the full story, from installing Primitive Racing skid plates and a custom snorkel setup to overheating CVTs and realizing the limits of a Subaru when things get serious. Karly breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and how she decided to move to a body-on-frame 4x4 with 33-inch tires, Toyo Open Country A/Ts, and a body-mount chop.
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Support our sponsors by using code DIRTSUBIES at checkout on meledesignfirm.com and awdadventure.com
In this episode, I sit down with Dan Benoit, co-owner of Whiskey Row Automotive in Prescott Valley, Arizona, and one of the most hardcore Subaru enthusiasts you’ll ever meet.
We talk about his decades-long obsession with Subaru engineering, from rolling a Brat off jumps in Northern California just to see if it would break (it didn’t), to building a full-blown rock crawler out of a 1991 Legacy wagon that’s still street legal and drives way better than it should.
Dan explains why the EJ22 might be the most bulletproof engine Subaru ever made, why old-school engineering is great, and what makes Subarus so endlessly modifiable. We get into everything from Toyota gearbox swaps to custom Bilstein shocks and even the wild story behind Subaru’s 1989 endurance world record that still stands today.
It’s not just car talk though. Dan also opens up about his life off the wrench, overcoming serious injuries, learning to accept help, and how many lessons from the garage apply to everything else.
This one’s packed with stories, technical insight, and perspective from a guy who’s lived the Subaru life for decades.
To see an image gallery and recap of this conversation, visit https://liftedimports.com/biggest-lifted-subaru-legacy
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I this episode, Brandon (@starscream1201) joins me to talk about his one of a kind 2010 Subaru Forester, “Sherman.” From picking it up sight unseen in California with a 4” ADF lift already installed, to installing custom skid plates, Bilstein B6s, and a torque locker, this is a true off-road monster. We get into dealership life as a mechanic, the truth about car warranties, why KO2s aren’t as heavy as people think, and the biggest game changers for building offroad Subarus. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a Forester that looks wild and actually performs well, this episode is for you.
Check out photos of Brandon's Forester on the Lifted Imports website: https://liftedimports.com/modified-subaru-forester-4-inch-lift/
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In this episode, Sam breaks down his Northeast-tested Subaru Forester SJ build. If you want a reliable trail and family-camping Subaru, this is the pinnacle modification that offers comfort and capability. In this episode, we cover body armor, suspension, wheel and tire fitment, lighting, and a great camping system that stays organized. There’s even a door-meets-tree story with a surprisingly easy trail-side fix.
Check out this article for a full build list or go to https://liftedimports.com/sams-offroad-2015-forester
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We're switching over to a bi-weekly schedule so that we can devote more time to each episode.
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