Forester Mann Engineering Lift Springs

SuperSirLink

Forum Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2022
Messages
14
Location
Virginia
Car Year
2014
Car Model
Forester
Transmission
CVT
Hello all, first post here.

Just purchased a set of Mann Engineering 1" lift springs to improve the sagging suspension on my 2014 2.5i Forester. Planning on installing them with brand new KYB Excel-G struts, new KYB top hats, and new KYB covers and bump stops. Running stock tire size of 225/60/R17 Falken Wildpeak A/Ts, and not planning on going to a larger tire size. Also not planning on adding any additional lift via spacers. My primary use is highway, with the occasional off-pavement excursion for camping/hiking access to trail heads via forester service roads or gravel non maintained state roads.

Based on the research I have done, even the 1" lift in will cause the rear wheels to shift forward. I am wondering though if I need a sub-frame spacer kit to prevent any potential alignment issues? I would like to make sure I stay within the appropriate geometry to prevent uneven wear of the tires or other components on the vehicle. Reliability is key for me.

Was looking at the primitive sub-frame kit and even considering the strut extensions due to the lift. However Mann Engineer product page states these springs were developed for Subaru OEM factory setup. Which makes me think neither of these should be needed.

Could someone more experienced guide me as to if my concerns are justified and if it would be a good idea to include those extras from primitive?
 
G'day & Welcome @SuperSirLink

I'm no expert on the rear suspension of a 2014 but am thinking that a 1" spring lift would not make enough difference to require a sub-frame spacer. You could always fit the springs and see how everything aligns ;)
 
Thanks, nice to see a community dedicated to off pavement ventures...

That is my plan, I can't image the alignment being far out enough to make it unsafe to drive. My commute to/from work is only 4 miles each way. So if I had to order more parts and work on it the following weekend, wouldn't be the end of the world. My plan is to keep the factory strut towers complete by buy all new part for the new towers, so worst case I put the originals back on.

The official word I got from Mann Engineering is that the forester they used to develop the springs didn't need any add on parts to get it aligned. Though they say that each car varies so it is possible. Their solution is an adjustable lower control arm for the rear.
 
You won't need a rear subframe drop, although some people still prefer to do it (I have both 1" & " rear subframe spacer kits in stock)
The problem is more with the front as raised springs don't have camber or caster correction to compensate for the change in height. Not as much of a problem with earlier models but as models progress the suspension becomes more refined so changes in camber & caster become more noticeable
It will be fine to drive, the improved springs/struts will probably balance out the geometry changes
 
NachaLuva said:
You won't need a rear subframe drop, although some people still prefer to do it (I have both 1" & " rear subframe spacer kits in stock)
The problem is more with the front as raised springs don't have camber or caster correction to compensate for the change in height. Not as much of a problem with earlier models but as models progress the suspension becomes more refined so changes in camber & caster become more noticeable
It will be fine to drive, the improved springs/struts will probably balance out the geometry changes
Click to expand...
Thanks much, I appreciate the insight! I have been going based off the advice of Mann Engineering and one other member of the subaruforester.org forums who has installed these springs. They don't seem to be a popular option.

I am guessing if it can't be aligned properly my only option for the fronts would be to add a strut spacer that compensates for the camber?
 
@NachaLuva What about strut extensions on the rear? I have seen a few posts where people have used 1" lift spring and report they may be hitting the limits of the strut when they are extended fully... Is that likely an issue with a 1" spring only and no spacers?
 
What do you mean by "strut extensions"? Do you mean strut top spacers? I note that King Springs do not offer raised or lowered springs for your model:
1649974885790.png
 
No, the studs that thread on the top of the strut shaft that extend its reach. The thinking is so they don't hit the end of the extension when the wheel is fully extended away from the body. Like these: https://get-primitive.com/alignment-solutions/474-shock-extension-125-m10-125-.html

See that, along with @NachaLuva insight makes me wonder if a lift spring is the best route. And explains why I didn't find King lift springs alone. My initial logic and research seemed like that would be an easy route. "1 inch wouldn't change enough to worry"... But I have found very little in the way of post in any forum that discussed installing lift springs alone and what ramifications it had on alignment.

The lack of getting any glowing "sure that works" feedback has me rethinking going with just lift springs to increase the stiffness and lift...
 
SuperSirLink said:
No, the studs that thread on the top of the strut shaft that extend its reach
Click to expand...
AHh I see but the site says "When using just a spring to lift a vehicle more than 1.0", these will give you back the droop travel that you lose."
 
@ateday,
That sounds like it will achieve my primary goal. Thanks for sharing! You on Subaru OEM struts, KYB, or some other brand?

Secondary goal would be to add a little lift just for some additional insurance, but I dont want to do so in a way that adds undue stress or makes it difficult to get it aligned.
 
^ Mine has done just 204662klm; probably only 50-60K klm in the last 12 years since I've had the Triton.
 
Yep I probably only drive perhaps 5/6000 kms a year in the Subaru these days. Especially with bloody covid........
I noted that I put my (new) Bridgestone 697`s on about 6 years ago and they are still half treaded. And that is with a Simpson trip too.
 
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