Elevating Your Off-Road Game: The Benefits of a Lift Kit
Increased Ground Clearance
The decision to install a lift kit on your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek isn’t just about aesthetics, though that’s certainly a factor. It’s about unlocking a whole new level of capability and enhancing your overall off-road experience. The advantages are multifaceted, directly addressing the limitations of a stock vehicle and paving the way for bolder adventures.
One of the most significant benefits is the increased ground clearance. This refers to the distance between the lowest point of your vehicle and the ground. A stock Crosstrek already boasts respectable ground clearance, but a lift kit significantly elevates this measurement. This is crucial for navigating challenging terrain. With more ground clearance, your Crosstrek is less likely to bottom out on obstacles like rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces. This translates to a smoother, less stressful driving experience and significantly reduces the risk of damaging your undercarriage.
Improved Approach, Departure, and Breakover Angles
Beyond ground clearance, a lift kit drastically improves your vehicle’s approach, departure, and breakover angles. These angles are critical metrics in off-roading, determining how easily your vehicle can traverse obstacles. The approach angle is the steepest angle at which the front of your vehicle can approach an obstacle without making contact. The departure angle is the steepest angle at which the rear of your vehicle can depart an obstacle without scraping. The breakover angle, perhaps the most important off-road consideration, is the steepest angle an obstacle can be crested without the vehicle’s undercarriage hitting it. By lifting the Crosstrek, you increase these angles, enabling it to climb over steeper inclines and descend challenging declines with greater ease. This means tackling more demanding trails and exploring areas previously off-limits.
Accommodating Larger Tires
The ability to accommodate larger tires is another compelling reason to consider a lift kit. Increased ground clearance necessitates the room to fit bigger tires. Bigger tires, in turn, provide a host of advantages: greater traction, improved ride comfort on uneven surfaces, and enhanced obstacle-clearing capabilities. A larger tire footprint means more surface area in contact with the ground, resulting in superior grip in mud, snow, sand, and other loose terrains. Furthermore, larger tires can better absorb impacts and provide a smoother ride, mitigating bumps and jolts that can be jarring on rough trails.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Finally, let’s not overlook the aesthetic enhancement. A lifted 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has a more aggressive, rugged appearance that instantly sets it apart from the crowd. This visual transformation reflects the vehicle’s newfound capabilities, giving it a bolder presence and communicating its readiness for adventure. It’s a statement of intent, signaling to the world that you’re ready to embrace the thrill of the unknown.
Unpacking the Options: Types of Lift Kits for Your Crosstrek
Choosing the right lift kit is critical to maximizing the benefits and ensuring a positive off-road experience. The market offers a variety of lift kits, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Understanding the different types is essential to making an informed decision.
Spacer Lift Kits
Spacer Lift Kits represent a popular entry point into the world of vehicle modification. These kits are relatively simple and cost-effective, consisting of spacers that are installed on top of the struts or between the coil springs and the vehicle’s chassis. This increases the ride height without significantly altering the suspension geometry.
Spacer kits are known for their ease of installation. They can often be installed at home with basic tools, making them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. They are also the most budget-friendly option.
However, spacer lift kits have limitations. They often provide a more modest lift compared to other types of kits. Crucially, they can compromise suspension travel, meaning the wheels don’t move up and down as much before they bottom out, impacting ride quality and off-road performance. Depending on the quality of the spacers, the ride can become a bit harsher. Furthermore, they typically do not address the approach, departure and breakover angles to the extent other kits may.
Coil-Over Lift Kits (or Strut Replacement Lift Kits)
Coil-over Lift Kits (sometimes referred to as strut replacement lift kits) are a step up in terms of performance and complexity. These kits typically replace the entire strut assembly, including the coil spring and shock absorber. This allows for greater lift height and, more importantly, improved suspension travel.
Coil-over kits offer superior ride quality and performance compared to spacer kits. They often feature adjustable damping, allowing you to fine-tune the ride characteristics to suit your driving style and the terrain. Installation is more involved than with spacer kits, requiring more specialized tools and expertise. However, the performance gains are substantial, making them a worthwhile investment for those who demand a higher level of off-road capability.
Choosing a Kit: Making the Right Decision
Before rushing to install a lift kit, it’s crucial to carefully consider several factors that influence your choice. Research is key. Investigate the market. Look for lift kits specifically designed for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Compatibility is paramount.
Pay close attention to the lift height offered by each kit. This typically ranges from moderate to significant. The higher the lift, the more ground clearance you gain, but also the more impact there can be on handling. Consider your intended use. If you primarily plan to drive on mild trails, a smaller lift might suffice. For more demanding off-roading, a higher lift might be necessary.
The size of tires you can install is directly related to the lift height. Determine the maximum tire size that will fit without rubbing against the wheel wells or other components. This is a balancing act of space vs performance.
Understand the potential impact on ride quality. While some lift kits improve ride comfort, others can make it harsher, especially on the road. Be prepared for changes in handling characteristics. The higher center of gravity can make the vehicle feel less stable at highway speeds.
Also, the importance of a proper wheel alignment after installing a lift kit cannot be overstated. The installation will change the angles of your wheels. This ensures the tires wear evenly and the vehicle handles correctly.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, establish a realistic budget. Consider the cost of the lift kit itself, any additional components (like new tires or wheels), and the cost of professional installation, if you choose that route. Factor in the costs of an alignment.
DIY or Pro: Weighing Your Installation Options
The decision of whether to install a lift kit yourself or have it professionally installed is a significant one. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
DIY Installation
DIY Installation offers the potential for significant cost savings. If you are mechanically inclined, have experience with vehicle modifications, and have access to the necessary tools (including a jack, jack stands, wrenches, and potentially a spring compressor), you can potentially complete the installation in your garage. The availability of online resources, including videos and installation guides, can greatly assist the process. The experience of installing the kit yourself can be rewarding.
However, DIY installation involves risk. If you’re not confident in your mechanical skills, or if you lack the proper tools, the installation can be challenging, and mistakes can be costly.
Professional Installation
Professional installation provides peace of mind and expertise. Experienced technicians will ensure the lift kit is installed correctly, minimizing the risk of errors. The cost of professional installation varies depending on the shop and the complexity of the kit. However, the investment is often justified by the assurance of a professional-grade installation and any potential warranty.
Finding a reputable shop specializing in off-road vehicle modifications is essential. Seek out shops with a proven track record, positive customer reviews, and experience with installing lift kits on 2021 Subaru Crosstreks. Research their work and ask for recommendations.
After Installation: Maintaining Your Modified Crosstrek
Once the lift kit is installed, the work doesn’t stop there. Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of your upgraded Crosstrek.
Post-Installation Checks
Immediately after installation, it’s essential to recheck all bolts to ensure they are properly tightened. Over time, vibrations can cause bolts to loosen. It’s also imperative to ensure your vehicle gets a wheel alignment after installation, ensuring the vehicle is driving on the correct angles and that your tires do not have uneven wear.
Additional Upgrades
In addition to the lift kit, you might want to look at adding larger tires. Also consider installing skid plates to protect the undercarriage from damage.
Rock sliders are another great option if you plan on hitting up some aggressive trails, they help protect the sides of the vehicle.
Exploring the Horizon: The Next Steps
Choosing a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek lift kit is a gateway to a whole new world of adventure. By understanding the benefits, comparing the options, and carefully considering your needs, you can make an informed decision that elevates your off-road capabilities. The journey begins with the right knowledge and a commitment to exploration. By following these guidelines, you can transform your Crosstrek into a machine capable of conquering any terrain.
Now, armed with the information in this guide, you’re ready to research the market, explore the available options, and choose the perfect lift kit for your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.