An Attitude Adjustment – Installing A Lift Kit and Wind Deflectors:
The Outback has been a fun, great, and affordable platform to build out. However, these attributes also make the vehicle very popular, and we don’t want our ride to look like everyone else’s. Our plans for this ride don’t include rock climbing or traversing extreme terrain, but we do occasionally enjoy traveling off pavement and off the beaten track.
Even though the stock Outback has exceptional ground clearance (8.7″ stock), we decided that a lift kit would look cool, help it stand out, as well as to give it some attitude.
We researched the options available for our model at the time (in 2018), and decided on going with Primitive Racing’s Outback 1.5″ Lift Kit for 2015-2019 Subaru Outbacks. There were several considerations for our decision. Firstly, we wanted to park our rig in the garage and with a seven foot opening, with our taller ATs, 1.5″ was about all that we could add to the height and still clear the opening, with all of our gear stowed away on our roof rack. Secondly, the reputation of Primitive’s lift kit was outstanding and its engineering well thought out. It also was really cool for us that they were headquartered about 20 miles from our farm.
Since our car was under warranty at this point, we decided to pay the shop rates and had the kit installed at our local Subaru dealer. While it was in the shop and on the lift, we also had them install the Subaru designed tow hitch package.
The following is from Primitive Racing’s sales literature. NOTE: This purchase was researched by us and paid for out of pocket. We are not associated with, or compensated by Primitive Racing (although we would welcome the opportunity to test and review other gear, since we love their products.)
Primitive Racing Lift Kit Overview:
Primitive has designed all of their lift kits to maintain comfortable daily driving, good off-road articulation and ease of installation. The kits deliver a steeper approach angle and increase ground clearance. The kits also allow fitment of larger wheels and tires.
King Springs Unrivaled Reputation – Engineered and manufactured to the highest standards at their state of the art facility in Australia. King Springs are the longest running and most trusted springs on the market for Subaru vehicles. The springs advanced manufacturing produces a spring that will have a better load capacity with increased comfort and off road capability.
Reduces sway and body roll – Improves your vehicle’s handling capability, especially after you raise your cars center of gravity from lifting it.
Designed for street and off-road use – This is paramount for towing or when equipped with roof top or bumper mounted accessories such as tents, bikes, kayaks, spare tires, gas can, etc. The springs help prevent bottoming out. King Springs are slightly stiffer than your stock springs but won’t create a harsh ride.
Why are King Springs sometimes slightly shorter then my OEM ones? King Springs in both standard and raised height are often shorter than the springs they are replacing. They won’t be compressed as far under the initial “pre-load” it takes to get to their “installed height”.
Primitive Racing Lift Kit Specifications:
| Ride Height: | 1.5″ Lift |
|---|---|
| Front Spring Part Number: | KSFR-32SP (Yellow) KSFR-32SP B (Black) |
| Rear Spring Part Number: | KSRR-29H (Yellow) KSRR-29H B (Black) |
| Front Spring Rate: | 200 lbs/in |
| Rear Spring Rate: | 305 lbs/in |
| Recommended Tire Size: | 245/65-17 |
| Spring Finish: | Phosphate Coated before Two Part Epoxy Powder Coat |
| Spring Material: | X5K New Generation High Strength Steel |
| Additional Hardware Included: | Rear Subframe Spacer Kit Rear Brake Line Extension Bracket Kit Rear Shock Extension Kit |
| Progressive Rate Spring: | No |
| Rear Subframe Spacer Material: | 6061 Billet Aluminum |
| Shock Extension Material: | 4140 Chromoly Zinc Plated Yellow |
| Brake Line Extension Bracket Material: | 304 Stainless Steel with Zinc Plated Hex Rivnut |
| Subframe Spacer Main Bolt Construction: | Grade 10.9 JIS Forged 17mm Hex Flange Head, Formed Threads Yellow Zinc Plated |
Primitive Racing Lift Kit Includes:
- Overload Front King Springs and Extreme Overload Rear King Springs
- Front Strut Top Lift Spacer: 1″
- Primitive Racing’s Rear Subframe Spacer kit.
- Rear Shock Extensions.
- Rear Brake line bracket extensions.
- Choose between Yellow or Black King Springs
Wind, Bug & Rain Deflectors:
Continuing to set the look of the vehicle apart from others, as well as to add functionality, we added a hood mounted EGR SuperGuard bug & wind deflector, as well as a set of C&C Car Worx Side Window Rain Deflectors. Both of these additions are dark smoke colored.
Made in the USA, the EGR SuperGuard Hood Guard, “… ingeniously redirects airflow over your vehicle’s top, creating a wind tunnel effect that swiftly clears away rocks, dirt, and other road debris before they can make contact with your hood.” Their marketing information continues, “The outcome of installing our hood deflectors is a cleaner front end with fewer bug splatters and paint chips. With its medium-profile, off-the-hood design, these hood protectors make for effortless cleaning and waxing, all the while maintaining a sleek, aerodynamic profile.” We don’t have any scientific data to prove it, but with an MSRP of $122.50 (less than that on Amazon), the investment does seem to be working for us and therefore worthwhile!
Because this rig is used as our primary road trip camper, the C&C Car Worx Side Window Rain Deflectors were chosen for function and not just looks. When sleeping in a closed up car, it tends to get really stuffy, really fast. Cracking the windows is a no-brainer, except when it is raining outside. These rain drip guards / deflectors have really worked out great for us. I should note that we also deploy fine messed window screens that side over the door frame to keep bugs out. These are very inexpensive to purchase, or if you are a DIYer, easy to fabricate. Here is a link to an example that I found on Amazon [ Click Here ], or search your favorite car or camping store.
WorkAtNothin’s Summary:
Although none of these upgrades can be classified as “necessary,” they definitely have been some of our favorites. The changes are subtle, even the lift, but they are definitely noticeable; especially when sitting next to a stock Subaru in a parking lot. Even with a fully loaded roof basket, we can still fit into our tiny garage. Most importantly, we have not experienced any degradation in the handling of the vehicle. Even fully loaded and ready for an off-road trek, it rides and corners great.
Follow along to learn about the modifications we have made, and about ones that we hope to accomplish as budget allows.