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Subaru Crew - Modifications II

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  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Also I'd upgrade the tounge on any trailer you get to 2" just my personal preference.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool, I thought you were an auto type of guy.

    My hitch has a 2" ball already. I used it to test towing Bob's trailer once.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    is saying, is to see if you can increase the trailer's tongue to fit your ball. I don't know(?) if that can easily/cheaply be done. You may have to get a new smaller ball. If it is possible, I would agree with Mike, go with the larger tongue.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, gotcha. I'll ask.

    The ball was cheap - $5 or $7 IIRC.

    Should I get a lock for the receiver? How do those work?

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I've used a pad lock when I went on a trip a couple of times. BTW, trailers are great for hauling beach stuff, bikes, etc.

    I'd be more concerned about leaving it at your house unattended. You may want a lock (and chain) for there.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I definitely have those other uses in mind. Believe me...

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    These trailers are much lighter than mine. When driving home go easy until you get a feel for how it responds. Before I put the wood sides on mine, the trailer bounced all over the place, because it was so light.

    Last week I was on I-95, and a Chevy van was towing a fold-down camper trailer in front of me. All of a sudden, the trailer starts swinging wildly from side to side. I guess the driver made too sudden of a lane change—and almost lost control of the vehicle and trailer. A word to the wise...

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Thanks for the tips. I have some experience towing my dad's boat in his Olds Custom Cruiser, but we're talking heavy wagon, heavy trailer, so I know it's quite different.

    Thanks for the heads up and for the info, guys.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    respond much quicker to small driver inputs. It also makes them more difficult to back up, for the same reason.

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You can get a replacement tounge for around $20-$25 from K-mart, Walmart type store. It bolts onto the beam and would replace the 1 7/8 tounge. As for locks, I usually put a padlock on the top of thetounge through the hole in the lockdown, and a locking pin on the receiver. Backing up small trailers is a pain especially on my trooper cause I can't even see the trailer! I love my boat trailer though, it's great to tow it.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I like MT just un-practical for NYC. Since the MX6 will be used nearly exclusively for Auto-x and highway travel, a MT will work just peachy :) I'm keeping the XT6 and the Trooper don't worry :0

    -mike
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Juice, this trailer/farm supply place you're going to has tons of trailer accessories inside. Check it out.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    You may also want to consider the following:

    1. The 5x8 (vs the 4x8 or 4x6) would probably be more stable on the highway, because of its much wider track. If you're just using it around town, it probably doesn't make much difference. If, however, you plan on using it for vacation trips, the safety issue becomes much more apparent.

    2. A spare tire? I would hate to be on the way to beach, get a flat, and not have a spare...

    3. Sides: If you add sides, this will reduce your payload—and payload is at a premium with Class I trailers—especially with unbraked trailers and Subaru. Pick you (side) materials carefully.

    Bob
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    I'm looking at getting a small pop-up RV, but am new to towing. Any thoughts on what type of hitch to get. Subaruparts.com has the OE hitch for $206.70 + $21 shipping. Any other suggestions on other brands of hitches?

    -Eric
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've also seen HiddenHitch and Draw-Tite models, and they looked and worked fine for those owners. Plus they can be a bit cheaper.

    The OE one is custom and fits nice and tight under the bumper, plus it bolts down with 7 sturdy bolts and has a wiring harness included.

    I haven't towed much with mine (yet), but I've hauled bikes and should be getting a trailer this weekend.

    -juice
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    ...to the Subaru Community Towing a Trailer For To Get Some Mulch Topic :-0

    Although it is amusing to see Mike slowly, inexorably, come to terms with the correct spelling of "tongue" ;-D
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, face it, this topic's been kind of slow lately, and a lot of good info was shared.

    Besides, do you really want to see a "Subaru Crew - Mulch" topic?

    ;-)

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    Hi gang,

    I know this question has been asked before but I think I've blown the right front speaker in the Forester (a/o/t the right front tire, which I blew last Saturday). I was wondering if any of you knew offhand which aftermarket speakers are the best fit for the front and rear door panel openings for our Foresters. I checked Crutchfield and I believe they're Polk Audio EX501a 5" for the rear and EX602a 6 1/2" for the front but I'm not certain.

    I intend to go aftermarket on these but keep the OEM tweeters for the time being.

    Thanks,
    Ed
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    "Toungue" or "tounge." ;)

    ...incoming...

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm a bad speller, but the spell checker screws up most spellings so I don't use it... :)

    -mike
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Ed,

    The rears take the Polk 501a. Actually, that's about the only brand that Crutchfield carries that will fit.

    You have a bit more choice on the front speakers -- Sony, Kenwood, Infinity, Polk, etc. I have the Sony Xplod V1621 on mine.

    Ken
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    ...giving you all a little ribbing. All in good fun! :)
  • markyrobmarkyrob Member Posts: 3
    This might be one for someone who has done some work on a turbo install before.

    I was checking out eGarrett.com, and it is a pretty good site. People have been concerned about turbo lag in the WRX. Mine is still in break in, so I havent really accelerated hard enough to have a big opinion yet. If you have ever seen the torque curve from Audi/VW 1.8T you know that it is very flat, and a high percentage of the max torque is available around 17-2000 rpm.

    They use a variable nozzle turbo which helps it spool up when exhaust flow is low at low RPM. It appears that you can control this actuator with turbo pressure, electronics not required. Seems like a good thing, and maybe an easy install.

    Who makes the turbo for the WRX? I would like to check them out, if it is not Garrett. I'm not in the market for a replacement turbo yet, but someday....
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It's Mitsubishi of all people that makes the WRX turbo.

    -mike
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    is what I have heard and read as well.

    Ross
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Got the "lengthened" Kartboy shifter last night and promptly installed it. Tom at Kartboy increased the lever length to about what the stock 2.5 RS. However, the bend angle was increased for some reason so the shifter kind of tilts a little torwards the back in neutral now. The height is perfect now, but I'm not sure if I like the angle. Picky, picky, picky. I'll drive it around a bit and see if I like it.


    Pics of the shifters are here:


    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1013602&a=12802287&p=48278006


    Ken

  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    sounds to me like so many troubles with those shifters...
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    I was browsing tirerack.com and discounttires.com, just to see what's available (no serious plans to change wheels on my Forester). I noticed that they sell wheels up to 18" for Foresters.

    Will it fit in the wheel well? Or do you need a special very-low profile tire for such a wheel?

    Just curious...
  • locke2clocke2c Member Posts: 5,038
    Kate, it would take something like a 225/40-18. Yes, very low profile.

    I assume that the TireRack was adding the 18" wheels for the Impreza and figured... 'ah, what the heck--' it fits the Forester too and you never know if someone might buy them.

    -Colin
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    Such a low aspect tire would be totally out of keeping with the character of a Forester IMHO. I can just imagine how it would do on my favorite logging roads. Argh!

    Ross
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Kate -- 18" are a bit extreme IMHO for almost any daily driver. You've got to be very careful with those potholes!

    Ken
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
  • seamus3seamus3 Member Posts: 98
    i bought the Hella H4+30's. i think that's what they are, i threw the boxes away already. i did get followed by a cop. apparently they look too bright. i've also had a friend ask if i had my high beams on. do i need to re-aim my head lamps? they truly are amazing. i am curious to see what the phillips, that i have heard so much about around here, look like.
    can i buy xenon bulbs for my fog lights? i have the subaru projection beam for the legacy.

    seamus
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Seamus,


    The Hella H4+30 are brighter than stock, but not enough for a cop to pull you over. Did you buy the ones in stock wattage (55/65W)?


    Normally, replacing your bulbs should not require re-aiming. Check to see if the bulbs are not in the housing at an angle.


    The Philips bulbs are a little more brighter than the Hellas. Here's a picture I took comparing the two:


    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1013602&a=7966143&p=33242600


    Also, here's a photo comparing the Philips vs. stock

    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1013602&a=7966143&p=33242596


    Ken

  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    I replaced both the stock horns in my Forester with Fiamm Highway Blasters. Both horns were very easy to install. No rewiring is necessary.

    The horn behind the passenger side headlight required absolutely no modifications. Simply unplug the stock one and replace it with the Fiamm.

      

    The horn behind the grille required a little trimming, however. The stock horns are simple discs (that make that cheap tinny sound) compared to the Fiamms which bigger trumpet style horns. In order to fit the Fiamm behind the grille, I needed to cut away part of the plastic.

    The resulting sound now is loud and a lot beefier -- a huge improvement over the stock sound.


    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1013602&a=12907085&p=48375908


    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1013602&a=12907085&p=48375910


    Ken

  • seamus3seamus3 Member Posts: 98
    i know they aren't bright enough to pull me over for i think the cop just wanted to hassle me. yes i did buy the stock wattage ones. there are other kids around town, most drive hondas and they have the super whites or something like that. they are too bright and they usually get pulled over. i think the cop mistook me for some young punk, wait i am. i did check this morning to see if i had gotten them in right, they were fine. it is just the change in brightness.

    i did notice what you could call a problem, but it really isn't. when i am driving down the well lit city streets i can't see the light from my headlamps. it kind of fades into the street lights. i think it is just the color difference. my stock halogens were a little more yellow brown kind of color than the clear color of the xenon's. it doesn't really bother me but my brother kept telling me to turn my lights on, that bothered me.

    yeah i need a new horn too! i hate the little wimpy stock one. where can i buy one? at any auto parts store?

    seamus
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Seamus,

    I bought my horns at Pep Boys. I think you can find them at any auto parts store. Huge improvement over the cheap stock disc horns.

    Ken
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Ken @ susquehana motorsports sells hella horns. Great quality. I have em on my XT6 and Trooper, soon to be installed on my MX6 as well.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Hellas are a LOT louder than the Highway Blasters, but it's a bit more work to install them. The catch is you may actually find them too loud for a polite honk when you want it.

    Ken - do you mean the lever is further away from the center console? How does it feel? It's OK if it's shorter and a little closer to you. Further away might be a problem though.

    Let's see, 18" rims would require 225/45R18 or 215/50R18 tires, depending on what's available. Plus unsprung weight would definitely increase, even with very high quality forged rims.

    -juice
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    juice,

    Yes, the lever angles back towards the driver. The height is okay, but it kind of feels a bit weird in the wrist. I e-mailed Kartboy and he realized he used the wrong jig to create the shifter. I'm sending it back to him today to have it re-done. The stock Forester shifter now feels very strange.

    Ken
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Boy, you should be paid for helping develop the Kartboy/Forester shifter!

    -juice
  • crashton6crashton6 Member Posts: 245
    Ken,
    Those horns are a nice upgrade. Did that myself.
    You might want to change the angle of the horns so the openings face downward. They could fill up with water the way you have them mounted. Also on my 2000 Forester the horn behind the grille never worked. I thought it was for the alarm system. Your 98 must be wired differently. I installed both my horns by the ABS pump & spliced the second horn to the wiring. Was the grille hard to remove? What does it take to remove it? I'm thinking about puting a piece of screen back there to protect the condenser & radiator.

    Chuck
  • kenskens Member Posts: 5,869
    Chuck,

    Unfortunately, the combination of the tight clearance behind the gille and the length of the stock wiring made it possible to mount the horn facing outwards. I figured it was only a $14 investment so if it breaks, it breaks. I can always go back to a disc type horn if need be.

    The alarm system on my 98 has a separate horn. It's distinctly different in shape from the disc type horns -- it looks like a small bullhorn.

    To remove the grille on my 98, you simply:
    1. Pop open the hood
    2. Locate the four holes on the top of the grille. Inside each hole is a plastic tab. Simply push down on each tab to release them from the front of the Forester.
    3. Finally, once the top tabs are loose you remove the grille by 'unhooking' them from the three more plastic tabs towards the bottom. The grill simply needs to be lifted up and outward to get them off these tabs. Be careful - they break easily (I broke one of them).

    Ken
  • hypovhypov Member Posts: 3,068
    If it is the "wannabe" xenon bulbs you're enquiring, yes you can buy them for your fogs. However, if it is the DS2 bulbs,... yah you can buy them too but you'll need to convert the fogs.
    Instead of upping the wattage on the OEMs, I added a Hella DE-Xenon auxillary driving lamp to my '98 OBL.
    Hellaluha!!! I can see!!! I can see!!! ;)
  • crashton6crashton6 Member Posts: 245
    Ken,

    Thanks for the instructions for removing the grille.

    Chuck
  • originalbitmanoriginalbitman Member Posts: 920
    Finally posted pics of the cupholders and seatback pockets that I added to my 01 GT wagon. The cupholders are German made and cost $16. Nicely made and easy to install. Folded up the are about a little over an inch thick. They hold everything from a soda can to large bottle water. The map pockets I made from a cargo net and some shock cord. Once I got the prototype worked out making the final pockets was simple. They are attached with a shock cord that weaves through the perimeter of the netting and then pulls it behind the rigid panel on the back of the seat. Another piece of shock cord goes across the top of the opening to keep things secure.

    http://bitman.com/SoobMods

    bit

  • pat88pat88 Member Posts: 40
    bit...

    Where can I get those cupholders? Do they come with mounting instructions? I use bottled water alot and these would be great!

    Thank you for the information!

    ~~~Pat
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Very handy, bit. Nice color match on the cup holders, too. Mike Smith would be proud!

    Subaru ought to include those map pockets on more models, not just the Outback.

    -juice
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    ...on my '00 Forester S. Does your L not have them, juice? Regardless, bit's done a great job on his - they look OEM!

    Ed
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I guess the S has had them, as do the Outbacks.

    I could use something like that to store the toddler's toys. Don't know if I'm as motivated as bit, though.

    -juice
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