Joseph Weaver If you’re a Subaru Outback owner looking to lower your vehicle, you might be wondering if a Subaru dealer can help you with this. The short answer is yes, a Subaru dealer can lower your Outback, but there are some important things you should know before you make any modifications to your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different methods of lowering your Outback, the benefits and drawbacks of each method, and what you should keep in mind before you make any modifications. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of whether or not lowering your Outback is the right choice for you.
Key Takeaways
- A Subaru dealer can lower your Outback using a variety of methods, including lowering springs, coilovers, and air suspension.
- Lowering your Outback can improve handling, aerodynamics, and aesthetics, but it can also decrease ride comfort and ground clearance.
- Before you lower your Outback, consider the potential drawbacks, such as reduced suspension travel, increased wear and tear, and voided warranties.
- If you decide to lower your Outback, make sure you choose a reputable dealer with experience in lowering Subarus, and be prepared to invest in high-quality parts and installation.
Methods of Lowering Your Outback
There are several methods that a Subaru dealer might use to lower your Outback, each with its own distinct benefits and drawbacks. Here are the most common methods:
Lowering Springs
Lowering springs are one of the most popular methods of lowering a vehicle, and for good reason. They’re relatively affordable, easy to install, and can provide a significant drop in ride height. Lowering springs work by replacing your stock springs with shorter, stiffer springs that lower the overall height of your vehicle.
Lowering springs can improve handling by lowering your center of gravity, which reduces body roll and improves cornering. They can also improve aerodynamics by reducing the amount of air that flows under your vehicle. Additionally, lowering springs can give your Outback a more aggressive stance and improve its overall appearance.
However, lowering springs can also have some drawbacks. They can decrease ride comfort by making your suspension stiffer and reducing suspension travel. Lowering springs can also decrease ground clearance, which can be problematic if you frequently drive on rough roads or over speed bumps. Furthermore, if you choose to install lowering springs, you may also need to upgrade your shocks and struts to account for the stiffer springs.
Coilovers
Coilovers are another popular method of lowering a vehicle. They’re more expensive than lowering springs, but they also provide more adjustability and can offer better performance. Coilovers work by replacing your stock springs and shocks with a single, adjustable unit that allows you to adjust the height and stiffness of your suspension.
Coilovers can provide better handling and performance than lowering springs because of their adjustability. You can fine-tune your suspension to your specific driving needs, whether you’re looking for a street-oriented setup or a track-ready setup. Coilovers can also improve your Outback’s appearance by providing a more aggressive stance and allowing you to adjust the ride height to your liking.
However, like lowering springs, coilovers can also have some drawbacks. They can decrease ride comfort and ground clearance, and they can be more difficult to install than lowering springs. Additionally, like lowering springs, you may also need to upgrade your shocks and struts when installing coilovers.
Air Suspension
Air suspension is the most expensive method of lowering a vehicle, but it also provides the most adjustability and versatility. Air suspension works by replacing your stock springs and shocks with airbags that can be inflated or deflated to adjust your ride height.
Air suspension can provide a comfortable ride because the airbags can be adjusted to provide a softer or stiffer ride, depending on your preferences. Air suspension can also improve performance by allowing you to adjust your suspension for various driving conditions, such as off-road driving or track driving. Additionally, air suspension can improve your Outback’s appearance by providing a sleek, low stance when parked.
However, air suspension also has some drawbacks. It’s the most expensive method of lowering your Outback, and it can be more difficult to install than lowering springs or coilovers. Air suspension also requires more maintenance than other suspension systems, as the airbags and compressor can be prone to leaks and failures.
What to Consider Before Lowering Your Outback
Before you make any modifications to your Outback, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and risks. Here are some things you should keep in mind before you lower your Outback:
- Reduced suspension travel: Lowering your Outback can reduce the amount of suspension travel, which can make your ride stiffer and less comfortable, especially on rough roads or over speed bumps.
- Increased wear and tear: Lowering your Outback can increase wear and tear on your suspension components, such as your shocks and struts, which may need to be replaced more frequently.
- Voided warranties: Modifying your Outback can void your warranty, which can be costly if you experience any mechanical issues down the line.
- Reduced ground clearance: Lowering your Outback can decrease ground clearance, which can be a problem if you frequently drive on rough roads, over speed bumps, or through snowdrifts.
If you’re willing to accept these potential drawbacks and risks, and you’re committed to investing in high-quality parts and installation, then lowering your Outback might be the right choice for you.
Choosing a Reputable Dealer
If you decide to lower your Outback, it’s important to choose a reputable dealer with experience in lowering Subarus. Look for a dealer who uses high-quality parts and who has a track record of successful installations. Ask for references and read online reviews to get an idea of their reputation.
Additionally, make sure you’re prepared to invest in high-quality parts and installation. Don’t cut corners on cost, as this can lead to poor performance, premature wear and tear, and potential safety issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Subaru dealer can lower your Outback using a variety of methods, including lowering springs, coilovers, and air suspension. Lowering your Outback can improve handling, aerodynamics, and aesthetics, but it can also decrease ride comfort and ground clearance. Before you make any modifications, consider the potential drawbacks and risks, such as reduced suspension travel, increased wear and tear, voided warranties, and reduced ground clearance. If you do decide to lower your Outback, choose a reputable dealer with experience in lowering Subarus, and be prepared to invest in high-quality parts and installation.
