Subaru Forester 2-Inch Strut Spacer Lift Guide

By Body Armor 4x4 | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: Buying Guides

Learn how a 2-inch strut spacer lift works on a 2019-2024 Subaru Forester AWD, what it changes in ride and clearance, and who should choose this kit over other suspension upgrades.

Quick answer

A 2-inch strut spacer lift is the simplest way to gain ground clearance on a 2019-2024 Subaru Forester AWD without replacing springs or shocks, and it preserves stock ride quality for daily driving.

What a strut spacer lift actually changes

A strut spacer kit adds a precision-machined block between the top of the strut assembly and the vehicle's strut tower. This pushes the entire suspension down, increasing the distance between the axle and the body. On the 2019-2024 Forester AWD, a 2.0-inch front and 1.5-inch rear spacer raises the chassis while keeping the factory spring rate and shock valving unchanged.

Because the suspension geometry stays the same at rest, the Forester retains its stock ride feel on pavement. The trade-off is that available wheel travel does not increase; the spacer simply relocates the starting position of the suspension. For off-road use, the added clearance helps avoid underbody scrapes, but the suspension still compresses to the same bump stops as before.

Tire fit and trimming considerations

The 2-inch front spacer creates enough room to fit 225/65-17 tires without any sheet-metal trimming, according to the kit specifications. That is a meaningful upgrade over the stock tire size and improves both appearance and off-road grip. Taller or wider tires than 225/65-17 will likely require cutting plastic fender liners or metal pinch welds.

If you plan to run larger tires later, a full coil-over or subframe-drop lift may be a better long-term choice. The strut spacer is designed to work with the tire size it lists, and exceeding that size compromises clearance and steering geometry.

Off-road limitations you should know

The spacer kit does not include sway-bar quick disconnects, and the manufacturer states those are required for serious off-roading. Without disconnecting the sway bar, the front suspension articulation is limited, and the lifted Forester will lift a front wheel sooner on uneven terrain.

For mild fire roads and snow-covered trails, the stock sway bar is acceptable. For rock crawling or deep ruts, budget for aftermarket quick disconnects. The spacer itself does not change the control-arm angles enough to cause binding, but the sway bar becomes the limiting factor in flex.

Decision rules for choosing this kit

Choose the spacer lift if: Your primary goal is extra ground clearance for daily driving, light trails, or snow, and you want to keep the factory ride quality and avoid a full suspension overhaul.
Skip the spacer lift if: You need maximum wheel travel for rock crawling or heavy off-roading. A spacer lift does not increase suspension droop or compression travel.
Budget check: The spacer kit itself is affordable, but add the cost of a professional alignment and sway-bar quick disconnects if you off-road. Installation is bolt-on for a DIY mechanic with basic tools. Plan for an alignment after installation; camber and caster are corrected by the spacer design, but toe will need adjustment.
Tire upgrade path: The kit fits 225/65-17 tires without trimming. If you want 235/65-17 or larger, consider a 2-inch lift with subframe spacers or a full coil-over lift that provides additional clearance.

Product details

2019-2024 SUBARU FORESTER AWD 2" FRONT/1.5" REAR STRUT SPACER KIT: 2.0-inch front and 1.5-inch rear lift with bolt-on installation and stock ride quality. You get a noticeable clearance increase without the cost or complexity of replacing struts, and the Forester drives the same as stock on paved roads.
2019-2024 SUBARU FORESTER AWD 2" FRONT/1.5" REAR STRUT SPACER KIT
2019-2024 SUBARU FORESTER AWD 2" FRONT/1.5" REAR STRUT SPACER KIT: Front spacers correct caster and camber; fits 225/65-17 tires with no trimming. Alignment stays within spec after installation, and you can fit a more aggressive all-terrain tire without cutting metal or plastic.
2019-2024 SUBARU FORESTER AWD 2" FRONT/1.5" REAR STRUT SPACER KIT: Requires sway-bar quick disconnects (not included) for off-road use. If you plan to take the Forester off pavement, you need to add disconnects to get usable suspension articulation; factor that into your total budget.

Who this lift is for

Best for

Forester owners who want a simple, low-cost lift for daily driving and light off-road use
Drivers who want to fit 225/65-17 all-terrain tires without cutting the body

Not for

Serious off-roaders who need maximum suspension articulation and wheel travel
Owners planning to run tires larger than 225/65-17 without additional modifications