Subaru Outback Strut Spacer Install: 2" Front/1.5" Rear Lift

Quick answer

You can install the 2" front/1.5" rear strut spacer kit on a 2015–2019 Subaru Outback AWD in a few hours using hand tools, but you must disconnect the sway bars, support the suspension, and get a professional alignment immediately afterward. The kit is bolt-on and retains stock ride quality, but off-road use requires separate sway bar quick disconnects.

Step-by-step installation

1. Prep the vehicle and gather tools: Park on a level surface, chock the rear wheels, and loosen the lug nuts on the wheels you'll remove. You'll need a floor jack, jack stands, socket set, torque wrench, and spring compressors (or a strut spring compressor tool). Common mistake: skipping the torque wrench—you'll need it for critical fasteners. Have a torque wrench and spring compressors ready before you start.
2. Raise and support the vehicle: Lift the front or rear of the vehicle and place jack stands under the subframe or pinch welds. Never work under a car supported only by a jack. Remove the wheels for the axle you're working on. Use jack stands on solid lift points—never rely on the jack alone.
3. Disconnect the sway bar end links: Unbolt the sway bar end links from the lower control arm or strut (depending on location). This prevents binding and allows the suspension to droop enough to remove the strut. If you're installing quick disconnects, this is the time to fit them. Label the hardware; the bolts may differ left to right.
4. Remove the strut assembly: Support the hub with a jack to avoid overextending the CV axle. Unbolt the strut from the knuckle (two large bolts) and from the top mount (three nuts under the hood or in the cargo area). Carefully lower the strut out. Common mistake: letting the knuckle hang—it can damage the axle. Keep the jack under the hub until the strut is free.
5. Install the strut spacer: Use spring compressors to compress the spring, then remove the top mount. Place the spacer on top of the strut hat (or as directed) and reassemble. Tighten the top nut to the factory torque spec (refer to your service manual). Common mistake: over-compressing the spring—stop as soon as you can remove the nut. If you're unsure about spring compression, have a shop install the spacers on the struts.
6. Reinstall the strut assembly: Guide the strut back into the knuckle and top mount. Hand-tighten the top nuts and the knuckle bolts first. Then torque the knuckle bolts to factory spec (often around 110–130 ft-lbs, but verify for your model year). Torque the top mount nuts to spec (typically 15–20 ft-lbs). Common mistake: torquing the knuckle bolts while the suspension is hanging—do it at ride height. Torque the knuckle bolts with the suspension at normal ride height.
7. Reconnect the sway bar and install wheels: Reattach the sway bar end links (or your new quick disconnects) and torque to spec. Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle. Torque the lug nuts to 75–85 ft-lbs in a star pattern. Re-check lug nut torque after 50 miles.

Product facts

• 2015-2019 SUBARU OUTBACK AWD 2" FRONT/1.5" REAR STRUT SPACER KIT: 2.0" front and 1.5" rear lift with bolt-on installation and stock ride quality. The mild lift improves ground clearance without drastically changing daily driving comfort.

  

• 2015-2019 SUBARU OUTBACK AWD 2" FRONT/1.5" REAR STRUT SPACER KIT: Front spacers correct caster and camber. You avoid the need for aftermarket alignment correction parts, saving time and money.
• 2015-2019 SUBARU OUTBACK AWD 2" FRONT/1.5" REAR STRUT SPACER KIT: Fits 235/65-17 tires; minor trimming may be required on certain wheel offsets. Check your wheel offset and tire size before installing to avoid rubbing.
• 2015-2019 SUBARU OUTBACK AWD 2" FRONT/1.5" REAR STRUT SPACER KIT: Requires Sway Bar Quick Disconnects (not included) for off-roading. Budget for this extra part if you plan to take your Outback off pavement.