The Best Subaru Forester Coilover Kit

Japanese reliability, effortless practicality and four-wheel drive ability. All words synonymous with Subaru marketing and owners alike. The Forester is no exception, providing the extra load space over the smaller Impreza and Legacy models without sacrificing Subaru’s legendary dependability and all-weather abilities. The one thing the Forester does lack however, is poise, particularly in the corners.

Turbocharged engines allow the Subaru Forester to surprise many with its straight-line acceleration but in the corners, it does begin to feel it’s extra weight and particularly the extra height over smaller Impreza models. Bringing down the vehicles centre of gravity and allowing for huge levels of adjustment to rebound and camber is sure to get any Forester handling better than when it left the factory. With most vehicles never being taken down a rutted track, never mind through muddy fields, coilovers offer a great performance benefit without detracting from everyday driveability.

Thankfully Subaru models are well catered for in the aftermarket. Tuning companies from around the world have turned their attention to the Forester, aiming to improve on-road handling and road presence with reduced ride heights. The main difficulty you’ll have is picking which kit is best.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing

Budget

Coilover kits vary hugely in price from just a few hundred pounds for a basic setup, to many thousands of pounds for professional-grade race equipment. Most will find themselves drawn somewhere in the middle where many brands offer good adjustability, solid build quality and warranties to suit regular owners.

Bear in mind that extra cost doesn’t always translate to better performance. Many brands can demand a price premium thanks to reputation and loyal customer bases alone. The choice, ultimately, will come down to whether the cost increase is worth it for the individual application.

Vehicle Compatibility

Subaru Foresters have been in the UK nearly 25 years, with many models and engines to choose from. Hence, buying the correct coilovers will mean carefully picking the right kit to suit the year and model required.

Below we have separated the coilover kits into the different Forester model codes SF, SG, SH & SJ with the correct years for each. If still unsure, check with the manufacturer who are normally more than willing to assist in checking compatibility via a registration number or VIN.

Setup & Installation

As a safety-critical component of the car, suspension systems should not be changed by anyone who isn’t confident and experienced in automotive mechanics. For complete amateurs, we advise having professional/ well experienced help on hand to assist and ensure the parts are fitted correctly and safely.

Once installed coilovers will need to be setup. Height, rebound and camber are just a few of the possible adjustments with many coilover kits, making setup a real art and something that is often best left to a professional with the correct equipment. Poorly setup suspension could cause uneven tyre wear, poor driving characteristics and even dangerous reactions from the vehicles steering system.

Featured Brands

HSD

25 years in the industry has seen HSD become a household name when it comes to coilover kits. HSD specialise in performance suspension, with products to suit many makes and models throughout the UK new and used market. As well as being pioneers in the aftermarket sector, HSD also have the experience of working with major OEMs to provide high quality parts that go the distance.

BC Racing

Huge amounts of adjustment and excellent build quality have seen BC racing rise to fame in the modified suspension market. Their coilover kits are available for most popular makes and models, with levels of adjustability to suit most drivers and vehicles for anything from regular road driving to competition track vehicles. The brands pedigree and performance show, with many sponsored race teams and independents running BR racing suspension parts, with excellent results.

Yellow Speed

Another brand with a passion for all things performance motoring, Yellow Speed specialise in performance applications and have been growing their portfolio year-on-year since opening their doors back in 2003. Known specifically for their coilovers kits for Japanese brands, the company aims to provide high quality components to those that use their vehicles for spirited road and track driving.

Tein

A truly worldwide aftermarket suspension company, Tein are available everywhere from the US all the way to Australia. Having been around for many years now, the brand is constantly building on current offerings and increasing their ability to meet quality standards at their manufacturing facility in Japan. A fan favourite, offering high quality suspension with large amounts of adjustability but without extortionate purchase prices.

The Best Subaru Forester SF (1997-2002) Coilover Kits on the Market

HSD Dualtech Coilovers

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For those that want to bring their Forester down to Earth a little, HSD has the answer in the form of their Dualtech coilover kit. This suspension set not only allows for reduction in ride height but also has 14-way adjustment for damping and camber plates for the front struts. Coming supplied with new alloy top mounts and a solid twin-tube shock design, these coilovers should also show good durability in the long term.

Suitable for all turbo and non-turbo SF Forester models, this kit comes with a 12-month warranty. HSD promises this setup is perfect for those in need of better handling on the road and for occasional track use.

Part number: N/A
Rebound adjustment: 14-way adjustment
Camber adjustment: Front only
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros:

• Experienced coilover designer and manufacturer
• Adjustment for height, rebound and camber (front wheels)
• Strong twin-tube shock design
• 12-month warranty against defects

Cons:

• Lower levels of damper adjustability when compared with rival offerings

maXpeedingrods Coilover Kit CO-SUBFOR-9802-G-LC

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For those that want an adjustable setup on a tighter budget, look no further than this offering for maXpeedingrods. These coilovers offer huge 24-way adjustability for rebound and height adjustment also. Pillow ball top mounts are included to eliminate excess noise when turning, while also increasing steering feel and accuracy. The ideal setup for good handling on a budget.

Amazingly, despite the low price, this suspension kit comes with a 2-year warranty. 6061-grade aluminium is used for most components alongside hi-tensile steel springs. These combine to resist corrosion and damage under repeated heavy loads.

Part number: CO-SUBFOR-9802-G-LC
Rebound adjustment: 24-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: No
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 2 Years

Pros:

• Least expensive Forester SF coilover kit featured
• Massive adjustment for damping and ride height
• Increases steering feel and grip levels
• Quality materials used in coilover construction

Cons:

• No camber adjustment available

BC Racing BR Coilovers F-11

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Last but by no means least is the premium offering for SF Forester owners. BC Racing’s BR series coilovers promise high quality strength and durability alongside massive adjustability and handling improvements. 30-way rebound adjustment, ride height changes and camber plates for the front wheels allow a setup that’s just right for the road or the track. Aluminium top plates and pillow ball upper mounts are also included in the set.

Thick 53mm diameter damper bodies and 46mm diameter pistons promise strength against the harshest of bumps, while high quality oils will keep the units functioning perfectly for the long term. As with all BC racing offerings, these coilovers come with a 12-month warranty.

Part number: F-11
Rebound adjustment: 30-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Front only
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros:

• Highly regarded aftermarket suspension brand
• Massive scope for adjustability of ride height and rebound
• Designed for road and track use
• High quality materials used in coilover construction

Cons:

• Most expensive Forester SF coilover kit featured

The Best Subaru Forester SG (2002-2008) Coilover Kits on the Market

Tein Street Basis Z Coilovers GSS50-81SS2

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The first of our SG Forester coilover kits and one to suit a modest budget. Tein’s entry-level coilovers are aimed at improved on-road handling via ride height adjustment. This kit promises to give ample height adjustment to lower the Forester back to levels that look great, without compromising passenger comfort.

Cold formed SAE9254 steel is used for the springs, while the damper units are powder coated to ensure resilience against the elements, preventing corrosion. These coilovers use the vehicles original top mounts.

Part number: GSS50-81SS2
Rebound adjustment: No
Camber adjustment: No
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros:

• Least expensive Forester SG coilovers listed
• Performance suspension specialist manufacturer
• Scope for large changes in ride height
• High quality materials and coatings used to prevent corrosion

Cons:

• No adjustment for camber or damping

BC Racing BR Coilovers F-12

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Our second offering for SG Forester owners. BC’s BR coilovers give huge adjustability and ride height changes using top quality parts for longevity. 30-way rebound adjustment, ride height changes and camber plates for the front wheels allow a setup that’s just right for the road or the track. Aluminium top plates and pillow ball upper mounts are also included in the set.

Thick 53mm diameter damper bodies and 46mm diameter pistons promise strength against the harshest of bumps, while high quality oils will keep the units functioning perfectly for the long term. As with all BC racing offerings, these coilovers come with a 12-month warranty.

Part number: F-12
Rebound adjustment: 30-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Front only
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros:

• Highly regarded aftermarket suspension brand
• Massive scope for adjustability of ride height and rebound
• Designed for road and track use
• High quality materials used in coilover construction

Cons:

• Most expensive Forester SG coilover kit featured

Yellow Speed Racing Dynamic Pro Sport Coilovers YS01-SB-DPS002

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How about some Japanese coilovers for a Japanese vehicle? Yellow sport racing is known for their performance suspension kits available on most Japanese models, with the SG Forester being no exception to the rule. This kit features a huge 33 possible rebound settings, while also giving a massive 50mm – 100mm reduction in ride height, to achieve that perfect look and fitment. Camber plates also allow for fine handling adjustment, perfect for those intending taking their Forester to the track.

A 2-year warranty and quality metal construction mean that these coilovers should likely last the life of the vehicle without wearing out or corroding.

Part number: YS01-SB-DPS002
Rebound adjustment: 33-way
Camber adjustment: Yes (front only)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 2 Years

Pros:

• Specialist Japanese suspension manufacturer
• Massive adjustment for damping and ride height
• Designed to improve road handling characteristics
• Long 2-year warranty period

Cons:

• Dust covers for extra protection need to be purchased separately

The Best Subaru Forester SH (2008-2013) Coilover Kits on the Market

Tein Street Advance Z Coilovers GSSA4-91SS2

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The first of our SH Forester coilover kits and one to suit a modest budget. Tein’s coilover kit is aimed at improved on-road handling via ample damping and ride height adjustment. Huge scope for ride height and rebound force allows for purposeful ride height and great looks to be achieved, while also vastly improving on the vehicles handling characteristics.

Cold formed SAE9254 steel is used for the springs, while the damper units are powder coated to ensure resilience against the elements, preventing corrosion. These units use the vehicles original top mounts.

Part number: GSSA4-91SS2
Rebound adjustment: 16-way adjustment
Camber adjustment: No
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros:

• Least expensive Forester SH coilovers listed
• Performance suspension specialist manufacturer
• Scope for large changes in ride height and rebound force
• High quality materials and coatings used to prevent corrosion

Cons:

• No camber adjustment with included parts

BC Racing BR Coilovers F-13

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Our second offering for SH Forester owners. BC’s BR coilovers give huge adjustability and ride height changes using top quality parts for longevity. 30-way rebound adjustment, ride height changes and camber plates for the front wheels allow a setup that’s just right for the road or the track. Aluminium top plates and pillow ball upper mounts are also included in the set.

Thick 53mm diameter damper bodies and 46mm diameter pistons promise strength against the harshest of bumps, while high quality oils will keep the units functioning perfectly for the long term. As with all BC racing offerings, these coilovers come with a 12-month warranty.

Part number: F-13
Rebound adjustment: 30-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Front only
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros:

• Highly regarded aftermarket suspension brand
• Massive scope for adjustability of ride height and rebound
• Designed for road and track use
• High quality materials used in coilover construction

Cons:

• Most expensive Forester SH coilover kit featured

Yellow Speed Racing Dynamic Pro Sport Coilovers YS01-SB-DPS003-10

Check the latest price on eBay

How about some Japanese coilovers for a Japanese vehicle? Yellow sport racing is known for their performance suspension kits available on most Japanese models, with the SH Forester being no exception to the rule. This kit features a huge 33 possible dampening settings, while also giving a massive 50mm – 100mm reduction in ride height to achieve that perfect look and fitment. Camber plates also allow for fine handling adjustment, perfect for those intending taking their Forester to the track.

A 2-year warranty and quality metal construction mean that these coilovers should likely last the life of the vehicle without wearing out or corroding.

Part number: YS01-SB-DPS003-10
Rebound adjustment: 33-way
Camber adjustment: Yes (front only)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 2 Years

Pros:

• Specialist Japanese suspension manufacturer
• Massive adjustment for damping and ride height
• Designed to improve road handling characteristics
• Long 2-year warranty period

Cons:

• Dust covers for extra protection need to be purchased separately

The Best Subaru Forester SJ (2013-2018) Coilover Kits on the Market

Tein Street Advance Z Coilovers GSSA2-91SS2

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The first of our SJ Forester coilover kits and one to suit a modest budget. Tein’s coilover kit is aimed at improved on-road handling via ample damping and ride height adjustment. Huge scope for ride height and rebound force allows for purposeful ride height and great looks to be achieved, while also vastly improving on the vehicles handling characteristics.

Cold formed SAE9254 steel is used for the springs, while the damper units are powder coated to ensure resilience against the elements, preventing corrosion. These units use the vehicles original top mounts.

Part number: GSSA2-91SS2
Rebound adjustment: 16-way adjustment
Camber adjustment: No
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros:

• Least expensive Forester SJ coilovers listed
• Performance suspension specialist manufacturer
• Scope for large changes in ride height and rebound force
• High quality materials and coatings used to prevent corrosion

Cons:

• No camber adjustment with included parts

BC Racing BR Coilovers F-23

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Our second offering for SJ Forester owners. BC’s BR coilovers give huge adjustability and ride height changes using top quality parts for longevity. 30-way rebound adjustment, ride height changes and camber plates for the front wheels allow a setup that’s just right for the road or the track. Aluminium top plates and pillow ball upper mounts are also included in the set.

Thick 53mm diameter damper bodies and 46mm diameter pistons promise strength against the harshest of bumps, while high quality oils will keep the units functioning perfectly for the long term. As with all BC racing offerings, these coilovers come with a 12-month warranty.

Part number: F-23
Rebound adjustment: 30-way adjustable
Camber adjustment: Front only
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Pros:

• Highly regarded aftermarket suspension brand
• Massive scope for adjustability of ride height and rebound
• Designed for road and track use
• High quality materials used in coilover construction

Cons:

• Most expensive Forester SJ coilover kit featured

Yellow Speed Racing Dynamic Pro Sport Coilovers YS01-SB-DPS020-10

Check the latest price on eBay

How about some Japanese coilovers for a Japanese vehicle? Yellow sport racing is known for their performance suspension kits available on most Japanese models, with the SJ Forester being no exception to the rule. This kit features a huge 33 possible dampening settings, while also giving a massive 50mm – 100mm reduction in ride height to achieve that perfect look and fitment. Camber plates also allow for fine handling adjustment, perfect for those intending taking their Forester to the track.

A 2-year warranty and quality metal construction mean that these coilovers should likely last the life of the vehicle without wearing out or corroding.

Part number: YS01-SB-DPS020-10
Rebound adjustment: 33-way
Camber adjustment: Yes (front only)
Height adjustment: Yes
Warranty: 2 Years

Pros:

• Specialist Japanese suspension manufacturer
• Massive adjustment for damping and ride height
• Designed to improve road handling characteristics
• Long 2-year warranty period

Cons:

• Dust covers for extra protection need to be purchased separately

In Conclusion

Those wanting the best performance and handling from their Forester need look no further than the coilover kits featured above. Lower ride height, greater adjustability and better control are just some of the benefits given with adjustable aftermarket suspension while also updating technology that, in some cases, was designed over two decades ago.

Advances in suspension technology have given us products that allow decent levels of ride comfort while drastically reducing body roll, without breaking the bank. Fitting coilovers therefore is something that could improve almost every facet of a vehicle’s driving capability, while also achieving a lower look that many Forester owners yearn for. Don’t be envious of lower cars with better handling, getting your Forester lower while maintaining the fantastic boxer engine and four-wheel drive traction will make it the all-rounder you really wanted.

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