Power of your brainsHow we lifted project off-road granny with long travel the right way, for cheap. A lift that allows longer travel will prevent you from destroying axles and differentials, and can increase off-road capability a LOT when combined with long-travel coil-overs (check video end-link to see how we built those).
Project off-road granny is a 1998 SF Forester. Parts for this long travel rear setup were dirt cheap. Just grab a set of adjustable trailing arms off amazon and a big block of HDPE and you'll be set.
Contents 0:40 Why you need more travel in your suspension 2:09 Sub frame spacers 3:05 Trailing arms 5:22 Our plan 6:15 low-profile trailing arm spacers 7:03 Modifying adjustable trailing arms 9:45 Testing
If you liked this video, consider supporting our channel by subscribing and sharing with a friend.
Subaru Forester DIY lift with LONG TRAVEL rearPower of your brains2018-10-05 | How we lifted project off-road granny with long travel the right way, for cheap. A lift that allows longer travel will prevent you from destroying axles and differentials, and can increase off-road capability a LOT when combined with long-travel coil-overs (check video end-link to see how we built those).
Project off-road granny is a 1998 SF Forester. Parts for this long travel rear setup were dirt cheap. Just grab a set of adjustable trailing arms off amazon and a big block of HDPE and you'll be set.
Contents 0:40 Why you need more travel in your suspension 2:09 Sub frame spacers 3:05 Trailing arms 5:22 Our plan 6:15 low-profile trailing arm spacers 7:03 Modifying adjustable trailing arms 9:45 Testing
If you liked this video, consider supporting our channel by subscribing and sharing with a friend.
Featuring music from Slam Funk by by Broke for Free brokeforfree.bandcamp.com/album/slam-funkSubarus invade Silver Lake Sand DunesPower of your brains2023-11-17 | We met up with a couple of friends and fellow YouTube people to see if our Subaru's could handle at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Mears, Michigan.
Granny had a lot of fun on test hill and we all enjoyed breaking stuff and getting our bumpers ripped off. It's definitely worth the trip if you know what you're doing and don't care about your paint.
Featuring sounds fromSubaru Forester, lost in a frozen ATV parkPower of your brains2023-09-06 | In this video, Granny and the guys return to Rush off-road.
While we prepare for the worst, this episode of snowy mayhem could have easily gone the wrong way.
This is old footage obviously, but Granny and team Granny are fine. We've just been busy and distracted. Thanks to all for hanging in there with us! We aim to begin posting more often going forward - though perhaps branching out from Subaru content.
Featuring sounds from POWEROFYOURBRAINS youtube.com/@thederps5000A trail for bikesPower of your brains2023-09-03 | We are building this trail. Subaru's are not supposed to go here. No, really.
Featuring sounds from POWEROFYOURBRAINSWelcome to Snowshoe, WVPower of your brains2021-07-24 | Downhill mountain biking at Snowshoe, WV - in memory of Tyler's beloved Specialized HardrockSubaru modular roof rack and roof-top seat build. No, really.Power of your brains2021-01-29 | Is your plastic roof rack causing water to leak inside your car? Ours was, so we replaced it with aluminum L-track aircraft tiedowns and installed a chair up to socially distance ourselves for safe, off-road fun.
If bolting a seat to your roof sounds a little crazy then you must be new here - welcome to the weirder side of Subaru off-road. Our main off-road project car is a 1998 Subaru Forester known simply as Granny. Feel free to gather up your favorite snacks and peruse through our channel for more fun shenanigans.
Check out these playlists MODS - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrUBKqCU7Ys0rPkrSk3ton4SvMhpzLLO ADVENTURES - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrUBKqCU7YuD49edWZucupRiojB6QjKWSubaru Off-road Inspirational Montage Video | with softroadingthewestPower of your brains2020-12-27 | Subaru's are not made to be hardcore off-roaders - but what if they could be? Sure, you could go buy a Jeep or an ATV, but wouldn't every successful climb or rock crawl be more triumphant in a compact family car that wasn't made for that? Because you made it for that, you will know that part of every accomplishment you achieve will be on behalf of all human-kind itself.
In this video, enjoy the experience of mountain adventure in a Subaru, as narrated by softroadingthewest. Special thanks to Donald for allowing us to fuse our off-road Subaru weirdness to the silky-smooth oration of @softroadingthewest
Featuring sounds from "Electrifying Landscape" by Airglow soundcloud.com/airglowsounds/electrifyinglandscapeSubaru invades Ivy Branch trail system | Misadventure in the mountains of West VirginiaPower of your brains2020-09-16 | Granny invades the Hatfield McCoy Ivy Branch trail system for a real skid plate bashing adventure. We pushed our 1998 Subaru Forester to the limits on this trip with lots of mud, rocks, and gnarly descents. Added in a float and a couple of near-rolls too, just to be sure.
Watch to the end to catch all the action, and subscribe if you're one of the 97% of our viewers that haven't already. Eventually we're going to build granny a robotic chainsaw rig, so be sure to share this channel with all of your friends who would like that sort of thing.
Featuring Tyler's face as we nearly capsize Granny in a giant mud puddle.The dry lake bed aint dry!Power of your brains2020-08-23 | We drove into a lake again and got real stuck.
Featuring sounds from "Beach Wedding Dance" by Rolemusic soundcloud.com/untrusted/beach-wedding-danceYour Subaru Off-road and YouPower of your brains2020-06-01 | Are you ready to experience the joys of going off-road in your Subaru? In this episode of "Good Job Adventures", we will introduce you to the core principles of off-road Subaruing that will empower you on your next adventure.
In this video hosted by the caretakers of Off-road Granny, we are joined by Steven with his monster Outback, and Patrick with his SG Forester. Come join us as we return to nature in our Subarus, as it was intended to be.
Remember to share/subscribe, and we'll see you in the comments down below.
Featuring sounds from Presenterator by Kevin MacLeod soundcloud.com/luis-felipe-toons/kevin-macleod-presenteratorMPT vs VTD vs VISCOUS COUPLING | Subaru center differential power transfer testPower of your brains2020-02-03 | How Subaru center differentials work and which one can transfer the most power to the rear while one of the front wheels is lifted - MPT vs VTD vs viscous center differential.
Facts about the center differentials in this video: MPT **Multiplate transfer clutch **Found in most automatics (yes, CVTs have them too) **Power transferred to rear via hydraulic plates that clamp together VTD **Variable torque distribution **Found in various automatics with turbo and H6 motors **Power transferred to rear via open gears and an MPT acting an LSD Viscous Center Differential **Found in all 5MT manuals **Power transferred to rear via open gears and a viscous LSD
Both automatic Subaru Foresters in this video conducted the test with the electronic locking center differential engaged.
Featuring sounds from Night Owl by Broke for Free http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_01_Night_OwlSubaru infiltrates Jeep convoy, gets away with it | Documenting another EXTREME OFF-ROAD adventurePower of your brains2019-11-12 | Granny infiltrates a group of built Jeeps and "real" off-roaders for some super gnarly off-road fun. This trip was a true adventure - watch to the end to see if our 1998 Subaru Forester can cut through treacherous terrain - to become trail rated.
Special thanks to the WV ORV group for having letting our little Subaru tag along on this wicked-cool route through the southern region of our East Lynn stomping grounds. Ya'll were awesome; we're looking forward to tearing it up again real soon.
Some IG handles for the fellas we rode with: @GregLXStang @dr_fitzwell @olhillbilly_ @atlasautorepairandoffroad @coryxjmj
Featuring sounds from "Far Apart" by Airglow airglow-strat.bandcamp.com/album/airglow-memory-bankSubaru Heavy Duty HD Severe Duty axles are total GARBAGEPower of your brains2019-10-31 | Watch us break our new "HD axles" after 7 minutes of very mild off-road. We had to claw our way back to high ground using FWD and gentle 3WD so we could swap in the old OEM unit on the trail.
A hard-pass is advisable for any "HD" or "Severe Duty" axles that look like these - watch to the end of the video and check the comments to see why.
Featuring sounds from "Spliff and Wesson" by Airglow soundcloud.com/airglowsounds/spliff-wessonSubaru Forester snaps an axle off-roadPower of your brains2019-10-26 | In this brief misadventure report, we climb a hill, snap an axle, examine the damage, and get heavy duty replacements (which turned out to be total junk). This Forester now runs 500hp rally axles with zero issues.
These "heavy duty" replacement axles are made by Trakmotive, and we recommend you avoid them or any brand that looks like them entirely (watch the video after this one to see why).
Featuring sounds fromSUBARU FORESTER vs RZR 800Power of your brains2019-10-12 | Off-road Granny gets triggered by a side-by-side while out testing the new Subaru TORQ locker.
Granny is a 1998 Subaru Forester that likes chasing side-by-sides over obstacles and long walks on the beach - blazing trails so gnarly, you'll want to turn your Jeep around.
Please share this channel with a friend who is as weird as you are, and click the subscribe + notification buttons to catch our random uploads of /unique/ content.
Tools o 3/8” and 1/2” ratchet o 3/8” and 1/2” torque wrenches o 12mm box wrench o 14mm box wrench o 17mm box wrench o 12mm socket o 14mm socket o 17mm socket o Dead blow hammer o Punch for cross shaft roll pin removal o Pry bar o Slip-joint and needle nose Pliers o Small flat blade screwdriver Recommended: Transmission jack to help remove and install the carrier. 1/2" impact gun
#torqlocker #InstallSubaru Torq Locker ON-ROAD + GRAVEL ReviewPower of your brains2019-09-09 | Does your off-road/weekend warrior Subaru need to be a rock crawler to justify daily driving an autolocker? Let's find out.
In this video we explore what its like to daily a WRX with a TORQ locker before hitting the gravel trails for some spirited rally fun. Be sure to watch until the end for insight and tips that should be helpful if you're considering buying an autolocker for your Subaru.
Our 2011 Subari Impreza WRX 5MT hatch (aka Rex - colloquially and uncreatively) has yet to be prominently featured on this channel. For anyone that's curious, please see the mod list below: *Tires - Yokohama Geolandar ATS 215/60R16 *Wheels - 2000 Impreza RS *Off-road stuff - 1" strut spacers, skid plate, hitch? *Go-fast stuff - Cobb stage 1+, Whiteline rear swaybar
Featuring sounds from "Spliff and Wesson" by Airglow soundcloud.com/airglowsounds/spliff-wessonTORQ LOCKER vs X-MODEPower of your brains2019-08-01 | Granny takes on @bruceyyyyy and his 3.6R Outback to see if the TORQ locker can out-do X-mode - on a crazy climb up a massive pile of coal followed by more AWD testing to find the limits of both setups. Watch on to see the results and subscribe for more!
#TorqLocker #XmodeSubaru R160 Autolocker Explained + Ratcheting Sound TestsPower of your brains2019-07-05 | How the TORQ locker locks and unlocks your wheels followed by tests of the autolocker ratchet sound, since so many people seem to be curious about THE CLICKENING. Check out the rest of our TORQ locker-related videos (links below) and subscribe for more!
#R160 #AutolockerSUBARU TORQ LOCKER Off-road Testing | Does it make a difference?Power of your brains2019-06-25 | Our gnarliest climbs BEFORE and AFTER installing the TORQ locker. Stay tuned until the end for our thoughts and a brief discussion that may be helpful to anyone considering an R160 autolocker for their off-road Subaru. Check out the rest of our TORQ locker-related videos (links below) and subscribe for more!
#SubaruLocker #R160 #TestingSubaru R160 TORQ Locker UnboxingPower of your brains2019-06-18 | The TORQ locker for Subaru R160 differentials is finally here! Check out the rest of our TORQ locker-related videos (links below) and subscribe for more!
#SubaruLocker #R160 #TorqMastersSubaru Forester goes full send-it at an ATV parkPower of your brains2019-06-18 | Sketchy descents, dirt bike ramps, muddy climbs, and SxS's - this is all the action from our recent trip to Rush Off-road ATV park in our SF Subaru Forester, aka Off-road Granny.
#grannylearnstofly #senditOff-road Subaru at an ATV park: SUPER MUDDY hill climb failPower of your brains2019-06-11 | Off-road granny invades Rush Off-road park.
Just through the gates, before we even started sharing trails with side-by-sides, we got a little too ambitious about climbing what was literally the first hill we saw. It was super muddy and we forgot to lock the diff; marking the second time we've had to turn around on a 35 degree incline.
Check out the rest of the trip in the video on our channel and subscribe for more!
Featuring sounds from The Pirate And The Dancer by Rolemusic freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/The_Pirate_And_The_DancerSubaru OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE with MtnRoo West VirginiaPower of your brains2019-05-24 | Mud pit challenge, MT vs AT on muddy trails, crazy-steep hill climb challenge, and much more from our recent MtnRoo West Virginia adventure through the heart of Appalachia. Thanks to Bruceyyyyy for being able to join us on this haphazardly exciting voyage through mud, mountains, and more mud.
@bruceyyyyy #MtnRoo #HillClimbChallenge #MudMessage to Subaru about low range from Tyler | 2000 SUBSCRIBER SPECIALPower of your brains2019-05-14 | A snippet from our mtnroo WV group ride adventure - check out our channel to see the rest of this adventure and subscribe for more!
@bruceyyyyy @Subaru #Subaru #GiveUsTheLowRange,MOAB Off-roading in a Dodge Journey rental carPower of your brains2019-05-06 | We wanted to see what Moab was all about, so we rented a Dodge Journey to do some rock crawling. It's totally not a minivan.
2015 XV Crosstrek (aka Adam's Crosstrek) *Mostly stock, now with Geolandar all terrains 2006 SG Forester (aka Smokey Bean) *Lifted, all terrains, other casual off-road mods 1998 SF Forester (aka Off-road Granny) *Lifted, mud terrains, long-travel suspension, many other mods
CONTENTS 0:30 SF Forester 1:46 SG Forester 2:53 Crosstrek 3:49 Special Announcement
Featuring sounds from "The temperature of the air on the bow of the Kaleetan" by Chris Zabriskie chriszabriskie.bandcamp.com/album/undercover-vampire-policemanSF Forester transmission install & nighttime off-road adventure testPower of your brains2019-03-05 | This video covers installation and off-road testing of a junkyard transmission we picked up to replace the differential we toasted on accident by running it without oil (check out the diff autopsy video link below for more). Even though the previous transmission worked fine, it's easier and cheaper just to replace the whole thing on these old Subarus.
Check out these playlists MODS - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrUBKqCU7Ys0rPkrSk3ton4SvMhpzLLO ADVENTURES - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrUBKqCU7YuD49edWZucupRiojB6QjKWAutopsy of a Subaru front differential run without oilPower of your brains2019-02-26 | It's easy to forget about maintaining your front differential, but this video inspecting a Subaru front differential run without oil will show you why you need to do it. The transmission here was recently dropped out of our 1998 Subaru Forester, aka Project Off-road Granny. We also compare it to a phase II 4EAT diff and housing we have lying around in case anyone is curious.
Featuring sounds from The Great by Broke for Free http://www.brokeforfree.com2019 Blazer - Does Chevy really think nobody wants a rugged mid-size SUV?Power of your brains2019-02-18 | The off-road capable Blazer of yesteryear has been transformed into a bloated Camero, but why exactly did this have to happen? With the return of the Bronco and record sales of mid-size off-roaders such as the 4runner and Wrangler, you have to wonder why Chevy just sold out it's best antidote to the crossover bubble.
This is our first car review. Normally, we just like hacking up Subarus and taking them on adventures, but we had to throw our hat into the ring for this one. Let us know what you think down in the comments, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more original content.
Featuring sounds from Birthday Cake by Jahzzar http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/Wake_Up_Excerpt/Birthday_CakeThe SG Forester airbag light explainedPower of your brains2019-02-11 | Tyler explains the Subaru airbag light problem on the way back from the West Virginia International Auto Show. This particular explanation applies to 2003 and 2004 SG Subaru Foresters, but may affect other Subaru models.
Featuring sounds from Birthday Cake by Jahzzar http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/Wake_Up_Excerpt/Birthday_CakeSubaru Forester OFF-ROAD CRAZINESS | another action packed yearPower of your brains2019-02-05 | A year of off-road action condensed into one short video; from our adventures in the Blubaru to project Off-road Granny. This last year turned out to be even crazier than I remember, so I did the best I could, but there was just no way to fit it all in there this time.
Please share this video with your friends to goat them into off-roading their Subarus. Thanks for watching!
Featuring sounds from The Great by Broke for Free http://brokeforfree.comULTIMATE MUD TERRAIN CHALLENGE: Recovering the off-road Subaru from the middle of a lakePower of your brains2019-01-18 | We put mud terrains to the ultimate test by trying to drive across a drained lake bed, again.
Featuring sounds from Presenterator by Kevin MacLeod soundcloud.com/luis-felipe-toons/kevin-macleod-presenteratorOFF-ROAD SUBARU MODS || Rocker Armor, Limb Lifters, Utility Drawer || How to modify your GrannyPower of your brains2019-01-14 | It's a variety show Off-road Granny modifications; Rocker armor to protect your Subaru, trail limb lifters to protect your windshield, and a ridiculously convenient 3-level sliding storage system.
*edit - Rocker armor weight is ~35 lb per side, not 60 lb
Off-road granny is a 1999 SF Forester turned utilitarian trail monster; blazing trails so gnarly, they'll make you want to turn your jeep around. Thanks for watching. Subscribe and check out the playlists below for more.
Existing mods include a locking center diff, 4" lift with long travel, snorkel, bumper with winch and skid plates, and others too numerous to mention (check out the MODS playlist below for more). Subscribe to see more!
Featuring sounds from "Spliff and Wesson" by Airglow soundcloud.com/airglowsounds/spliff-wessonThe TRUTH about off-road granny adventures: What EXPLORING THE WILD in our Subaru is really likePower of your brains2018-11-26 | What overlanding these West Virginia mountains in our Subaru Forester is really like.
This video is a snapshot of everything that ordinarily wouldn't make it into our videos, such as turning around at dead ends, attempting obstacles despite knowing they will most likely result in failure, and being easily distracted by just about everything.
This video is not behind-the-scenes setup of our adventures - we are 100% candid, and prefer to fiddle with cameras as little as possible. This means that there are dozens of hours of film for each trip, but all the time we spend editing is worth it if you guys enjoy our shenanigans.
Let us know you appreciate our foolery and subsequent troublesome editing by hitting thumbs up or sharing with a friend.
Thanks for watchingTesting Geolandar mud terrains on the long-travel off-road ForesterPower of your brains2018-11-12 | Testing out project Off-road Granny's new Geolandar M/T's by crawling around on rocks. Size is 235/75/15, car is a 1998 Subaru Forester.
Featuring sounds from night owl by Broke for Free brokeforfree.comPreview of our RETURN to THE HOLE in Project Off-road GrannyPower of your brains2018-11-05 | Last spring, we got our off-road Subaru Forester stuck in a place so gnarly that not even search and rescue could find us...so naturally we had to return. We're happy to announce that we have finally conquered the hole in Project Off-road Granny.
Subscribe and check our channel to see our triumphant return, and check out the playlist below to see what happened last spring. youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrUBKqCU7YtinbaQ_CWq5NbBbavB4dbuLong travel Forester VS Stock Crosstrek with all seasons off-roadPower of your brains2018-10-22 | Comparing two very different Subaru's on an off-road obstacle. See how they performed, and stick around until the end to see some crazy Forester rock crawling.
About the cars: Off-road granny is a 1998 SF Forester that is lifted with long travel and all the off-road bits required to fulfill its purpose as a dedicated mountain off-road vehicle.
The blue Crosstrek is a blue Crosstrek that is completely stock with all season tires, cheap aluminum cattle guard, and a novice driver.
Thanks to Adam for coming out and showing everyone that all season and all terrain tires are not the synonyms for each other.
If you would like to see a more balanced comparison of the two cars in this video, we are currently accepting Crosstrek donations - please write us a business inquiry email at the address on our YT page. Once you sign over the title, project Crosstrek will commence, and as thanks for your generosity we will paint a mural of your choosing on both the hood and hatch.
Featuring music from Slam Funk by by Broke for Free brokeforfree.bandcamp.com/album/slam-funkSubaru Forester mountain climb | Granny DESTROYS gnarly ascent on first trip off-roadPower of your brains2018-10-12 | Project Off-Road Granny is a 1998 Subaru Forester with long-travel and a 3" lift (at the time this video was filmed). This was granny's first trip to the mountains, where she far exceeded our loftiest expectations.
Featuring music from Slam Funk by by Broke for Free brokeforfree.bandcamp.com/album/slam-funkOff-road granny DIY lift - first test drive & 1000 subscriber thank youPower of your brains2018-09-05 | Quick test drive of our "new" SF Forester after installing a custom lift made from scrap metal, HDPE, and some adjustable trailing arms.
We made this quick video to say thanks to our first 1000 subscribers - the overwhelmingly positive response you've given us makes this channel worth the effort, and we greatly appreciate your support.
Subscribe and click notifications to follow our projects, and join in on our shenanigans by dropping ideas below in the comment box!
Check out these playlists MODS - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrUBKqCU7Ys0rPkrSk3ton4SvMhpzLLO ADVENTURES - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrUBKqCU7YuD49edWZucupRiojB6QjKWOff-road Forester build: How to remove a seized trailing arm bracket to lift your carPower of your brains2018-08-30 | Frame rails tend to develop a layer of rust and junk on the inside over time, making it a huge pain to remove attached accessories in order to install a lift or replace worn out parts. In this video, we show how to remove seized trailing arm bracket bolts from an SF Subaru Forester - aka project off-road granny.
This 1998 Forester is our latest off-road Subaru build, but its not our first rodeo tricking out these old hipster wagons to battle jeeps in places no Subaru should ever go. Click the channel icon to see our catalog of mod videos and candid adventures, and subscribe to follow off-road granny.