The most common question we get at Flat 4 Offroad is simple: "Where do I start?" And it's a fair one — the Subaru aftermarket is massive, and it's easy to go down a rabbit hole fast. The honest answer is that the best modifications are the ones that serve a purpose. Before spending a dollar, drive your Subaru. Get it on some gravel, hit a forest service road, load it up for a weekend trip. Understanding what your vehicle can and can't do in stock form is what separates a purposeful build from a collection of parts.
That said, if you've done the miles and you're ready to start building, there's a clear starting point. The three mods we recommend first — to almost every Subaru owner regardless of build goals — are tires, skid plates, and a lift. Here's why.
No modification does more for a Subaru's capability than tires. Your factory rubber is optimized for highway comfort and fuel economy, not trail grip, not washboard roads, and certainly not Alberta winters. Swapping to the right all-terrain tire transforms how the vehicle drives on and off pavement.
For most Subaru owners here in Western Canada, you want a P-rated all-terrain tire with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating. That means you're getting genuine off-road capability without giving up winter performance,a real consideration when the seasons change fast in the Rockies.
Two tires we consistently recommend for the platform are the Toyo Open Country AT III and the Falken Wildpeak AT4W. Both are excellent daily drivers that hold up on the trail, handle snow well, and fit a wide range of Subaru models without requiring significant trimming.
Not sure what size fits your rig? Reach out, tire sizing for Subarus has a few nuances depending on your model and whether you're planning to lift, and we're happy to walk you through it.
Once you've got the right tires and you start pushing further off the beaten path, the next thing standing between you and a trip-ending repair bill is skid plates. Your Subaru's oil pan, transmission, and rear differential all sit exposed underneath — and on rocky terrain, it's not a matter of if you'll make contact, it's when.
The engine skid plate is always the first one to install. It covers your oil pan up front and is the highest-risk component on the car. From there, a transmission plate and rear differential plate round out your coverage for more serious terrain, and a gas tank skid is a low-cost addition that's easy to overlook until it's too late.
For most builds, 3/16" aluminum is the right call — proven protection without unnecessary weight. If you're running a more aggressive Trailblazer setup, 1/4" options are available for when the hits are going to be consistent and hard.
We carry skid plates from LP Aventure, Primitive Racing, ASFIR 4x4, and RalliTEK; options for every build level from Explorer to Trailblazer. For a full breakdown of thicknesses, coverage types, and what your specific Subaru needs, check out our Subaru Skid Plates: The Complete Guide.
With better tires on and your undercarriage protected, a lift is the natural next step. More ground clearance means more confidence on uneven terrain, room for larger tires, and that purposeful stance that signals your Subaru is built for something.
The right lift depends on how you drive and what you're asking the vehicle to do.
A spacer lift from LP Aventure, RalliTEK, or Anderson Design & Fabrication is the cleanest, most affordable starting point. It sits on top of your factory struts, adds clearance without changing ride character, and is a great fit for Explorers and light trail drivers.
If you're carrying gear, towing, or spending serious time in the backcountry, lift springs from RalliTEK add height and load capacity, especially useful if you're running a rooftop tent or drawer system.
For the Overlander and Trailblazer end of the spectrum, full suspension systems from Ironman 4x4 and Flatout Suspension offer a complete upgrade in one package, improved ride, travel, and long-term durability for vehicles that live on the trail. And if you want full adjustability, Flatout's coilover systems are the top of the stack.
Want the full breakdown? We cover every lift option in detail in our Best Subaru Lift Options for Every Build guide.
These three mods, tires, skid plates, and a lift, are the foundation of every capable Subaru build we've put together at Flat 4 Offroad. Whether you're building an Explorer that doubles as a daily driver, an Overlander set up for weeks on the road, or a Trailblazer that's ready for whatever the trail throws at it — it all starts here.
Not sure where your build falls or what to prioritize first? Reach out and we'll help you put together the right setup for how you actually drive.
