10/02/2026 2:21 am
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Hey everyone! I recently picked up a Forester Wilderness and I'm loving the extra ground clearance, but I’m planning some tougher trail runs this summer and want some real peace of mind. The factory underbody protection seems a bit thin for actual rock crawling or heavy debris. I’m looking for a full set—engine, transmission, and rear differential. I've been looking at brands like Primitive Racing and LP Aventure, but I'm torn between 3/16" aluminum for weight savings or going with steel for maximum durability. I'm also curious if any of these designs make oil changes a total nightmare. What brands are you all running on your Wilderness, and which one offers the best coverage for the price?
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10/02/2026 2:21 am
> The factory underbody protection seems a bit thin for actual rock crawling or heavy debris.
Sooo, I actually tried sticking with the factory plates on my 2022 Wilderness and it was a mistake lol. I hit a hidden rock on a trail in Utah and basically crumpled that "protection" like a soda can. It was honestly such a letdown.
I swapped everything out for the Primitive Racing Full Armor Skid Plate Set for 2022-2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness and haven't looked back. Go with the 3/16" aluminum—steel is honestly overkill and just kills your MPG and sagging suspension. The Primitive set is great cuz it has the oil drain cutout, so oil changes arent actually a nightmare, though you might still get a little mess if youre not careful...
Lesson learned: factory plates are basically just splash guards. If ur doing real trails, get the 3/16" aluminum for the best balance of weight and toughness. Peace! 👍
10
10/02/2026 2:55 am
Honestly, just go with the Rival 4x4 Full Underbody Skid Plate Set Subaru Forester Wilderness. They're 1/4" aluminum, so way beefier than stock but lighter than steel—best value for the money imo.
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10/02/2026 3:05 am
Honestly, I've tried a few setups over the years and aluminum is usually the way to go for the Wilderness. Steel is just SO heavy, you know? It really kills your MPG and saggy backend issues are real.
Before you pull the trigger, I gotta ask:
- What's your total budget for the full set?
- Are you planning on doing your own oil changes or taking it to a shop?
Some plates have access holes, but others make it a huge pain, right?