Whether a sporty all-wheel-drive two door, a low riding chariot with perfect stance and style, or a lifted overland monster with impressive intimidation and growl, we are all attracted to the mystery behind the glass and the possibilities under the hood. Our team has traditionally exhibited some impressive pieces of creativity through our articles that fulfill the wants of searchers of the most beautiful performance and personality, but this time we bring something unique, interesting, and strong that would definitely capture the attention of another faction of the community as it pulls along side or crosses the trail right in front of your eyes. We are not saying that this next subject is lacking in the qualities or persona that previous vehicle articles have possessed, not at all. We are stating that this vehicle stands alone as an example of what one can do to build something that meets their hearts desire, feeds their passion, and delivers the dream exactly like they choose. This build is exactly what our community is all about. Wearing your pride on your sleeve, and creating something for yourself, and no one else. This build proves that the Subaru community is both diverse and extremely creative - no matter what platform or genre of recreation is pursued.

The state of Massachusetts along with any other territory included within the New England region seems to be woven together with a great love for the outdoors and passion for all things aligned with an enthusiasm for off-road recreation. Traveling on its roads either in the Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, you will be exposed to a fair share of Subaru vehicles, many of them being the beloved and dependable Subaru Forester. For decades this has been a popular staple for those needing a practical, strong, and reliable overland capable workhorse. We believe that there are no "average Subaru enthusiasts" like there are no two artists, musicians, or other passionate creatives that respond to their muse the same way. Most march to the beat of their own drummer which is what makes the Subaru community so unique, diverse, and inclusive. In this region you often come across enthusiasts who are accustomed to the unpredictable and challenging which is just a part of everyday life. They approach these challenges with their own sense of ingenuity, innovation, and invention and move through their obstacles in a way that only suits their sensibility. One of these not so average, but uniquely industrious individuals built upon his experiences and inspiration and ventured forth on his modification journey with both hands on the reins ready to change each step of the way.

Sam Epstein grew up within the hearty landscape of Western Massachusetts directly south of the Pioneer Valley next to the Connecticut River in a cozy but elegant town called Longmeadow. Like most car enthusiasts, he cut his teeth on the fantasies of being behind the wheel of his dream car, feeling the drama and excitement of performance and speed, and feeding on the adrenaline that is the primary diet for anyone who has ever stood trackside at a major motorsports event. "My passion for cars started years ago when I first saw the Fast and Furious movies.", he said with humor and familiarity. "That is probably a cliché answer, but it’s true.", he adds. "I’ve always been the tinkering type, and finding ways to improve or customize something has always been fun for me." As we all do, Sam is quickly taken back to the roots of his experimenting and remembers those times when the seeds were planted and his passions began to grow. "The first vehicle I actually modified was a 2004 Ford Ranger.", Sam states with reflection. "The modifications were simple — larger 245-size tires, a cut-off exhaust after the cab, and about an inch of lift. I made a lot of mistakes with that truck but learned even more, doing some of the work myself and some with the help of friends." As many of us do at the beginning of this journey, we trip, we fall, but with strength of determination evolving, we always move forward to pave a clearer path.

Epstein has always been the adventurist type far beyond his love for mechanics and finding solutions. It is normal to hear that most lovers of the Subaru brand were embedded in a vehicle that just could not deliver the personality or performance that they once dreamt of as an early enthusiast. Either their first real ride couldn't cut the mustard at the level they need, or, quite simply, the Subaru platform that entered their life, either by choice or chance, checked all the right boxes and converted them on the spot and supported their passions into the future. Sam's New England exposure and robust lifestyle needed a little more to help him evolve into the creative he was destined to be, but like many of us, he didn't realize how much his simple choices would change his life and spark his desire for much more. "At the time (during the Ranger modifications), I was part of two volunteer fire departments and helped run a firefighter training chapter about an hour away," he remembers fondly. "The Ranger’s gas mileage and limited space eventually became a problem, so I knew I needed something larger, more efficient, and more capable. I bought my Forester in April 2018 because of Subaru’s reputation for safety, reliability, and excellent AWD — which was essential for responding to calls during New England winters." Aligning with the thoughts we've all had when glancing towards the Subaru's capability, he did the math and made an important decision.

With responsibility and practicality at top of mind, Epstein reflects by adding, "Although I’m no longer involved with the fire service, I still work in an essential field where I need to get to work no matter the weather. Over the years, my Forester has proven itself time and time again — from driving through snowstorms in Yellowstone to exploring the deserts of Oregon.", he said with pride. "I’ve never once felt unsafe in it." Now, with all of his secular pursuits and responsibilities put aside, we can immediately see that Epstein's core "tinkerer" and mechanical foundation served as a major influence to the vehicle he sought to become more than just a source of transportation. From the beginning, without knowing how he would contribute to the safety of his local community and also strive to get the job done whatever the overarching purpose would be, Sam would quickly transform himself into an enthusiast who, to again emphasize, marches to his own unique beat. Looking at both his build journey, his choices, and the innovations that directed where he pointed the development of his Subaru platform, Sam can now be categorized as both an overland practitioner and a pursuer of intelligent design, whether it be by his own hand, or from the products he has chosen to include on his ongoing modifications. "I’d describe myself as someone who knows a lot about suspension setups and off-road capability but is still learning the inner workings of Subaru’s boxer engines. There’s always more to learn — and that’s part of what keeps this hobby exciting."

Many enthusiasts will quickly point to the meat of their modification being under the hood where, to the majority, the heart and soul of the true performer resides to pounce and see victory. Learning more about Sam's story, the reader will need to pull inspiration from other areas since focus on building up the engine and amplifying its performance has not been a priority over the timeline of his Forester rebirth. The enthusiast who owns a Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek may be inspired to note that with a little imagination, creativity, and desire to build a beast that patiently moves and attacks with slow purpose is also an impressive contender and player in the field. "Honestly, it might be easier to list what hasn’t been modified — the engine!" Sam says with humor. "I’ve gone through several suspension setups, changed both bumpers, added rock sliders, built a custom kitchen setup, and installed a rooftop tent with an awning." he proudly explains. "Every modification has been made with off-road capability, reliability, and comfort in mind." Also, as an added inspirational bonus, Epstein confirms that collaboration and communal wrenching is always the best way to learn, share ideas, and gain the most from an already giving community of enthusiasts. "The work has been a mix of DIY projects and professional help," he adds. With the assistance of those who came before and others who supported and admired his efforts, Sam's build was able to evolve into something that continues to bring reward and pleasure. 

Getting into the story with more detail, Epstein explained, "A shop installed my lift and swapped out the struts — better left to them with a spring compressor. I installed the custom front bumper myself, bolting it directly to the frame." , he said. "The front and rear bumpers are both aluminum, while the rock sliders are steel. All three were made by a small business called Full Force Metalworks who are no longer in business, but what makes these limited-run parts even more special to me.", he proclaimed with pride. "I love seeing the rear-mounted spare tire in my mirror above the custom kitchen setup — it’s one of those small details that makes the build feel complete." Again, stressing his goal of quality, strength, but focus on practicality, useability, and overall look, Sam explained why his vision was so crucial to the end result. "Despite their rugged look, the bumpers only weigh around 65 pounds each, so they add capability without bogging the car down," he explained. "When I ordered the front bumper, I actually reached out to Diode Dynamics to get the exact measurements for their SS3 pod lights, ensuring they fit perfectly in the bumper cutouts." Obviously, something we never see in track or street performance modifications, is the attention to survival comforts and wilderness adaptability which Epstein covers brilliantly. "I installed the tent myself but had a shop handle the heavy-duty crossbars.", he said. “I also mounted the ditch lights and built the rear kitchen drawer system with a friend’s help. The drawer setup slides perfectly into the trunk, with some minor trimming of the plastic interior panels for a snug fit. It completely changed how I camp — I can easily access cooking gear, run a fridge, and stay self-sufficient while on the road."

Listening to Epstein's story should remind us how important our modification experiences prove to be in our lives and how some of the details go far beyond performance, style, and personality. It is evident that investing your time and money is a major component, but spending time on the things that solidify a memory and link the experiences to purpose is what makes the individual project more personal and less an exhibit of ability. "One of my favorite little touches on the Forester is the headliner, which is completely covered in patches.", Sam emphasizes with importance. "Some were bought while traveling with the Forester, others came from friends or online finds. It’s a never-ending collection of memories and reminders." , he explains. "Every patch tells a story of an adventure I’ve taken or one that’s still waiting to happen. I feel lucky to have these accessories and personal details on my rig — they represent the perfect blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality that makes this Forester truly mine." One of the most important channels of connectivity to both community, brand, and collaboration is the modification project's ability to transform the enthusiast's life beyond the art of mechanics, the exercise of project management, the pursuit of performance, and the practice of recreation into something that both unites and educates individuals with global differences and unique lifestyles. Again, the Subaru community is one that seems to be borderless and forever accepting.

Each event or gathering contains an array of different styles, genres, platforms, and passions that to the untrained eye may seem too diverse to cohesively blend. Epstein's Forester build can stand as an exhibit of how two or more factions can be joined and remain both productive and inspiring. "I attended my first Wicked Big Meet in 2018 and haven’t missed one since — except for the year it was canceled due to COVID.", Epstein remembers fondly. "I’ve also made the trip to York, PA, several times for Boxerfest, which is always an absolute blast. I regularly show my Forester in the Subimods All Car Show, and that’s one of my favorite events of the year." Sam's involvement and dedication to this community should be an avenue to others who are interested in getting involved, even if they own a bone stock Subaru with no impressive modifications. In Sam's mind, his connection to what is organic, inspired, and communal through his vehicle of choice is where the personal gifts reside. "It’s not about the awards for me — it’s about connecting with people.", he confirmed. "I love seeing the excitement from someone who’s never seen a rooftop tent before and watching that spark of inspiration when they climb up and realize how capable a Subaru can be. Being able to share what I’ve built, talk about the journey, and encourage others to get outside is what makes it all worth it." Sam said with gratitude. "I've had the honor of displaying my Forester at Overland Expo East in Virginia, which was a huge milestone. Getting to represent the Subaru community at such a large event and show how capable these vehicles really are was an incredible experience — one that still motivates me to keep pushing the build further."

2015 Subaru Forester

MODIFICATIONS:  

• Lift Kit: 2” ADF Lift Kit
• Tires: 235/75/15 Falken Wildpeak AT4s

• Wheels: 15x7 Method Rally MR502

• Lighting: 4x Diode Dynamics SS3s with ADF Hood/Ditch Light Mounts

• Exhaust: Nameless Performance Muffler

• Suspension: Rallitek Springs & Bilstein B6 Struts

• Roof System: Yakima Timberline Towers with HD Bars

• Tent: 72” CVT Mt. Hood RTT

• A Car Guys Garage CVT Reverse Lockout

• A Car Guys Garage Resin Shift Knob

• Full Force Metalworks Guardian Series Front Bumper

• Full Force Metalworks Dual Swing-Out Rear Bumper with Spare Tire Mount

• Full Force Metalworks Rock Sliders

• Interior Setup: Custom-Built Drawer System with Cutting Board & Domestic Fridge

Are you inspired to modify your Forester after reading this article? 

Check out the wide range of Forester modifications available at Subimods to ready your vehicle for the adventurous lifestyle you desire. Choose from new exterior upgrades, additional lighting, to solutions that protect your undercarriage, Subimods has the products to keep your Forester safe, secure and comfortable wherever you roam.

Take a look below in the product gallery to sample a small selection of quality products.

Please reach out to our team with your interest or to ask specific questions about the information covered in this article. We would be very interested in your thoughts and would be glad to help as much as possible.

For more information regarding aftermarket parts for your Subaru, please visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your platform.

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