Tein Street Advance Z4 Coilovers Subaru Forester SJG SJ5 12-18

TEIN Street Advance Z4 Coilovers for Subaru Forester SJG SJ5 (2012-2018) – Adjustable Lift, 16-Way Damping

TEIN Street Advance Z4 is a height-adjustable suspension kit for the Subaru Forester SJG SJ5, giving a modest lift over standard with better control on and off the road than tired original dampers. TEIN specifies 5 kgf/mm front and 5 kgf/mm rear spring rates for this application.

Street Advance Z4 is TEIN's height-adjustable kit for SUVs, crossovers and compact 4x4s. Rather than lowering the car, it sits slightly above standard height as supplied (about 25 mm higher, according to TEIN) and the threaded spring seats let you fine-tune it from there. The twin-tube dampers include TEIN's Hydraulic Bump Stopper (H.B.S.), which cushions the end of the stroke when the car is loaded or driven on rough tracks.

The damper bodies get TEIN's two-layer powder coat, and the height-adjustment threads are protected by TEIN's low-friction ZTP coating, which resists rust and stone chips and helps stop the spring seats seizing. TEIN springs are cold-formed from SAE9254 spring steel and powder coated, and TEIN designs them to resist sagging over time.

Specifications

• Damper type: Twin-tube, gas and oil, with H.B.S.
• Height adjustment: Threaded spring seat (lift-up kit)
• Damping adjustment: 16 levels (compression and rebound together)
• Spring rate, front: 5 kgf/mm
• Spring rate, rear: 5 kgf/mm
• Ride height as supplied, front: approx. 25-40 mm higher than standard
• Ride height as supplied, rear: approx. 25-30 mm higher than standard
• TEIN recommended height range, front: 3 to 50 mm above standard
• TEIN recommended height range, rear: 2 to 40 mm above standard
• EDFC motor kit: EDK05-12140 (sold separately)
• Top mounts: Reuses your original top mounts
• Part number: VSSA2-G1SS2

Spring rates and ride heights are TEIN's application data. Heights are measured against the car's standard ride height and are a guide only: the result on your car depends on its condition, wheels and tyres, and load.

Key Features

• Lift-up kit: TEIN quotes a standard height of about 25 mm above stock, adjustable via the threaded spring seat
• 16-level damping adjuster, changing compression and rebound together (0 = stiffest, 16 = softest)
• Hydraulic Bump Stopper (H.B.S.) softens full-compression hits
• Compatible with TEIN EDFC electronic damping controllers using motor kit EDK05-12140 (sold separately)
• Suited to the road and light off-road use, including a loaded car
• TEIN SAE9254 springs matched to the car, powder coated and designed to resist sagging
• Reuses the original top mounts
• ZTP-coated threads and TEIN-green powder coat to fight rust

What's in the Kit?

• 4 x Street Advance Z4 dampers
• 4 x TEIN coil springs
• Spring seats and lock rings
• Hook spanners for setting ride height
• Fitting instructions

Please note: image for reference only.

Fitment

• Subaru Forester SJG (Nov 2012 to Feb 2017), 2.0XT, 2.0XT EyeSight, 2.0L AWD
• Subaru Forester SJ5 (Nov 2012 to Feb 2017), 2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-L EyeSight, 2.0L AWD
• Subaru Forester SJG (2013 to 2018), 2.0L AWD
• Subaru Forester SJG (2014 to 2017), 2.0L AWD
• Subaru Forester SJG (Mar 2017 to Jun 2018), 2.0XT, 2.0XT EyeSight, 2.0L AWD
• Subaru Forester SJ5 (Mar 2017 to Jun 2018), 2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-L EyeSight, 2.0L AWD
• Subaru Forester SJG (2018), 2.0L AWD

Not suitable for: other Subaru Forester generations, body styles or drivetrains not listed above, as they use different TEIN part numbers. If your exact model isn't listed, contact us with your registration before ordering.

Installation

The kit replaces the original dampers and springs. Ride height is set by winding the lower spring seat up or down the threaded body with the supplied spanners and locking it with the second ring. Your original top mounts are reused, so check their condition and replace any that are worn before fitting. Tighten the top nut with a torque wrench while holding the piston rod on its flats; over-tightening can damage the adjuster. Leave suspension arm bolts loose until the car is back on its wheels, then torque them at normal ride height so the bushes aren't preloaded. Let the springs settle for a few days, recheck the height and lock rings, then have a full four-wheel alignment done. Check driveshaft angles and brake hose lengths if you raise the vehicle towards the top of the range. Fitting needs spring compressors (where strut assemblies are rebuilt), a torque wrench and a good understanding of the car's suspension. We recommend professional fitting.

Upgrade Further

Add a TEIN EDFC5 controller with motor kit EDK05-12140 to adjust damping from the driver's seat. Contact us for pricing.

Will this kit fit my Subaru Forester SJG SJ5?

This kit (TEIN part VSSA2-G1SS2) is listed for the models in the Fitment section above. Check your chassis code, year and trim against that list, along with any notes under it. If you're unsure, send us your registration or VIN before ordering and we'll confirm.

How much lift will I get on my Subaru Forester SJG SJ5?

As supplied, TEIN's data shows the front sitting approx. 25-40 mm higher than standard, adjustable within 3 to 50 mm above standard. The exact figure depends on the vehicle's condition, accessories and load.

Can I adjust the damping?

Yes. The 16-level adjuster changes compression and rebound together: 0 is the stiffest setting and 16 the softest. Start from TEIN's recommended setting and change it a few clicks at a time.

Does it work with TEIN EDFC?

Yes. You'll need TEIN's EDFC5 controller kit plus motor kit EDK05-12140 for this car, both sold separately. EDFC lets you change damping from inside the car.

Do I need my original top mounts?

Yes. This kit reuses your original top mounts, so they aren't included. If they're worn or noisy, replace them at the same time.

Do I need a wheel alignment after fitting?

Yes. Changing ride height alters camber and toe, so have a full four-wheel alignment done once the springs have settled and the height is final.

Are TEIN coilovers road legal in the UK?

Coilovers can be used on UK roads as long as the car stays roadworthy: keep a sensible ride height, enough clearance and correctly aimed headlights. Modifying your suspension should be declared to your insurer.

Is Street Advance Z4 a lowering kit?

No. It's a lift-up kit: TEIN sets it slightly above standard height as supplied, and the threaded spring seats let you fine-tune the height from there.

What warranty do TEIN coilovers come with?

TEIN UK covers its suspension for 12 months from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. Keep your invoice, as it's needed for any claim.