Dueling Crosstreks - Rallitek Vs. Ironman ATS Suspension for Your Subaru

Shock Surplus is taking part in a joint venture between Tread Magazine, Ali Sedaghat(@fastfriends.fun), and Eric (@american_overland), where two identical 2023 Subaru Crosstreks will be purpose built to suit the drivers adventures and daily needs.

This project gets at the heart of what we do at Shock Surplus, which is helping customers get into the suspension that is right for them, and not only recommending what the rest of the industry or community deems “the best.”

We expect big differences between the Rallitek and Ironman systems!

We’re going to take you through both driver’s impressions on the factory suspension, take you through the installation of both systems, and finally - a review on the same dirt and trails both Ali and Eric frequent in the Big Bear, California area.

This video gets into the impressions from both drivers, along with our founder Sean (who’s got a Subaru as well), up in Big Bear.

Ironman ATS for Easy Bolt on Crosstrek Overlanding

Starting with the Ironman ATS system, this kit is the most straight forward, serving as direct replacements for the factory shock towers. The Ironman ATS coilovers come pre-assembled out of the box, and loaded with the new performance springs that give about +2in of lift. Ali chose the heavy load rear springs to accommodate the extra weight he'll be hauling around for his overland inspired Crosstrek build.

Rallitek for the Rally-Inspired Crosstrek

Eric's rally inspired Crosstrek build got a lot more technical during the installation of Rallitek's system. This system utilizes Rallitek springs on Bilstein B6 struts, so for those familiar with Bilstein - this is an immediate improvement in handling and road-feel. Rallitek's system also comes with new control arms that are beefier than the stock configuration, as well as a host of hardware to get the sway bars and other components sitting where they need to be.

Plush and Comfortable vs On-Rails Performance Machine

After a ton of work by both Ali and Eric to their respective Crosstrek builds, it was time to hit the trails up in Big Bear again to get a feel for what the new suspensions can do. Just by casual post-install driving around town, we knew these kits were drastically different already.

And for those unfamiliar with these suspension options, the price differences will immediately polarize drivers, the Ironman System can be had for around $1300 without installation, whereas the Rallitek kit that Eric opted for exceeds $3,000 without installation. Lets dive in to see how these kits perform and which is best for you.

Install Process

Lift kits for every application always feel a little daunting to install before you take the leap of faith and start wrenching, but independent suspension vehicles like these Crosstreks certainly bring an additional few levels of complexity. Luckily, we are happy to report that not only do all of the components from both Rallitech and Ironman fit spectacularly without modifications, but their instructions are more than detailed enough for anybody to install themselves, that is if you get the appropriate order of operations.

Ironman ATS Lift Kit Install

The Ironman kit certainly was the easier of the two to put in simply because it has less stuff. They use a variety of spacers to handle any geometry correction, do not include any aftermarket arms to fiddle with, and the struts all come preassembled, so it is not out of the question for a somewhat experienced set of hands to get done in under a day with hand tools alone.

It is also incredibly clear that each piece was designed and built to be a part of this complete kit, which was certainly evident from the included instructions. They provide every detail from start to finish, including color photos highlighting each step with precise torque specs and bolt sizes.

This is expected with Ironman as they always look at upgrading the vehicle holistically with all of their parts, so in terms of installation, they really have done all the thinking for you. As long as you follow their instructions, take your time, and have a spare set of hands to help you line things up, putting on this ATS kit is a breeze.

Rallitek Bilstein Lift Kit Install

We would like to say the Rallitek went together just as stress-free. However, we would be lying to you if it did not come with its own set of unique challenges, all of which we tackled for you, saving you from making the same mistakes we did.

Without a doubt, the Rallitek was the more involved of the two kits, including an adjustable arm for every junction of the rear suspension on top of all the subframe spacers. It also uses a combination of springs and spacers with the Bilstein B6 struts instead of simply using a set of four lifted struts.

If you plan on reusing your stock struts, you will need a spring compressor; otherwise, if you upgrade to the Bilstein B6 struts as we did, you can order them fully assembled with your choice of springs. Using a spring compressor is never fun, and the Bilsteins perform spectacularly, so we think spending the money for that upgrade is certainly a no-brainer, especially if you plan on doing the installation at home.

Credit where credit is due, the instructions provided with each piece of this lift “kit” were incredibly detailed, well written, and easy to follow but, unlike the Ironman kit, it was definitely evident that each piece of this package was designed as individual upgrades rather than a part of the whole lift kit pie. Rather than giving you a single master installation document taking you through each step of the kit, you receive a litany of individual instruction sheets for every single piece, which, although done well, meant it was up to us to ascertain the order of operations. Needless to say, there were many steps in this install we ended up repeating. Ralliteks engineering and manufacturing are top-notch, so everything fits together like a glove once we finally figured out an appropriate plan of action, but getting to that plan took a little bit of trial and error.

Luckily for you, we filmed the whole process and have included detailed step-by-step instructions with our video review so you can avoid some of the headaches we had. Gripes aside, we think if you follow along with our video or simply follow the appropriate order of operations, the Rallitek kits do not require any more skills behind a wrench than the Ironman ATS. Obviously, since there are way more components to install it will likely be a little more time-consuming or labor intensive, but if you are confident that you can do the Ironman kit, you should have no problem installing this kit as well.

Ride Review

General Handling Impressions

We understand the Crosstrek suspension as forgiving, capable, and smooth out of the box. Excellent daily driven behaviors, pretty comfortable offroad, despite a lack of any meaningful travel. Fortunately both systems give more overall travel. There’s a noticeable difference felt immediately once you’re behind the wheel of the two vehicles; Rallitek-Crosstrek felt incredibly tight, it feels like a real sports car, the Ironman-Crosstrek definitely sits a tad higher, and felt overall smoother and comfortable - at the expense of body roll on a build that’s carrying more weight between the two subies.

On-Road Performance

Ironman

“Ironman’s ATS system was more plush, it absorbs and eliminates any acknowledgement of small bumps…” stated Eric in the video. The Ironman shocks keep the factory comfort, but with more travel at a taller ride height, its remarkable by everyone who’s driven the ATS system - plush. It handles speed bumps and driveways well, soaking it all up when you’re late to work.

Rallitek / Bilstein

Rallitek Springs and Bilstein Shocks in combination mean these springs fit inside the OE-length Bilstein shocks, and are firmer than stock springs to provide the +2” ride height. If the Ironman system is built for cruising, the Rallitek system is built for racing. Inputs to the vehicle were felt immediately, lane changes, turns, no lag even on these all terrain tires.

Off-Road Performance

Ironman

“Its so positive that there must be a negative!” Ali’s experience is nothing less than ecstatic in the performance of the Ironman ATS shocks. Just like on-road, the system soaks up all the ruts and small bumps of the trail very well. You feel them of course, but its not jarring, and there’s plenty of shock travel now to not risk bottoming out if you’re cruising a bit faster than normal.

Regarding the jump in the review - “I hit it by accident at speed…omg this is rad...it gives you a little false sense of security.” Smooth landings were the norm here after hitting the small jumps at various parts of the day, and while jumping your grocery getter is rare - its great to know that the consequences are minimal with this type of suspension behavior and nearly eliminating harsh landings.

The small bump compliance is where these shocks shine, with a smaller piston and lower gas pressure compared to the Bilstein system, these shocks transfer less harshness to the cab and are overall smoother on the rocky trails.

Rallitek / Bilstein

This is a very specialized suspension system, with the singular focus of sport and speed. There’s very little, if any, consideration to comfort. Its not nasty by any means, but the difference between the systems off-road where the ruts and rocks are prevalent - is dramatic.

“At a certain performance level, I do want to feel it, I want to feel the road.” The beauty of a system like this is the absolute traction and handling gains. The shocks smoothen out the faster you go, so if that suspension is working its full travel through whoopy sections or lots of turns or bumps, the Rallitek system delivers tons of confidence.