Installation begins by temporarily lowering the rear exhaust system from its rubber hangers and supporting it safely. This creates the working room needed to reach the Forester’s frame mounting locations.

Depending on the vehicle’s exhaust configuration, one or both sides may need to be lowered.

The rear heat shield and driver-side underbody panel are removed or adjusted to expose the enclosed frame rails and factory mounting locations.

Factory hole plugs are removed while the retained panels and hardware are kept organized for proper reassembly.

The center access holes are enlarged only as required so the hitch mounting hardware can be routed into position inside the enclosed frame rails.

This controlled preparation provides access without unnecessary modification to the vehicle.

Specialized fishwire techniques are used to route carriage bolts and spacer blocks through the enclosed frame rails.

Each piece is carefully pulled into the correct mounting location before the hitch is lifted into place.

The hitch is raised beneath the vehicle, aligned with the prepared mounting points, and secured using high-grade hardware.

All fasteners are tightened with calibrated torque tools to the hitch manufacturer’s specifications.

The heat shield, underbody panel, and exhaust system are returned to their proper positions and factory hangers.

The completed installation is inspected for secure mounting, receiver alignment, exhaust clearance, and clean overall fitment.