moosens

That's right. The 4WD wagon was actually imported as a "van". And the Brat was considered a truck(?) which resulted in the hard impact bumpers and no inner door bracing like the passenger cars. I'm not sore. I hope there really is another guy or gal with a late '77 or '78 4WD wagon like mine that is serious -like me. I just didn't like that the seller wouldn't change the description and it invited most vintage owners to think the bumper works for them when infact it does not.

Yes,it mounts to the 2 holes on the heavy duty bumper. That one shown is not the original offered in the catalog. At least not for the Gen I.

Yes,and not thru the pistons. They remain the same throughout the EA71.

Merkrat !

Stock Camshaft p/n 31510 5120 FE Camshaft p/n 41510 3220 Valves are the same size in all EA71's.

Firstly,can you please check for stampings on the heads for me? I'm looking to see if some letters are on the heads other than the cast EA71 and stamped serial number. THe FE heads different than the other EA71.Has its own camshaft -better lift/duration. Tranny case is its own although I don't think it matters much.It's the taller 2nd and 5th gear that get the mpg's. And there's a low driven gear all its own too. p/n 34145 4300 Normal 5spd LDgear is 44 teeth but it doesn't mention how many on the FE. Hope this info helps answer some Q's. I'm hoping I can swap in those gears since I have them and the shims in new form from old dealer stock. Also hoping I can work it all into my '74 4door...another matter.

If you're here and you outbid me for that bumper you should know that the seller refused to clarify his description.I wrote to him the following: That bumper ONLY goes on a stage II '77 4WD wagon or '78 4WD wagon only. It will not work on your sedan,coupe,hardtop, Brat or FWD wagon. If you the buyer want to let it go to someone who's car it actually fits then contact me.

Let's add a few more pages of fluff,eh? Save some conversation for Carlisle.

Curious about the vented disks too. As for pads the EA63/71 is different over here.

I know on the EA71 the flywheel bolts to the crankshaft end which is a seperate disk w/timing gear and the bolt holes do show as going though and appearing over the teeth of the gear. So,I'd say YES cautiously. Gotta think the EA81 is the same w/timing gear. Good luck. Boun appetito !

Sent PM Hope I made it in time. Have a good time.

OK so I see the Aaron guys posting here....and you posting props.... now let loose with a little Gen I rundown for us,would ya? With my schedule its tough to contact people during their normal hours of operation so any report would sure be appreciated. Cheers.

THe hotel scene isn't so bad around Carlsile. We had to stay in one a couple years back due to my son's alergies and damp weather up to Saturday afternoon ....when it cleared up nicely. We actually had no trouble finding a room last minute. * Cool to stay in a place where the lot is packed with European beauties. Tents are cheaper than the gas you'll use on the trip. Little pop-ups that take less than 2 minutes to erect are fairly inexpensive. We've done the back of the wagon thing too. It all works. Walking around on Saturday,meeting the USMB folks ....all worth the effort.

There are 2 versions of the EA71 - keep that in mind always. Great engine,either one. 1st verse - called narrow case , has top starter all years. 2nd verse - called wide case or fat case , has top starter in early years ('79-81) You'll find the starter at driver's side upper begining around 1980 thru any 1600 for the USA onward - 1987?? or so. Chorus - like Sucker King said you'll have a great time. Personal opinion from many is that these were the best for reliability and simplicity. Enjoy! If you're not in a hurry wait on eBay and a factory manual will come around for $5 or so. Otherwise $20 ain't so bad either.

Are you picking parts for folks? I'd throw you some good lunch/beer money for a few items. PM coming for kicks.

Dave - congrats on the find! Hope all is well. You can use any regular old late 70's (Stage II) door handle on that t'gate. Carpet kit is on my list of "Group Buys". I hope we can find someone who'll pass along a discount for a basketful of orders. Still have some windshield gaskets here if needed.

Still haven't registered. I'll get that done in the coming months. But you can pretty much count on my being there.

Strong feelings both ways my friend. My FWD gets used about 99% of the year. And I live in icy New England.

That loud clicking sound was a simultaneous loading of our weapons. Pick on something more plentiful and more appropriate,please.

Way to go Brad !! Happy New Year. Good to see you going strong on the Merkrat.

Thread stays here as far as I'm concerned. I need a barn !

ff-1 Good luck with it.

You got the ff-1 from Liberty? Speculation - you mentioned liberty Dr.SUS ?? A Supercharged Subaru ?? Lifted beater ?? nail biter ..... Better be worth all the drama I thought that was a west coast thing "Secret Mobile" and all that crap..

With all respect to Gary... Just drilling a hole helps. Lefty ,righty ,just drill a hole and then use the easy out if you haven't gone out to buy lefty drills. Drill hole,apply PB Blaster let sit a little,apply heat and your done before the other guy got to the store. Personally,I prefer Timeserts. I bought the kit and do not regret it at all. Better than Helicioil because now you can take that bolt out a dozen times if you need to and not have to re-tap etc.

Bike show at the Javitt's Center. Sorry,maybe in a couple months.