bendecker

Previously unknown Brat sighting in SoCal! February 27 (Sunday), I saw a blue brat with topper driven by a bald, middle-aged dude going North on the 125 and then it exited to the West on the 52. It looked like it was in really good shape. Did not have personalized license plates (unlike a similar one in our area with "Subaru" on the plates). Anyone? Anyone? Stand and be noticed! -Ben

I have some pics of a stock bracket that I modified to be removable: 1981 Brat Tips and Tricks Page Let me know if you need others (although, I'm a bit slow getting to things these days...) BTW, love seeing the Brat next to the Baja. Great find. -Ben

I have an '81 Brat and have never seen anything like that on my roo. -Ben

On my '81 Brat, the numbers are the same, but with the last "T" on a second line. -Ben

Lame? No way! That was a kick to watch. Thanks for the post.

Please add in tire size, lift and size of rims. Thanks!

Thanks for the replies. I couldn't see any downside to pitching them, but I appreciate hearing others say the same thing before they hit the round file. I'm going to finish up putting the pads in this afternoon and we'll be back on the road. -Ben

As long as I've had my '96 Legacy (purchased used), it's had two sets of brake shims between the pads and calipers. I've looked all over the web and can't find any picture of a brake shim that looks like the the bigger one that's sandwiched between the caliper and the standard shim that comes with new aftermarket pads. The shims, separate and sandwiched: The bigger shims are starting to look pretty beat up and the more I think about it, the more I think they're not needed. Any gurus out there that can shed some light on this? Should I chuck them and call it a day? Or, do they serve some greater purpose than the shims that come with a replacement set? Thank you, -Ben

Sweet! Looks like a really fun ride.

I just spoke with him on the phone and he said he has other priorities at this time. That doesn't mean it won't happen, it just means he's not sure when he'll be able to make more.

Amazing write up! Many thanks for putting that together.

I got the full info from The Beast I Drive (aka Bill, the maker of the Gen1 lift kits that people keep raving about). For a 185/80/13 size tire, you do not need a spacer. The fit is really tight against the torsion bar ends, but he says they work fine. Anything bigger and you generally need a 2" spacer. Personally, if I ever go bigger, I'll buy from adaptitusa.com as they seem to have their act together and their prices are reasonable. So... I'm going to give it a shot and, possibly do a lift sometime post-recession (dream on!) Note: 180/85/13's will not fit under the hood as a full-size spare (obvious to some, maybe not to others), so I'm muddling over where to put the spare without cramping the space for passengers in the rear seats. -Ben

I just talked to someone at http://adaptitusa.com/ who was very helpful. It took them a couple of days to get back to me, but they can make my size (which is not in their standard lineup). The minimum depth of all spacers is 1.3 inches. Here are the specs: 4X140 --> 5X100 $77.25 each 4X140 --> 4X100 4X140 --> 4X108 $57.25 each 4X140 --> 4X140 (as in spacer only, no change in wheel size) $57.25 each If just a spacer for the stock rims would work in the rear, that would be the cheapest way to go. Maybe a thinner spacer and longer lugnuts...? Any suggestions or opinions would be most welcome. -Ben

I'm thinking of increasing the size of my tires on my '81 brat to 185/80/13 (an extra inch of clearance without swapping rims). Unlike swapping to pugs, these are available locally (I'm in So Cal, land of no Pugs). I've searched all over the forums and can't find answers to the following. Any suggestions on wheel spacers so the tires don't rub in the rear against the torsion bars? Or... will I even need spacers for that size? (It sure looks like I will) Anyone here sell them? Should I hit up my local machine shop? Any tips on design? I have a call into adaptitusa, but have not heard back from them yet and would like some guru advice even if I order from them. Thanks! -Ben

I'm going through the same mental exercise here. I stick to relatively easy sand and rock jeep trails (no mud) so I don't need an aggressive off-road tread for my purposes. The two options I've found for my standard, 13" rims are: 1. Hankook 185/80/13 tires (HT-1003477) for $48.50 plus $10.00 shipping each. I can also get them from my local tire guy for $67.00 each: http://www.discount-tires-2go.com/Store_Detail.cfm?ID=182119&InfoID=4853&ShowLarge=True 2. Firestone 185/80/13 tires (FR380 90S) at $47.00 each plus $10.00 shipping: http://www.onlinetires.com/products/vehicle/tires/firestone/185%252F80-13+firestone+fr380+90s.html These would give 1 inch of additional ground clearance without having to swap rims. My current tires are 175/70/13 (22.6 inches) and the 185/80/13 tires would increase that to 24.7 inches. If I have some other reason to go to LA, I could even save the shipping I'm toying with getting a lift kit as well, but am not thrilled with steering modifications, new brake lines, etc. for the amount I go on trails in our local desert. -Ben

I want the torque and the mileage. Has anyone "liked" the facebook group yet? I don't know if it will do anything, but numbers are often the only thing that get noticed. -Ben

My understanding is they simply think that diesels won't sell here; that people are too stuck on using gas engines (something I very much disagree with -- everyone I know that has a diesel loves them). I'm glad to hear they're available in Latin America! -Ben

Want Subaru to bring their diesels (which are widely available in EU, NZ, AU, etc) to the US? There's a Facebook page that already has over 1,300 members. It is supposedly monitored by Subaru, so the more members, the better! http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bring-Subaru-Diesel-to-the-US/369835731018 So, if you're on Facebook, and want a diesel (I do!) please check it out. Thanks, -Ben

Awwww!!!! That sucks! I totally respect the life thing, but it's a downer to see another Gen1 enthusiast have to give up his ride. Best of luck with the sale and everything. -Ben

I played around with the keywords a bit and found some of those other threads. It really irritates me that the shop that worked on this stinking thing didn't see it coming, but oh well... Thanks for the great info. It's just what I needed to move forward. Right now, I'm looking for a used tranny and will most likely drive it until it dies in the meantime. -Ben

Apparently, my "subscribe" emails were being labeled as spam, hence the late reply... I'm sorry to say I don't remember the exact symptoms when it was cracked open. I wasn't the one (pardon the pun) driving that repair, but I believe it was making odd noises at the time, which cleared up after the repair. Can you tell me more about the infamous main bearing? And, is it a fix situation, or a swap the whole tranny thing? -Ben

Great info. Knowing other years and models really opens up options. Swapping the axles is no big deal compared to finding a suitable tranny in the first place. Thanks! -Ben

Hi -- Sorry for the newbie question, but I could really use some help :-) I have a manual transmission, 2wd, 1993 Impreza and the transmission is shot. It has an EJ18 engine (which is in really good shape, btw). So, I'm in the market and am wondering if I have to limit myself to just '93, 2wd manuals. It's my understanding that different models from that era use similar if not exactly the same transmissions, but I'd really appreciate some definite info from someone who knows. Any particular years/models that work besides a 1993 Impreza? and any "gotcha's" to look out for? Help, please. Thanks! -Ben

Sweet! Is the rubber around your tailgate original, or did you find a source for that? -Ben

I'm holding out on the slim chance that Subaru will bring their diesels to the US before our daily drivers croak. It's not looking too likely at the moment, though.