SoobieDoo

Well, I didnt' use the rubber shim because that would have raised the shift linkage too much, but fixed it another way. Again, EA81 is likely different. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?p=819433#post819433

Got the 4X linkage hooked back up today. After lifting, I had to disconnect it in order to get it into FWD, because the lever bottomed out on the floor. The suspension lift is 1" over stock, so I found a way to lower the shift linkage about an inch, while raising the 4X lever so it can go into FWD. First I got under the soob and took this off from under the shifter. It was stretched to it's limits, and the rubber was starting to tear, so I eliminated the rubber spacer. This also lowers the shift linkage back down to stock. (Click thumbnail for pic of right side up) Same bracket with the rubber spacer cut out, drilled holes and bolted. This bracket holds up the 4X lever and is easily accessed through the rubber boot from topside. It needs to be higher! Fabbed this up real quick from some scrap. I never measured, but guess it to be about 1x2". Getting the bottom bolts in was a blast. And how the lever rides now: Now it shifts smoother, and goes into 4 low, high, and FWD. That much closer to wheelin!!!

...in the fast lane!

I'm in! Reservations here, or first come?

I went to the Arlington PAP over the weekend and GOT EVERYTHING I NEED FOR MY SOOB for $27! No mod parts, but just missing or broken stock stuff. I'm stoked about this, cause I have never not had to go to the wrecking yard for anything. Got some great working hatch struts, door lock actuator, interior spot light lenses, front mud flaps, and a front hub. Once installed, I'll have an '86 that works 100%! Next up, I'll be shimming the shift linkage so 4X works again and of course...the 6-lug conversion.

So Phiz...just how strict are the cops there? Here, our soobs are classified as cars, so lifted the bumpers are too high. Welded steering knuckles...probably illegal on the street. Tires uncovered by fenders are also illegal. Cops just don't care about it for the most part, unless you're being reckless or breaking real laws. Walker valley may not be your style, but it's still a reality. You don't need a lift, so more power to you!

It's all about the tires, man. And the personal preference on trimming and bashing. I'm putting on 28's with wheels very close to stock offset, and should need very little trimming. Not much gearing loss with just an inch!

Then again...it's not like this will be a commuter.

Very true, but the concept is still the same. Just get under the car, find the bolts that secure the linkage, and more than likely you'll find an easy way to raise it back up.

Yeah, okay, maybe not the cheapest...in the long run. EA82 axles can take it, if you could swap those out too. Then you may as well pay the dough for a good kit, like SJR or Bill O. The fact that you got it so cheap, just makes for a less expensive project!

The 4/3" sjr lift on my EA82 moved the position of the linkage, so that I couldn't get it out of 4X, simply because the lever bottomed out on the floor. I temp fixed it by loosening the linkage bracket under the car that has the rubber block on it and using bolts, so that the 4X lever studs just rode on top of it. The perm fix will be an additional 1" rubber shim bolted on to the bracket. I'll post it on my build thread, when I get around to it.

I don't know about the engine, but I'd use a different tranny if you can adapt one. They're notorious for being unreliable, and my dad can vouch for that. One tranny per year that he owned his BII.

Or this 2" is probably one of the cheapest and easiest: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=94629

What...no pics of the soob!!!

Glad you got it done so quickly! Took me just as long, and I had help in the end. It takes a second person to hold and guide the axle, while the other does the pounding.

See if there are any dark spots or corrosion in the wheel bearings. You can degrease, then sand away the dark spots with a very fine emery paper. It took me a good 45 minutes, but then the axle went right in with a length of 2x4 and a sledge, through the engine compartment. I was stuck bad trying to get the new one in, but finally got it with Scott's help.

This will be one nice daily when it's all done! It looks like you've started the trimming already?

That's the plan, Jeff! I even like the look of it lifted with the stock tires better. Now I just need to drill a bunch of holes for the 6-lug conv. Jerry, I just have to say it again...I love that weber you rebuilt! After the initial tuning, I haven't had to touch it since.

Ok, fine...the front half of a lift is far from minor anyway. I can't get a good pic, but has hammered paint: Not too shabby for AT's:

I had a few comments about that rake in the week or so that I drove it like that to work, but not as many as you'd think! The full lift is done now, with the 13's still on, but I've been waiting to post up pics until the 6-lug conv. and wheels are on. Guess I was just tired of posting minor stuff to my build thread. Anytime now...a front halfshaft replaced, wheels all painted, and new tires on the deck!

Looks killer Scott! You gonna trim then re-mount those front mudflaps? :cool:

Yes...you're wrong. Lifted cars are very rare here. Soobs seem to be the most popular to lift (for obvious reasons), but otherwise you may not see a lifted car on the road for years. Phininza: I think that it's great that you do the off roading that you do without a lift. Look at it this way: It's more of a challenge to off road without a lift, so the rest of us are just taking the easy way out!

Yeah, I had a heck of a time trying to get the rear strut extensions on...'till Scott just stood on the rear drum!

I assume that was a old group that you belonged to? Nice design!

:lol::lol: