SoobieDoo

I've never had a problem commuting 30 miles to work for over a year, and a fair amount of abuse off road...including some unintentional air. I'd be more concerned about the steel they're bolted to!!!

It's official...we now have a fleet of subarus! We just bought a very clean '87 GL wagon from Scott, to build into a capable snow rig for our move up to Mt. Hood, Or. Currently Pam drives a full-size bronco, which is good in the snow, but not for a long commute at 12mpg best. She's not currently interested in joining the forum...well see how long that lasts! Plans are to NOT destroy it off-road. This car will primarily be a commuter, and is only lifted to tackle the white stuff. *EJ22 with SJR adapter plate. Not included in the sale, but will be added sometime this summer. The stock motor 'aint gonna cut it on this one! Hwy 26 has a true speed limit of 65, with some long, steep grades, bigger tires, and fuel injection for those cold starts. *15" STEEL pugs. I'll have to piece together a set, but I've got a lead on one or two. Probably powder coated, due to the rarity of them. If I can find enough, maybe a spare set for mounting studded tires. *Tires We're thinking 29-30", No bias ply. A/T's studded, summer M/T's not. *Custom or ATV snow plow. The driveway won't be plowed because it's private, and even this rig won't tackle the 4+ feet of snow at times. We'll see how long my back holds up before this is done! *Heated OB seats and remote start. This is my wife's car...only the best for her. *Spare welded diff. or quick disconnect axle. Obviously a welded rear is not ideal for commuting, but may be needed to plow snow and for play. I may work with Scott to design a shear axle to prevent damage, and also serve as an easy, quick disconnect for leaving the W3.90 in.

It'll probably be that long for me, as well...skidplate, exhaust, axles, etc. :-\

I had almost done that, but never finished it. My first design had too much flex in the linkage, and not enough holding power. For the cost and simplicity...can't be beat. Had to google that one! The only downside I can see, is that it wouldn't be automatic. Just like the dual e-brakes, only probably stronger. Ehhhh...too much money and time for something that should work. You may now have your thread back, Scott, as I'm sure you won't be going this route.

That VDC video is pretty cool. Coupled with low range, that would be a great mod...but yes, too much for me to tackle. I may just try the ABS locker someday, though. A simple 3-sensor system with the rear disconnected, swap pump lines so the wheel that spins gets brake pressure, and disable the pressure relief so the wheel doesn't pulse. It just may be possible.

How about a modded ABS system for a front locker? I'm assuming that newer subarus have some kind of traction control like that, but maybe an early system by another brand would work better. Flip a switch, and have brakes applied to the wheel that slips, without touching the pedal!!! I know that I've read about this before somewhere... ~E

...but he didn't say it's driveable like that. Just look at the tire to fender clearance on the front at 11:00, and rear 10 & 2:00. Again, no reason NOT to add a 2". It will at least lessen the trimming.

I think you'll be lucky to get one or two more pics, because there simply aren't that many of us w/o lift. The 2" suspension lift is so cheap and easy, there is really no reason to not do it. With 4", and 27's, I did have to trim and bash to avoid ALL rubbing.

I had to do this on my rig, as the harness was 90-91, and the engine a 94. Works fine, but you will have to pull the intake manifold to swap out the engine harness. Easily done on the EJ, though...the EA bolts can get really seized up.

Great, I'll have to get Pamela to join the forum! What day(s) are good for you? Have a great time in cali!

It's well worth the trouble!!! I hadn't used 5th gear in over a year, and now I can cruise comfortably at prob 75 or so. Still haven't tried it off road yet, but I'm sure the improvement there will be just as substantial. I'd say it was only about $450, but that's not including the adapter plate or new clutch.

There will be differences, but mostly only in parts like the ecu, injectors, maf, etc. The harness itself should work, if you have the same number of plugs between the engine harness and the rest. Should being the key word...I'd keep looking for the same year preferably.

Pictures required before help... Ok, fine, have you done a full tune up yet? Start with the simple and cheap stuff, like filters. As for the grinding, adjust the clutch cable first, then take a look at this: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=86901&highlight=shifter Hope that helps, ~Eric

Surely, yes...I may just have to go up there daily to check the snow level We should organize a group, or at least wheel together somewhat regularly. Seems like there's plenty of capable soobs around, but guys like TeamCF having to be the minority on outings. That's certainly not been the case for me, with NWWO up here!!! I think between browns camp, sand lake, hood, and some other spots, we could keep busy.

Clean find for the money, since you already have the DR to install. Do you plan on using those swampers off of your other car? They'd likely look a little small under 8" lift.

I'll surely be hitting up lolo most of the time, when we move at the end of summer up there....... A whole 1/2 mile from the turn-off!

I do believe that's a Flintstone mobile.

Yeah, I didn't catch that either.

I have no pics of it, but just unbolt the steering knuckle near the firewall, cut it in half, and weld it with pipe to fit. Be sure to use mild, low-carbon steel, and weld 'er up very well!!!

That sux man! At least no one was hurt, with such a catastrophic failure. Were your rear axles bad to begin with? ~Eric

The EJ swap is basically done. I still need to loom up the harness, ammo box the ECU, and get an aftermarket oil sender, but that doesn't keep it from getting me around. As an additional "upgrade", I'll be swapping out the ECU and MAF for the correct ones soon. Today I worked on comfort, by finally getting the legacy seats installed. Easiest mod so far, with the frame rail holes the same exact width. So by drilling new holes for the rear bolts, the rails bolt right on. They do sit a bit higher than the stock ones, but I'll like that for normal driving. I may just have to dork out and wear a helmet off-road, though. Yes, I know the color doesn't match, and the driver's seat is patched, but at least I won't have a numb a$$ anymore driving to Mt. Hood. So I'm a: Not much left on the original to do list...future plans are all pretty minor. Skid plate, exhaust, bumpers, cargo rack, and winch. Maybe a converted ABS front locker!?!

No, not an off-road test yet...but at least you ate some raw fish for the waterwagon.

Board Member: SoobieDoo Engine: '94 EJ22 Chassis: '86 GL Wagon Tranny: EA82 DR 5-speed Other: 4/3" SJR lift, 6-lug conversion, 27" AT2's on 15" Nissan steels, SJR adapter plate, welded diff, custom tow bar/bumper, lights, CB, etc. Future plans: Legacy seats, 2.25" cat-back exhaust into glasspack, custom roof rack, more lights, rear bumper...it never ends.

Oh, this is gonna be good!

Lookin' niiiiiiice, Austin! You will prob have to trim up the front at least, but that's to be expected.