Mechanical_misfit

What did you come up with for tires? I've been searching out some for a while.

Any updates on this rig?

This weekend was productive. Got the rear brakes done, and working. The pedal had been a little spungy, but not as bad as some junker loyales I've driven in the past. Much to my suprise though, when I took the drums off, everything fell out. The springs were broken on both sides. It's weird that I never heard any grinding. This thing stops so much better now. I still wouldn't mind swapping to rear discs though. I also managed to install new rear shocks. The old ones looked like the originals. I then found that 19mm bolt under the rear seat, and cranked up the rear end. Over all the ride is much better! I also like the increased rake. The fronts are up all the way as well, so it should be a little smoother in the dunes this season. Next weekend I'm going to change the trans gear oil, and the rear diff. I had originally thought my trans was leaking but after further inspection, it looks like it could be my oil pan and rear main seal. This thing is pretty nasty underneath, between engine oil, and having had two blown inner axle boots. I've got lots of cleaning to do.

Got the green on from eBay. $6.69 total shipped to my door.

You can get a white tire paint marker for your tires. There really are no companies making raised white letter tires for a 13 inch rim anymore. It's looking great though! If you were closer to MI, is gladly powder coat those wheels for you. I paint that orange at least twice a week.

Looks like you guys have had the long style bar that extends back to the crossmember. The one I have doesn't. Here's pics of one I found on Mic's page. It seems like it might mount to the front tow points but it doesn't really line up. I'll be in the garage later and ill try to get a pic with it ans my car for reference. Maybe I've been staring at it too long ans just need a different perspective.

I have not heard or seen any posts yet. I'm assuming August? It's roughly 2500 miles from my door to where last year's show was. I'm looking at this ending up being a 5-6000 mile round trip.

Bumping this topic again to try to include some opinions on tires. I am planing a trip out West to go to the WCSS. I have always ran what ever used 13" tires I could find, but I'm thinking a set of four brand new meats is in order. Does anyone have good/bad experiences with certain brands or sizes? I'm fairly certain I will be keeping my stock rims, so the 13" s are relevant to me, but perhaps you guys with pugs or redrills can chime in as well.

First off, righteous wagon! And no, havnt figured it out yet. Any pics would be a huge help.

Some how I managed to strip the right front hub today. So I ended up FINALLY installing the EMPI axles. Admittedly the old hub stripped during a lot of tire smoke. I was cruising out on some back roads near a friends place when it happened. I was able to dig up a new hub I had stashed. Not sure why the axle nut decided to back off like it did. Anyway, New axles are in and it feels lighter in its feet. The steering feels smoother. It looks like I may need new outer tie rods. Maybe an inner as well because I think its slightly bent. I ordered new rear brake shoes and a hardware kit. I plan on bleeding the entire system aswell. I think one of the adjusters may be bad because you kinda have to pump the brakes a bit if you wanna stop in a hurry. I have every intention to drive this thing from Michigan to WCSS this year, but there's no way it will make it in its current sketchy condition. I still have so much work to do.

Totally fake haha. I was just bored. Doing a bunch of mechanical repairs this weekend. Stay tuned!

Drove to lake Michigan to unwind.

Yeah, haha. I'd say she sounds good, but you can hardly hear it run!

I'm pretty sure there is a difference in those years. The bar I have does not extend back to the motor mounts.

So I have the short style ea81 push bar here and I intend to install it onto my '84 wagon. The one I picked up needs a little work, and it seems like a couple brackets are missing. Does anyone have a pic of one of these installed? From the under side of the car? Seems like it might hook I'm to the stock tow points but. Not totally sure.

Saw the Brat today and snapped a pic. This thing is looking good. Anybody out there who has one of these cars should do themself a favor and spend an afternoon buffing It out. Tdodge's brat was pretty faded, as well as tdf when I got it, and they both shine now.

Looks good Tom!

I was able to ride in the jump seats of this rig tonight. It was just above freezing. We went about 3miles. Next to partying in my old Chevy Van, this was the most fun I've ever had in a vehicle. Rock on and roll heavy Tdodge. Fun on wheels!

Ohh my God! What a beautiful wagon.

Nice! Those wheels always look great.

You're playing musical engines on this thing tom! Good to hear its running again.

This wagon just keeps getting cooler and cooler. Care to shed some light on what your front suspension will consist of? Nice work as always!

Nice score! I am very jealous.

I've personally never cared if they were intended to go offroad or not. My first Subaru was just a cheap 4 banger, and once it showed me how good it was off-road, I didn't complain. As a teenager, every car was an all terrain vehicle. Haha.

Hell yeah brother! I had a blast yesterday. Tom is a great dude, and always has a cold beer waiting for ya. It was fun talking Subaru with another passionate old gen guy, and I was proud to finally sit in those jump seats! I can't wait to help get this thing back in to fighting shape, and it should make for an easy project. Thanks again for the hook up on the hood cable and fenders Tom!