Bratenstein

Thanks for info. So it would appear that if I don't want to mess with disconnecting axles, the best would be an LSD for on and offroad use?

I have read and read about differentials, but I am confused about the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Could someone give the pros and cons of the choices like stock, welded, limited slip, and awd? For example, I saw posts saying you should not run 4WD on surfaces with less than 10% slippage, that welded diffs have problems turning, etc. It would be really helpful to have a comparison of what is gained and lost with each version to help decide what to do. Thanks for your help and advice!

Leak oil? They sure do. I just put 3 quarts in mine this morning. 3 quarts low...Argh! At least the engine is still running. You have to check your oil level all the time--oil just seems to vanish in Subarus.

It's interesting to hear people happy to buy a car with only 137,000 miles. Mine had 300,000 and it only gave me a moment's pause before I bought it because the body was good. In some places $1800 would be a lot, but you got what you wanted, and if the body is in good condition, then why worry? You couldn't buy a different car with four wheel drive to go ice fishing for anything near that, I would guess.

Junk yards tend to be arrogant because they figure (sometimes correctly) that you are over a barrel, but they will always be able to find more cars and buyers. In the short run they lose money because you take a hike, but over the long haul there are enough desperate people that it pays off. I just found a 3.7 and 3.9 transmission in two subes sitting next to each other, but I don't feel like paying what they want for them. Maybe in a couple of months they will have forgotten me and make a better deal.

Dodge Raider (1988 and maybe 89-91?) is also 6x5.5. In fact, I found one with a set of chrome rims that I am tempted to buy...if I hadn't just bought the Isuzu rims last weekend. Oh, Isuzu's also use the 6x5.5 rims, too (don't know what years, but I think its a large range).

How about Mickey Thompson Baja Belteds? The 27x9.5-15LT claims only be 26" in diameter. Anyone know if this is for real? http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/truck.html

Those Walmart Super Sport HTs are very nice tires--like poor man's Super Swampers. But when I went to the link, it says they are out of stock. Did they show as available for you (they must have to have found them, right?) I think I would buy a set if I can get them.

Very nice. What kind of tires are those?

Thanks for all the information--lots of great ideas. Today I found a set of 6-lug 15x6 alloy rims from an Isuzu at pick-and-pull. So I am going to go with the narrower rims based upon what you guys told me. It will be easier to get a tire to fit. I really appreciate the responses!

I read the faq about tires, but I was wondering what the limit was for tire diameter on a Gen 2 Brat? Any experience would be useful, but let's assume that I am going to have a 3" lift (or maybe the 4/3 kit, which should help clearance more). I was toying with the idea of 15 x 10 rims and putting 30-31 inch Super Swampers on. The rims have 3.75" back set, so I am not sure whether they will need a spacer. Is that too much for my stock drive train? Would I still need to cut the fenders? Do I sound like I am under the influence? I know someone had a post about Super Swampers before, but I think they were on narrower rims (7-8 inches). Are ten inch rims ridiculous? It would make a Brat look like those Tamiya RC models in real life. Could be cool or silly.

VHT Vinyl dye will do the job. Summit racing sells a few colors, but other web sites have a wider variety (I think they make about a dozen colors). If you google "vinyl dye" you can find sites where people have used it and describe what they did as well as other vendors. http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=partdetail.asp?part=VHT-SP944 I am debating changing the color of my interior altogether, and this is the product I plan to use.

I have the A/C parts, but I need those instructions, too. Yes, it would be a great service to make a downloadable version and put it in the USRM!

I just checked thepartsbin.com out and it has more parts listed than I have seen at other sites (most of which appear to be clones). Thanks!

Thanks for the replies. You've given me good advice, and that was what I am looking for. This is a great board!

I have the complete drive train from a 1982 Brat that I want to refurbish and put into my 1985 brat. They guy who sold it to me said it was running when the car was taken apart. From reading the posts, I have the impression that OEM gaskets are a good idea. What other advice should I know about for this project? For example, will I need to replace the main bearings for sure, or is it possible I won't? What things might be difficult or tricky about doing a good overhaul on an EA81? I have done engine head work on other cars, but this is the first time that I have tried to do a complete overhaul of an engine, carbeurator, etc.

My 1985 Brat has 305,000 on it.

Would an EA82T engine work with the Brat transmission? Or would I need to get a different transmission?

Hmmm...a long wheel base Brat? I thought the point of a Brat was how compact it was? We already had El Caminos and Rancheros for the long-loving crowd.

Good questions--I am interested too. Especially if leather Miata seats would work, that would be cool!

I have an '85 Brat that someone put a 2WD manual transmission in. The gear shifter sits about an inch or two forward, so they cut the rubber boot and replaced the console with a GL wagon console to make it fit. I am working on putting a 4WD back in (they descerated the Brat in my opinion), but I just want to let you know that it is doable.

Thanks for the info. It is a later generation EA71 with the starter on the side, so I may do it. This is just a temporary idea, but I will follow up with the results if I do it.

Will the 1982 Brat manual transmission fit an EA71 engine? If so, will that combination work in a 1985 Brat? I am looking at buying the EA71 engine cheap to use while I rebuild the 1982's EA81 engine (so I can drive my Brat and overhaul at my leisure).