Jeff D.

@Dinky26- Transmission and motor mounts are good… The joints always go 1st for me, whereas the boots stay intact.

Seems like I go though CV joints like none other in my 86 BRAT. Does anyone have intel regarding higher-end/better quality CV joints than the low-end OE replacements? Cheers, Jeff

I'm looking for anyone that might have a small yard or know of a yard that has 80's parts. Specifically, I'm looking for the lens covers for the lights on the side of the front bumper. Anyone have parts or know of people in the area? Jeff

I've looked through this forum a bit and have sent a few messages...but to no avail. If you have one to sell please contact me. Cheers, JD

Thanks for the feedback! Cheers, JD

First off, I have an un-lifted 86 BRAT that I'm replacing the shocks and struts on (it drives way too firm). I primarily drive it on dirt roads and just a little pavement...about 70% & 30% respectively. It looks like KYB is the way to go, though I'm curious about the ride-characteristic differences between the Excel-G (GR2?) and the Gas-A-Just. There appears to be a mild USMB consensus stating that the Excel-G (GR2?) rear shocks ride a bit softer that the Gas-A-Just rear shocks. Can anyone confirm this with personal experience...or second-hand info for that matter??? Cheers, Jeff D.

The front-end of my 86 BRAT (should be EA81) rides way too rough and as a matter of course I'm replacing the old/clapped-out struts with some KYB's. A while back I received some feedback recommending I remove the sway bars and add shocks which would be "additional" to the new front struts. I'm very new to this and my searches have brought up results pertaining to lifts, as opposed to modifications associated with standard ride-height. Has anyone actually installed shocks in addition to the struts on a car without a lift...either with or without the sway bar removal? If so, what did you use and where did you mount it? Got pics? Thanks, Jeff D.

Can this be done on a BRAT without a lift? I'm really trying not to go that route. Thnx, JD

When you say "additional shocks" what do you mean exactly? Are you saying that I need to run a shock in addition to the strut? If so, where would it mount once I remove the sway bars? Got pics? Thnx, JD

I'll be installing a 2" body lift (to clear larger tires) and replacing the struts and shocks on my 86 BRAT. I've seen a lot about both KYB and Monroe replacement struts and it seems that KYB makes better-quality product. Can anyone confirm or counter this with an explanation instead of an opinion? BTW, I do understand that the KYB struts do not have the travel adjustment. I am fine with this given that I do not wish to compress the coil...seems to firm things up too much...this is why I'm going with the body lift. Also, does anyone have info about coils with different spring rates? Anyway, I'm curious to hear what ya'll have to say! Cheers, Jeff D.

Thanks for the feedback! I tried to find the guy is Gresham and came up empty handed...any other search terms for finding him? JD

Thanks for the reply! I have a few follow-up questions: 1) Given that ride-height adjusters add approx. 1.5", are there lift kits available between 1.5" - 3"? If so, where do I find them? 2) Will the rear end need mod/fab to install new shocks? If so, what will it entail and what shocks do you recommend? 3) What type of modification will need to take place to install new shocks up front? 4) What front shocks do you recommend for the front end? Thanks-a-ton for the feedback! Cheers, Jeff D.

I have an 86 BRAT with 14'' Pugs and 195/75/14 Goodrich A/T tires... after a little fender mod it rolls great, but there still lies one issue... the suspension is too firm. Upon realizing that the new wheel fit required some modification, I took advantage of the 1 1/2" lift adjustment that the car's design offers (out of necessity). That being said, it seems that this has stiffened my suspension (which was already riding firm). I would like to upgrade the front and rear suspension without lifting things beyond 2" if possible. Honestly, I'm super-new to all of this and find that sifting through 10 years of threads is, well... killing my mind (x_x) I'm open to any suggestions and greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Jeff D.

These might do the trick...have you tried these yourself or know anyone that has? JD

I have installed some 195-75-14 Goodrich A/T tires on some old Pugs and found that needed to modify (cut away) my fenders to increase tire clearance. That being said, I would like to cover the sharp edge of the fender now that the folded portion has been removed. Anyone know of a semi-universal kit that can be modified without too much trouble? I'm also open to suggestions. Thnx, JD