What kind of shocks and struts do you guys recommend for an 86 brat?

not many options I recently put new struts on the front of mine Gabriel is the brand name got them off ebay about 40 a piece They looked a little beefier than the ones I took off

Kyb shocks are awesome ,I

i get them off ebay , or rock auto

I second KYBs. Great shocks, decent prices. Got mine at rockauto but I've heard of people searching amazon and getting them even cheaper.

I put a set of Kyb gr2's on my gl wagon lifetime garented and now it rides better than my Legacy

I've found Monroe to be very helpful - I've just bought a pair for my L-series EA82 (UK) but can't yet vouch for their quality. But They had a really good reputation years ago. http://www.monroe.com/ A new lower coil-spring retainer and lower mounting bush is included but none of the upper bushes nor coaxial bump-stop. A pain as I now have to source those separately.

 

 

Above, shocking state of the old unit - still working after a fashion but not brilliant.

 

 

Above, after a good clean and a quick blast the top bracket is still OK; thick metal!

 

 

Above, parts cleaned.

 

 

Above, ...and back together again. I've used the old coaxial bump and top rubbers but will replace them soon when I get around to measuring them, sourcing, ordering etc... I need to do this because the other side was worse and I had to destroy the top rubbers to get the thing apart. So I'll end up with good units eventually!

on kybs, which ones?

here's the ones I found on amazon. Are these the right ones?

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/KYB-GR-2-343056-Shock-Absorber/dp/B0071B5LI2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361374935&sr=8-1&keywords=subaru+brat+kyb+gr2

here is the link to the front. Is this what I should get?

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B007WMGX0A/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1361374935&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=subaru+brat+kyb+gr2&condition=new

Yes, GR/2s. Good shocks.