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"NOOB" looking to buy a BRAT!


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Hello all,

I have recently decided to buy a Brat, and would like to hear opinions on which year would be the best to buy. I will be replacing a Suzuki Sami

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It will be used as a daily driver, I would like it to have a hi/low 4wd but am also leaning towards a gen 1, slight lift, but still be able to get decent mpg. Can a gen1 be moded to a hi/low 4wd? This is my current daily driver/camper/bug out rig....

2002 E350 7.3 PSD

Clydesdale 4x4 conversion

Colorado camper van pop top conversion

Van spec interior conversion

Arb lockers

On board propane/ furnace

12lb warn

Arb fridge

Many more goodies

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I am from Yakima WA, all opinions are welcome since I am a noob to the Subaru seen.

Thanks

Buck

Edited by buckkiller
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Yes a first gen brat can be modded to have a dual range 4wd transmission in either a 4 or 5 speed. In some of the 1981 models the first gens had the second gen drive train. They had a ea81 (1800cc engine) with a 4 speed d/r  instead of the ea71 (1600cc engine) and 4 speed single range 4wd that came in almost all the first gen brats.

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Love that van, man! Those converted ones are killer!

Thanks it took 10 years but she's finally done!! I bought the Sami to tow behind the van but have decided that I need something a little smaller and more practical as a every day driver. I will be selling the Sami to purchase the Brat, I always wanted one when I was growing up....it will be an expedition style build w/ mild lift, custom safari rack for storage, some led lights, custom bumpers w/winch,rear bumper will most likely have a swing away tire, with another water/fuel storage, ARB fridge in the back with a pull out stove and on board propane. Just like my van....I have the build in my head now just to make it a reality!! I guess I'm not a complete Subaru NOOB....I do own a 2013 outback that I bought in Dec of 2012 its the wife's but she wont let me change a thing.

Buck

Edited by buckkiller
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Thanks it took 10 years but she's finally done!! I bought the Sami to tow behind the van but have decided that I need something a little smaller and more practical as a every day driver. I will be selling the Sami to purchase the Brat, I always wanted one when I was growing up....it will be an expedition style build w/ mild lift, custom safari rack for storage, some led lights, custom bumpers w/winch,rear bumper will most likely have a swing away tire, with another water/fuel storage, ARB fridge in the back with a pull out stove and on board propane. Just like my van....I have the build in my head now just to make it a reality!! I guess I'm not a complete Subaru NOOB....I do own a 2013 outback that I bought in Dec of 2012 its the wife's but she wont let me change a thing.

Buck

Nice! The brat you build will be pretty sweet, I hope you start a build thread on it with pics so we can all drool.

Funny, I bought my wife a 13' outback last June and its not so much as she won't t let me do anything to it as im reluctant because its brand new and I dont want to jeopardize the warranty. How do you guys like yours? I think the CVT tranny is funky.

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Have a nice restored 80 brat very clean no rust 5000$ 100 % complete

I would love a gen 1 but think being 6ft 220 lbs I may be a tight fit..... :D  I was a die hard Porsche fan for years and have owned 7 different 911s but im not as this as i once was lol.

Buck

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Go Gen II. You'll be glad you did.

Also, those EA81s are fantastic engines. You pretty much can't break 'em. They've got a surprising amount of grunt, too.

Ya I have decided on gen 2 and have found 2 that look to be gems....I have posted other thread asking for help deciding on which one to buy!

Thanks

Buck

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