Giles Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 Good day guys. i need my air struts reconditioned, on my 1986 XT coupe 4x4. i know this has been discussed many times, but I can’t find any contacts online for replacement parts. I read somewhere the air bags have been remade I don’t want to convert to coil overs. I want to keep it original. can you help me please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_freddo Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 Welcome to the forum Giles! Long time no hear (I’m not on bookface)! I hope you find your answer, I’d want to do the same too Cheers Bennie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skishop69 Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 I have searched and searched and there is no one I have found who will touch them. When, if ever, I get my EJ conversion done, I am going to look into repairing them. Mine still work and I have an extra set, but it never hurts to have a plan in place. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkyboy Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 (edited) Hey man, sorry to hear of your troubles, by the time I got my xt, the air shocks were gone. The plastic air lines are still in place though...where is the compressor located? If mine is still there someone can have it, or was it hooked to the a/c or something? Can't imagine these things are more complicated than the nonsense on bmw x5. The xt is on or off right? Not self adjusting I'm sure...and yes my friend I have the digi dash so feeling the car lift as the little Atari car rides high must be one of sube lifes rare little pleasures haha! The ride itself must be pillowy plush huh? Who has the nos parts is the question...someone recently found a huge stash of the blue backed (not brown for brat) 80s hubcaps you can buy from West coast dealers lol! There is a new set of air shocks in a dusty box somewhere in Japan probably haha. Cheers man Edited February 18, 2019 by sparkyboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giles Posted February 18, 2019 Author Share Posted February 18, 2019 Hi guys thanks for the replies. I should tell you im in UK. Wales to be exact im a foreigner! Sparkyboy, I’d gladly buy that compressor off you. It’s nothing to do with the ac compressor. what hubcaps are you talking about, originals for this car? Ive emailed Subaru specialists all over the world about the struts, even Subaru HQ in Japan.. These cars were popular in USA, Australia and Japan. Not many sold here, there’s only 20 left now in Uk! No positive replies yet. i was wondering about ‘custom’ struts.. but maybe ridiculously expensive... Cheers guys G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkyboy Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 (edited) That's pretty neat you have only one of 20 left, keep it up bro! You must get some confused looks in wales! Here is the thread on the center caps, they fit the steel rims and it appears that the plastic retaining ring is available from dealers as well. Parts numbers and all! So yea originals if your car came with standard steelies or 8 spoke: Maybe the guy that owns that mountain subaru shop knows a guy whose dads friends kid knows something...or maybe they have been in business since 1983 knows how to rebuild? Yea custom coilovers are like $1200 a set and that's probably as close you'll get without the ability to adjust with air... It's funny because air shocks for my second gen camaro are like $15, But make the car ride like a skateboard so nobody wants them, and extreme raked muscle cars were gaudy even when people thought that sort of stance was cool. I can't have a look at my xt until tomorrow at the earliest, but if that compressor is still there, hell pay for shipping and give me what you think is fair...I'll be sure to test it if it is still there. I might even still have the cool 4wd plastic strut tower covers where the air lines go into...those air lines should lead to something! Haha I had her on stands once but just to check for rust and see if she has the rear posi. No dice on that one! I really hope it's still there, that will be cool! Oh the pleasures and pains of rare car ownership... Cheers mate Edited February 18, 2019 by sparkyboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_freddo Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 Sparkyboy, the compressor for air suspension should be under the front LHS guard/fender, between the wheel and the front bumper. Talk about using all nooks and crannys!! I hope for Giles that it’s still there. And Giles, I wouldn’t say the vortex was hugely popular over here. I think many of them stayed in the 80s after the initial excitement died off. In saying that I saw my second ever XT4 in ten or more years. That was on my street/road about six weeks ago. I couldn’t believe it and wished I could’ve followed them for a bit... Anyway, I digress! Cheers Bennie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john in KY Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 Be careful if you have to remove the air lines. Those plastic couplers are easy to snap. A short plastic straw spot longways makes an excellent tool. The XT6 used the same compressor and I think the 1st generation Legacy also used the same part. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carfreak85 Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 I had a discussion about this a couple of WCSS's ago. If it were me, I would be giving a long, hard look at the air suspension systems the aftermarket is churning out for the EJ-powered platforms. With the 5-lug conversion becoming so popular, it only makes sense to use these new, modern air systems to replace the obsolete, NLA XT/XT6/early Legacy air suspension systems. Yes, they are expensive, but you could probably forgo a management system and tank, since the XTs already have those components, saving some money there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giles Posted February 19, 2019 Author Share Posted February 19, 2019 Good afternoon carfreak85 can you send me a link please and tell me more. im also very interested in other pneumatic alternatives. but not coil overs. whats the 5 lug conversion? thanks . G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 I've daily driven and owned 20 XT6's and worked on more over 25 years. Aftermarket has never supplied replacements. There's no market for them over here either. There may have been "more" of them, but it's a minuscule number not even remotely close to numbers needed to create a market for them. Here are the main issues: Availability - it could take years to source 4 good struts. Cost - "new" old stock are often very pricey and almost never show up. $$$. I saw two new ones last year for like $250 each. Used - were reasonable 10-20 years ago, now they're unreliable and prone to leaking. They don't seem to age well at this point if not in daily use - and i've seen hundreds of XT air bags and thrown away many dozens. If you install 4 used bags right now, I'd be surprised if you didn't have multiple failures over the coming years. 15 years ago I rarely encountered leaking bags - now that's about all I see. I guess that's tolerable for a show car but I use mine as a daily driver and don't want to be messing with suspension every year or two. Last one I was trying to get working I installed 6 air bags in a row and they all leaked at the bags. All the ones stored inside leaked and the ones I pulled off parts cars leaked - placed in large bins I could see air bubbling up like an aquarium air stone. You need to search all the time and hope you run into 'new old stock' or ones that were recently used in daily drivers and in good condition. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carfreak85 Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 Giles, You can learn more about the 5-lug conversion on this site, basically use Impreza/legacy front knuckles & hubs with XT6/custom rear hubs to convert form 4x140 to 5x100 pcd. I wish I could tell you more about the air suspension systems, but they are incredibly popular in the states these days. Here is an example of what I'm talking about: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giles Posted February 19, 2019 Author Share Posted February 19, 2019 Thanks guys for all the advice. aftermarket non original air struts sounds like a plan. Has anyone actually done this? id love to talk to him/ her.. Most of you guys are using coilovers? Im a little inexperienced ( my first Subaru) with XT idiosyncrasies, thanks for the help.. I’m getting there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 (edited) 4 hours ago, Giles said: Most of you guys are using coilovers? I installed new stock EA82 rear strut with springs and new EJ stock front strut/springs. Edited February 19, 2019 by idosubaru Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkyboy Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 @Giles The xt is the same suspension setup as the gl of the same era... As far as the five lug, the hot swap was at one point (have a seat for this one) cannibalising an 88-91 xt6 for the five lug and rear disk...no longer so for various reasons Here is a very good write up using a hodgepodge of legacy and forester parts: https://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/168379-writeupthread-loyale-rs-ej-5-lug-hub-fabrication-w-cheap-coilovers/ A very interesting read, however... Let me say this about our setups, I am referring to us 4x140 guys with rear disks...they are fairly common still, they came on third gen gl-10s (turbo) and loyale turbo (the gl10s had posi rear diffs, you guys probably know them as limited slip, so grab that if you see it) The xt I know for certain was the only one to come with naturally aspirated and rear disks? Single range 4wd, yeah? Maybe the rx came like that, I dunno. Anyway the 4x140 w/ rear disk is far too cool to swap, especially on an xt. gl or brat? Let's go, but i would keep the 4x140 on an rx too. The xt drops a serious anchor, she's my best braking car! I also drive lots of e30 and e34 bmws, and a 77 camaro for comparison sake. I didn't know the legacy had the air ride too! Is that ss model maybe? Cool! Man, kudos on all this searching, but in your quest to keep your xt original, it might be time to find a fabricator and/or engineer. It's not like this is a torsion bar suspension, these are struts for God's sake! Why couldn't someone take airbags meant for say, a Lexus or bmw and start cutting, welding, and hitting crap with a hammer until it fits? Are there blank ones to order like wheels and then customize to fit? Not to lead you down more rabbit holes, but the mid 80s Subarus used some parts with nissan, though I am only aware of engine parts such as ignition modules and injectors and what not...and I am not sure how that will help anyway, did the maxima maybe have air suspension? Finally, here is my plan for my xt. Might wanna sit down again... Cutting the springs and/or heating them to slam her lower than low, right off the bump stops. With a set of 85 premier alloys she's gonna sweet, and lower than my camaro, (2" drop, scrapes everthing!) Cheers man, let's see some pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkyboy Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 @Giles You try this guy yet? Haha! https://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/168553-stash-of-1st-2nd-and-3rd-gen-old-school-parts/ Those engineering drawings are the sh!t huh? I am going to vistaprint a large one, hopefully comes out good, photos do! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giles Posted February 20, 2019 Author Share Posted February 20, 2019 (edited) Good morning Guys. Thanks for the messages, very informative and inspirational. Im just looking to make my XT as original as possible. It’s what I do as my hobby, tho normally on Alfa Romeo’s. I’m seriously thinking about custom struts but using the original compressor and other such hardware. I’m sure it will work... it’s only air and pressures id also only want to copy original lift positions. I don’t need it lowering.. or should I? Can anybody out there tell me correct height range of the stock car . maximum, minimum and normal car heights. Properly inflated tyres, from ground to top of wheelarch, front and rear. All this help is making thiis Welsh man very happy. thanks. Edited February 20, 2019 by Giles Grammar and detail. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FerGloyale Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 The Original compressors are getting pretty tired. though they can be resealed...but if the walls of the cyl are scoured it's done for. The five way drier/splitter is the part that's hardest to retrofit. I've got piles of that crap. Anyone who want's my stash of Compressors, Relays, Air struts, Computers, and lines can have it ALL if they come get it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_freddo Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 21 minutes ago, FerGloyale said: The Original compressors are getting pretty tired. though they can be resealed...but if the walls of the cyl are scoured it's done for. The five way drier/splitter is the part that's hardest to retrofit. I've got piles of that crap. Anyone who want's my stash of Compressors, Relays, Air struts, Computers, and lines can have it ALL if they come get it. *Giles gets on the next plane to the US* Cheers Bennie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FerGloyale Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 30 minutes ago, el_freddo said: *Giles gets on the next plane to the US* Cheers Bennie Hey I'll pick you up at the airport buddy just tell me when. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giles Posted February 20, 2019 Author Share Posted February 20, 2019 2 hours ago, FerGloyale said: Hey I'll pick you up at the airport buddy just tell me when. Haha.. tempting.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carfreak85 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 16 hours ago, sparkyboy said: Finally, here is my plan for my xt. Might wanna sit down again... Cutting the springs and/or heating them to slam her lower than low, right off the bump stops. With a set of 85 premier alloys she's gonna sweet, and lower than my camaro, (2" drop, scrapes everthing!) Oh sweet Jesus, please don't do that. Just buy some cheap BC Racing coilovers and dump it safely. Hell, I'll sell you my BC coilovers that have been converted to work on an EA82, just to keep you from baking your springs or excessively trimming them (I've cut the springs on my EA81T wagon, but only one coil and it is nowhere near low.) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkyboy Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, carfreak85 said: Oh sweet Jesus, please don't do that. Just buy some cheap BC Racing coilovers and dump it safely. Hell, I'll sell you my BC coilovers that have been converted to work on an EA82, just to keep you from baking your springs or excessively trimming them (I've cut the springs on my EA81T wagon, but only one coil and it is nowhere near low.) Ok cool! If you are happy with a cheap, effective way to lower safely I'm all ears... I have seen the results from cutting two and a half coils, and using those 1" rubber spacers between coils, and she sits perfect...guy was very pleased with the handling after cutting...ford tempo springs work on the gl, yeah? Ride quality is of little concern, but i do want to keep the control arms parallel to the ground as best as I can... How much were the bc coilovers? I understand cheap honda ones work as well? I just heated some 325ix springs and got perfect results...but the xt has a lot farther to drop...i figure I can buy some new or used tempo springs and cut until happy, then order a proper spring of the same height. Edited February 20, 2019 by sparkyboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carfreak85 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 Dang, you're older than me and still don't care about ride quality!? Baking springs changes the temper of the metal, making them softer and more prone to sagging over time. Rubber coil spacers are dumb, dangerous and the wrong way to lower (or lift) a car. You don't want the arms to be parallel with the ground, you want them to have a downward rake from the subframe to the ball joint. Things get silly when you go that low without compensating in other ways. I.e. horrific bump steer, funny camber curves, etc. I have no idea what the BCs cost new, they came on my RX-RA, and I'll be swapping them out for a set of Ohlins coilovers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giles Posted February 20, 2019 Author Share Posted February 20, 2019 Thanks for the messages, very informative and inspirational. Im just looking to make my XT as original as possible. It’s what I do as my hobby, tho normally on Alfa Romeo’s. I’m seriously thinking about custom struts but using the original compressor and other such hardware. I’m sure it will work... it’s only air and pressures id also only want to copy original lift positions. I don’t need it lowering.. or should I? Can anybody out there tell me correct height range of the stock car . maximum, minimum and normal car heights. Properly inflated tyres, from ground to top of wheelarch, front and rear. All this help is making thiis Welsh man very happy. thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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