Either a Loyale or GL would work for me, since they're basically the same.

My Vote = EA81 ! ! !

 

+1 = Reliability of the EA81 pushrod engine is superior to '82 w/ less maintenence issues

+1 = Desireable EA82 parts swap over without major fab. (5SPD D/R, rear diff.s & disk brakes, etc.)

+1 = Better Proportions, a Smaller & Lighter Body (respective to bodystyles), & the trademark Spacecraft Dashboard!

+1 = Compared w/ EA82 Coupe: Wagon has Larger Capacity for Gear, Tools, & Spares)

 

 

 

I think EA81 Wagons (and Sedans!) serve as excellent lifted Subaru rigs. They are durable and easy to work on and look good after nearly 30 years after it was designed. Besides, doesn't it feel better smashing an older EA81 Wagon into obstacles off-road as one commonly does, than ruining your streetable EA82 Coupe?

 

*BOTH EA81 & EA82 SUBARUS ARE GREAT AND FOR THE MOST PART NEARLY IDENTICAL IN THEIR OFF-ROADABILITY*

 

That's my 2¢ -

[i didn't see any posts taking a pro-EA81 'bodystyle', so there is my stance.]

 

Disclaimer: I would be happy to off-road any EA82, but given the two alternatives, I know which car I would rather keep on the road for it's nicer ride and whcih one I would try to climb trees with! IIRC, there are a good number of senior USMB'ers who were big EA81 proponents back when I found this well of oldschool Subaru knowledge.

HAHA! I love my old EA81 as well.

 

But really.

Go with whatever year/model you want. In the end it's up to you and what you feel comfortable driving around the woods in.

I do think when it comes to the hardcore stuff a hatch would be the way to go, but if ya want to haul stuff for camping and whatnot a wagon might be better.

 

I have tons of fun with my stock GL. Could use a lift and tires but after 300K the engine needs a rebuild first. (still strong though, just knocky at startup)

I'm gonna go with an ea82 wagon rather than an ea81, not only because I like the look of them better, but also because they're easier to come by around here.

^ True that:

I think it IS somewhat cheaper to source parts for EA82s and more of them are still on the road.

 

Cheers and good luck on your project!

 

If you have to source an EA82 wagon, take your time to make sure you get a appropriate transmission and engine configuration for off-roading. That way, after trimming fenders and sourcing steel pugeots, the wagon will be ready for a body lift kit and an EJ engine swap.

 

Lifted Subarus RULE.

what kind of size tires would I be looking at (reasonably ie not a HUGE amount of fender cutting) with one of the SJR 3.5 inch lift kits for the EA82 ? I'm thinking about lifting mine when I get back to WA.

I've decided that I'm not going to start a project until after the 1st of the year, because I have a couple small debts that need to be paid off. But there's no reason I can't gather some ideas for when I do decide to start building a car.

I've decided on:

ea82 wagon

ej22 swap

5-speed d/r into a divorced t-case

6" suspension lift

rear disk swap

6-lug conversion

at least 30x10.50's

 

I'm not sure which t-case to go with, I'd like some ideas on what would be the best one to use. Also, I heard that ea71 diffs have a 4.11 ratio. Is that true? If so, would they be suitable for offroading? Or would I be better off sticking with the 3.9 ratio? Would I be better off welding my rear diff? Or would an lsd be fine to run with? I'd be driving through town on the occasional weekend, and with a welded diff, I'd be breaking axles left and right and I don't want to do that if I can avoid it. Are lsd's better for offroading than welded diffs?

What can you fit under a e82 with a 2 inch lift I am just a little curius 27s maybe

ok.. heres my input.

 

Pick the style you want.

 

 

They're all Subarus, and they all offroad pretty much the same.

If you want a big gap in offroad ability, don't look at Subaru's.

 

I pick EA81, as I think they are HOTT vs EA82 style.

BRAT FTW