jbbvw

My first Subie (82 wagon) had one, and it was nice on the street, but I learned to hate it when offroading because I got stuck on a steep hill with no place to turn around and had to slowly back down. I would start to back up and then try to coast a little but as soon as I pushed the clutch in the hill holder would stop the car. It was extremely frustrating on a narrow trail that was probably a 1/4 mile or so long. I suppose with some practice I might have figured out how to use it in this type of situation, but my current wagon doesn't have one, I just use my e-brake if needed.

I finally got some videos set up to post, so here's a couple at Tahuya in Dec '08. This was a good test for my snorkle. Enjoy! http://s444.photobucket.com/albums/qq170/jbbvw/?action=view&current=6bcc8fe3.flv http://s444.photobucket.com/albums/qq170/jbbvw/?action=view&current=95d5892d.flv

You may want to reconsider those wheels if you already have them. Here's my 27-9.50-14 swampers on 5" pugs. They are a tight fit but work great and I'm not worried about popping/damaging a bead.

27-9.50-14 Super Swamper SSR

Looks awesome! I definitely have to come up and wheel w/ you guys some time.

Thanks. Yes I did. I have one on the rear also.

I've got fog lights off a newer ford ranger with 100w blue bulbs that I trimmed up and recessed into the grill, and a PIAA wiring harness/switch w/ relay. And if I ever buy/build a basket roof rack I have spot lights to put on.

I like the bumper, it's different, kind of rally like. Curious, what did you use for steel? Jesse

Jeff, I've owned this car for about 7 years and I lifted it about 5 years ago. My brother Brian used to live near Qman and we bought a used lift that came off his hatch, then built another one so we could both lift our '81 wagons. And yes that was probably me at EC, my car would have looked something like this. Jesse

Finally got set up to post pics, so here's mine. '81 GL Wagon 4" Homemade lift EA82 control arms ,outer tie rods and axles Extended inner tie rods and strut rods '87 5 speed D/R Welded rear diff 14" pugs w/ 27" SSR Swampers Weber w/ snorkle Fog lights in grill Tube bumpers w/front skidplate VW Baja coilovers in rear Reworked wheel wells for clearance w/ a factory apearance and many other little mods and upgrades

I've also been thinking about this and I was looking at VW Rabbit/Golf struts and springs because they seem to have quite a bit more travel. The bottom mount would have to be modified (they have a two bolt mount simular to Impreza) but they do take an insert so that wouldn't be a big deal and they're readily availible. I havn't gotten around to playing with this idea, but would like to.

Ken, we decided against the trail we were on and headed up the 311 trail shortly after you, then down through the campground. I don't think we hit the campground until 4:30-5:00. We stopped at the top for a few minutes and after we started heading down I had to stop and fix my shifter. I think the snow was melting quickly in the sun.

Forgot my camera, but here's some cell pics from Evans Creek. Had a little trouble getting up this hill, but not bad. Great veiw up top. The sun was very hot! Coming back down was the hard part. The road had about 3 feet of wet snow. We spent about 3 hours digging, pulling and winching out the many times we got stuck in it. This pic is after digging. Finally on the way home.

Sorry guys, Walker is a little farther than we want to go tomorrow as we're in the Tacoma/Puyallup area. We are going to head up to Evans Creek instead. Maybe next time. Hope you guys have fun at Walker, I would like to check it out sometime.

Hey, for the 5 speed crossmember I cut off the ends, matched it up to the 4 speed crossmember w/ a little trimming and some BFH action and drilled holes to bolt up in my '81 wagon. Cause there was no way I was going to reuse those puney 4 speed mounts. Jesse

I just read through this thread for the first time. This thing is going to be unreal!!!! I can't wait to see it finished. Now I have to try and get to sleep with lots of crazy ideas racing through my head for my '81 wagon or ???. Nice fab work and good luck with everything.

Hey, I'm new to the forum and was interested in going to Reiter, never been there. I'd like to come with my lifted '81 wagon. My brother wants to come with his Scout. It sounds like you guys are meeting at a McDonald's in Monroe at 9:30? I'm from Tacoma, not familiar with Monroe. Where do we go? Thanks. Jesse