epix

OK, got out the 3x 17mm bolts on the trailing arms, and got out the 1x 12mm torsion bar holder bolt on each side.. Was able to pound out the drivers side torsion bar by just bashing it with a rubber mallet and came out with a few good whacks. The passengers side on the other hand is being a major hassle... I've been it pretty hard and even tried using heat on the torsion bar and it just won't budge.. I jacked up the trailing arm portion just to see if it was under tension and it sure is.. when I release the jack it "springs" right back to the downward position.. I have the drivers side just hanging there out from the tunnel, passenger side is STUCK with tension on it. What's the trick to getting it out so I can lower the rear end. I even tried adjusting that bolt in the middle (19mm) that sticks straight up,, won't move at all.

Finally got around to putting on the 5x100 adapters and the Buddy Racing wheels (15x6.5) with Toyo Proxes T1R 195/45 tires. Took a bit of massaging to get the wheels to fit, thank goodness a friend works at a machine shop as we had to mill out the wheels just slightly. Need to lower the rear for sure, going to see what I can do with just torsion bar adjustment first. For the Front I have 2wd struts in place.

OK had my clutch replaced on my 86 Brat, and well while going through it I noticed that the engine bay clutch return spring was not present... The clutch pedal is somewhat firm but does not return completely as it should. Anyone have a picture of how the clutch spring mounts or if possible give me a simple measurement on how long the spring is.. I'll try hitting up some stores locally to see if I can find a suitable replacement. Thanks!!!!

So who scored that $20 Starter??

agreed, they use to be great but the shipping is just crazy now..

Pretty sure I put the washer on (if there was one) when I did the Struts. But not 100% positive. I'll be putting new wheels/tires on soon so when so I'll give everything a look over.

Did a big overhaul for the front suspension/drive on my 86 Brat.. new parts all the way around. Parts included: Clutch Kit: Duralast NU31143 Front: KYB 233024 GR-2 Suspension Strut Assembly -- For a 2WD GL (I bought these as it lowered the front end a bit) Ball Joints (Lower): K9081 Ball Joints CV Axles: EMPI (don't have model number, but these were the "good" quality ones). Rear: KYB 343056 GR-2 Shock Car does have power steering and ample fluid, not leaking.. When turn at about 10-20mph I can hear a bit of a clunk, not the constant clicking as what I had before replacing the CV's. I pulled into a parking lot and rolled down the windows, in neither 2wd, nor 4wd when turning the wheels and driving in tight circles I did not hear any clicking noise. When I did drive over some railroad tracks at about 25mph I felt the clunk, felt more as if it were in the "wheel" area, not under the engine. Sometimes it is a bit of a repeated clunk noise in the same area when turning at speed, doesn't feel "rotational" but it's hard to tell... they are a bit more of a click and more of a clunk.. description is bad i know. Was putting on the 2wd maybe the cause of the clunk? I'm running stock 13' wheels (on OLD tires..)

I'll be listing my 29K mile '83 Brat this Spring.

Joined!

Brat uses the 225mm disc. 225mm (8 7/8") disc 21 spline, 22mm shaft Here are some part #'s of what would work on the Brat. Duralast NU31143 (What I used) RHINOPAC/WORLD CAR Part # 15003v BRUTE POWER Part # 92225 BECK/ARNLEY Part # 0619131 ACDELCO Part # 381613 LUK Part # 15013 Sachs KF599-01

Sorry for going OT Lol, nice eye.. yea typically always working on a bike and the garage is a bit cramped right now.. it's nice being a bachelor sometimes. I do work on some bikes inside doing just body/electrical work.. saving the dirty stuff like fluid changes for garage use. Here was my "Christmas decoration" On topic; I'll post the pics in the near future of the wheels on the Brat. Right now I need to get the clutch replaced

Received some new wheels for the Brat. 15x6.5

Plasti-Dip makes a very bright blue "Blaze Blue" that I know of.

I ordered mine via a seller on eBay out of Detroit. They were EMPI for sure on the units I got.. brand new and appeared to be very good quality. I've only put about 600 miles on the car since installing them but no issues yet.

Awesome news! Already ordered my studs Now to decide on wheels..

1983 Brat

can't wait to see the results, thanks!!!!!!

Would be in for 2 pair for a Brat.

Sold the brown one to a guy in Marshall. Just local shows like Coldwater Michigan and the big one at Lane Automotive in Watervilet. Probably will take it to some Kzoo/GR area ones this summer if I have the time.

I used these when lowering my Brat, I kept the stock springs: KYB 233024

Not sure if it ever had the rear seats.. no big worries though as I have a very clean extra set I'll be installing along. Personally I don't mine automatic trans.. do wish it were a 4-speed automatic though! Most of my driving will be to car shows and around town so not having the extra gear wasn't a deal breaker. My other Brat is a 1986 5-speed..

Picked up this 1983 Subaru Brat with just under 30K original miles on it. It was owned by a much older gentleman that is moving into a nursing home and sat in a garage since about 2001 when CarFax showed it has 28,743 miles on it at the time.. currently it has 28,868 miles. Seats under the covers look like they've never been sat on directly. Only aftermarket piece I saw was the rails on the bed. Car had a tune-up in July 2013, and according to the receipts it received new hoses, belts, fluids, carb rebuild, fuel pump, ignition stuff, heads were pulled and new gaskets and springs put in. Thing runs great. Problem I've found so far is the turn signals do not work .. assuming it is the flasher relay. Nor does the fuel gauge. It has the automatic 3-speed, fun tops, no A/C, and no Power Steering. So looks to be just the basic model. As for plans on it.. I'm gonna gonna turn it into the most badass offroad Brat there can be.. chop and shorten the bed, put onto a Ford Bronco II frame with some 38" mud terrain tires, clip the front end and wedge in a diesel motor shooting some stacks out the bed floor, then some 5pt harness seats.. toss a bunch of the leftover parts into the scrap pile. Be sure to see the build thread on it! This thing will look TOTALLY different!!! Here are photos I took today: btw; joking about the plans for it!! I'm going to keep it stock, add in a spare set of jump seats/headrests I have and keep it well maintained

bump, anyone?

4th gear is slipping on my '86 Brat, and 3rd is starting to go as well.. anyone recommend me a clutch replacement? Part #'s would help. Thanks!

ok had another go at it, and just tapped it a bit with a decent size hammer around the outer edges of the wheel housing and it slipped on