Subieguy Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 I am looking for new struts for my 78 Brat. Are they even made any more? I am looking to replace the rear shocks too. Help me out please! I am trying to get my Brat good enough to take it down to Pismo Beach and try it out. Got some work to get it to that point but this along with a good drivers side CV axle would be a good start. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 If I were you, I would swap in EA81 struts for the front since they're a lot easier to come by and you can get the adjustable ones. Almost a direct bolt in but one of the brackets that holds it into the knuckle is different then the EA71. Also, you can use EA81 front axles in place of the EA71, just about 1/2" difference in length but can be used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted May 18, 2005 Share Posted May 18, 2005 THey all still show up on eBay all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seahag1978 Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 I got rear shocks for my '78 on eBay for $24.95 a pair + ship. If you need them in a hurry... http://www.classicgarage.com They had the front struts for my '78. More expensive but still deeply discounted from list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveAP Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 If I were you, I would swap in EA81 struts for the front since they're a lot easier to come by and you can get the adjustable ones. Almost a direct bolt in but one of the brackets that holds it into the knuckle is different then the EA71. Also, you can use EA81 front axles in place of the EA71, just about 1/2" difference in length but can be used. How did you overcome the difference in brackets? Is the ea81 axle the shorter of the two? I have two remans from Checker that are barely long enough to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBARU3 Posted May 19, 2005 Share Posted May 19, 2005 The rear shocks are the same as ALL gen 1 cars. 2WD OR 4WD. I might have a set of rears. Are you interested? Todd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bajavwnsoobnut Posted May 22, 2005 Share Posted May 22, 2005 KYB still makes them but look for the listing under 1980 or 1981 brat for the struts and shocks cause the listings that most places will have will only date back to 80 and luckily gen 1 brats were made for those 2 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subieguy Posted May 23, 2005 Author Share Posted May 23, 2005 Can you point me in the right direction as to where I might find the KYB struts. I did a little searching on the internet and came up with nothing. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBARU3 Posted May 23, 2005 Share Posted May 23, 2005 I'm told that the 2 WD inserts will also work in the 4WD strut. I have some for sale here. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=36653 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caboobaroo Posted May 23, 2005 Share Posted May 23, 2005 How did you overcome the difference in brackets?Is the ea81 axle the shorter of the two? I have two remans from Checker that are barely long enough to use. Basically there's a clamp on the knuckle that "clamps" the strut into the knuckle and then there's another bracket on the strut that a bolt runs through and into the knuckle. If I remember correctly, I turned the EA81 strut into the same direction as the EA71, bent the bracket a little bit and it worked. Even if you don't use the bracket, I'm pretty sure the clamping force of the knuckle would be sufficiant enough for everyday street driving. As for the axles, the EA81 axle is about 1/2" longer then the EA71... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bajavwnsoobnut Posted May 23, 2005 Share Posted May 23, 2005 Can you point me in the right direction as to where I might find the KYB struts. I did a little searching on the internet and came up with nothing. Thanks. just try the local parts stores and if need be tell them to look through their books and also try the other brands too for a replacement strut Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveAP Posted May 23, 2005 Share Posted May 23, 2005 Basically there's a clamp on the knuckle that "clamps" the strut into the knuckle and then there's another bracket on the strut that a bolt runs through and into the knuckle. If I remember correctly, I turned the EA81 strut into the same direction as the EA71, bent the bracket a little bit and it worked. Even if you don't use the bracket, I'm pretty sure the clamping force of the knuckle would be sufficiant enough for everyday street driving. As for the axles, the EA81 axle is about 1/2" longer then the EA71... (a little off thread, but...) I have two axles on my '78,not long enough to even put the flat washer on after the cone washer. I haven't done anything about it yet as the '78 is off the road as of now. I figure the ends were buggered up, they trimmed the ends and chased the threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUBARU3 Posted May 24, 2005 Share Posted May 24, 2005 Did you get your rear shocks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrw166 Posted May 24, 2005 Share Posted May 24, 2005 ++++++++++++++++++++ i put fwd strut tubes on my 1980 4wd. they were koni adjustable from: DCS consulting: 1755 Mission Rd., 2nd FloorSouth San Francisco, CA 94080+1220US Main Phone: (650) 756-3533Fax : (650) 756-5533Wholesale distributor of Koni obsolete and discontinued Koni shock absorbers. Exporter to Australia. +++++++++++++++++++++++ they were old stock and 2 for $17.50 on ebay. they sold me a third for $5. the first on i instlled clunked. so i had to take it apart and put a spacer between the inset and the bottom of the tube ( a 1" junk brass nut) now they're fine. a little too stiff at 1/2 setting. these things arn't too mysterious. i'd try any Subaru stuff. stay awayfrom Monroe! hope ths is helpful. ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
82bratavenger Posted May 27, 2005 Share Posted May 27, 2005 I just bought KYB shocks and struts for my '82 Brat at my local Foriegn parts store. They are a parts plus dealer. Cost me about $240 after tax and they shipped in the next day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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