Bring back the Brat or modernize the Wrangler

I've actually looked at a few websites that had info on off-roading Subarus. Kinda interesting and they would make a unique off-roader. Gearing has to be a big issue though as the tires get bigger.....

The Brat was definately cool in its day!

Matt

They are surprisingly capable, and the older 4x4 models were arguably better off-road than the newer AWD models. Mine is AWD, and in 5 years I've been stuck twice: got high centered on an ice shelf with all four wheels about 2" off the ground, and another time I couldn't make it up a hill. Of course, it's worth noting that the hill was about 45 degrees, there was 15" of snow, and a 1/2 inch ice sheet underneath that. Oh yeah, and I had summer tires.

When I got high centered, that night was so awful that my friend's snowplow truck got stuck after he pulled me out. Since the tow strap was still attached, I gave it a mighty pull with the Subaru and freed a GMC 3500 snowplow truck from the snowbank.

There are rumors of a foreign market only dual range tranny that is floating around. Dunno if it fits newer US Soobs though.

Carl

Matt Mead wrote:

I owned a 1987 BRAT for 9 years. Definitely one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It went off road really well although I wouldn't use it for the Rubicon trail. It had a part-time two speed shift on the fly transfer case with the hubs permanently locked. It also has adjustable height torsion bars on the rear and adjustable height struts on the front. Crap, the thing also had a gear driven cam and hydraulic lifters. No maintenance at all. I kind of miss it. It was also was waaay better lookin than the Baja. Mine didn't have the jump seats so the bed was usable. I actually was able to put a Gold Wing back there.

What is the t-case ratio in low-range? I've always wondered.....

Matt

So would I.

I keep hearing about Aussie Subaru's with a low range in the tranny. I'd love to see one in the states. If I had a low range, my Outback could add the beach to it's talents. Low would also help it pull my trailer out of the back yard.

On the Cape Cod National Seashore I need 4wd low on occasion. If I never needed it, I'd be tempted to take the OBW out there.

Last time I was out there, I broke a front sway bar end on the Wrangler, at 7 MPH.

Don't know, but it ain't 4:1!

drop the pressure in all four tires to about 8 psi. much better traction, with slightly less clearance, for sand running.

I know.

There are sections where tight turns are necessary and 4WD low is still very necessary. The OBW would definitely get stuck.

Barry

Some of the blazers, exploders etc that drive on island beach in NJ are no more capable than an outback.

Anything with full air pressure in the sand will suck. Anything with street tires will be less than ideal.

-John

I agree, but it depends on the beach. Chevy Cavaliers can drive on Daytona Beach!

I own both cars, I'm very experienced with the strengths and weaknesses of both. My Wrangler is a '99, and the Outback is an '01.

There are tasks that either vehicle does outstandingly better than the other, and others that are a coin flip.

Barry