how do i make my 86 gl into a sutable offroad vehicle? thanks

"cale" <klskagen (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote in news:1162706164.796964.234960
@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

go to www.ultimatesubaru.org and look around for ideas.

Talk to other off roaders regarding what mods are or aren't worth the
effort.

Take your gl off road and upgrade whatever breaks. :-)

Later,
Joe

Hi Cale!

On 4 Nov 2006 21:56:04 -0800, "cale" <klskagen (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote:

What's suitable? What do you hope to do with it? I have an '84 GL
wagon that has been all over the state, including some fairly tough
jeep roads. Works great. But then I don't expect it to go
rock-crawling, or bog-wheeling, at least not sustained sections; you
can generally pick a workable line thru short bits of most anything.

You need the dual-range tranny. As found on the wagon; the sedan hi-lo
doesn't have the same reduction ratio. (1.2:1 vs 1.6:1 IIRC)
Crank the preload adjustment on the front struts and on the rear . . .
hmmmm, mine has a torsion bar rear spring. I think the newer ('85 and
up?) might have an adjustable sleeve on the rear shock. Whatever,
crank 'em up.
Run the tallest tire you can find. This will probably be a 185-80-13,
but it pays to look around. Taller is better, pretty much regardless
of tread pattern.
Fit an LSD to the rear. I had to swap internals around to make one for
my baby, but it helps a lot.

Learn to drive the car. The old Soobies are very capable if the driver
is skilful. Know where all four wheels are at any given time. Learn to
pick a line that uses your narrow wheel-base to best advantage (it's a
_huge_ advantage, too.) Know exactly how much clearance you have at
any point underneath. Know when to go, know when to say "whoa". Be
willing to accept the inevitable scuffs and bashes when you misjudge.
Carry a shovel, farm jack, and portable winch.

Drive it. Drive it. Drive it some more. That, in the end, is your best
preparation.

Have fun.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101