Bring back the Brat or modernize the Wrangler

[Matt Mead]

The Liberty has independent front suspension, and is not intended for
actual off-roading beyond dirt roads. It is, however, quite popular
with the soccer mom who is too politically correct for a Suburban, in
my area.

Uh, yeah, but since the the discussion was started about looking for
something comparable to a Subie Brat (good fuel economy but with a
2-spd case), I'd say the diesel Liberty fits the bill nicely. I'd say
the Liberty has more off-road credentials then the Brat ever did.

Matt
99 V-10 Super Duty, Super Cab 4x4

 

[Hallraker]

Uh, yeah, but since the the discussion was started about looking for
something comparable to a Subie Brat (good fuel economy but with a
2-spd case), I'd say the diesel Liberty fits the bill nicely. I'd say
the Liberty has more off-road credentials then the Brat ever did.

That's probably true. At least off the lot, anyway. There are/were a lot
of aftermarket parts and accessories designed to increase the off-road
capabilities of the Brat, which were pretty good for a tiny truck that was
actually a car anyway. And do not forget that the Brat had jumpseats. <g>

-Matt

 

[Derrick Hudson]

And they made it butt-ugly.

Jah. There was one of those a few doors down from the townhouse I
lived in last year. I was never drawn by it as I drove by in my F-150
or BroncoII .

-D

--
"...Deep Hack Mode--that mysterious and frightening state of
consciousness where Mortal Users fear to tread."
(By Matt Welsh)

www: http://dman13.dyndns.org/~dman/ jabber: (e-mail address removed)

 

[Matt Mead]

That's probably true. At least off the lot, anyway. There are/were a lot
of aftermarket parts and accessories designed to increase the off-road
capabilities of the Brat, which were pretty good for a tiny truck that was
actually a car anyway. And do not forget that the Brat had jumpseats. <g>

-Matt

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
99 V-10 Super Duty, Super Cab 4x4

 

[Hallraker]

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!

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.
<g>

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.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

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

Carl

 

[Rob Munach]

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

Carl

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.

 

[Matt Mead]

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
99 V-10 Super Duty, Super Cab 4x4

 

[Bonehenge]

I'd say
the Liberty has more off-road credentials then the Brat ever did.

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. <G>

 

[Rob Munach]

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

Matt
99 V-10 Super Duty, Super Cab 4x4

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

 

[Tim]

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.

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

 

[Bonehenge]

trailer out of the back yard.

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

I know. <G>

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

Barry

 

[jabario]

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

 

[Generic]

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

 

[Bonehenge]

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

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

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