Anyone into old subies?

Howdy guys, my name is Ada and I've recently moved back to Denver area from Wyoming. I've always been into classic hot rods but once you get to know the local tow truck driver on a first name basis you realize you need something that'll actually get you through the mountains so I made a rookie mistake and got a rig that's way over my head. It's a 79 Subaru GL Wagon with a 3 inch lift and the drivetrain out of an 86. Now that it's been sitting in a driveway longer than I've driven it, I figure it's about time I actually start learning and make some progress not only on getting this thing going but learning how to trail it.

Welcome

That looks great and welcome!

:steer:

Welcome to the group!

You have an eye for pictures...

What's needed to get the subi on the road?

Welcome! Now that is something you don’t see on the trail everyday.. or on the road even! I love it, very cool ride!

Is this the same suby? Was owned by a member that joined a Year ago or so.
[url]https://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?29119-Hello-from-Frederick[/url]

I’ve seen the newer Subis on rally cross but never on the trails.
Id kinda like to see what they’ll do

Thanks! I love photography, not great at it yet but working on it.

Currently the suspension has been fighting me every step of the way. Every time I fix one cv axle, another one snaps in half haha. Been searching for a shop willing to make some custom cv axles that will hopefully last longer than my patch work at least as a temporary fix until I can figure out how to solid axle swap this thing, but so far no one wants to get near it.

Aye that is the same subie! The old owner is super cool and has great taste in his vehicles. I'm glad he's on here too.

[QUOTE=ltldog;350570]Thanks! I love photography, not great at it yet but working on it.

Currently the suspension has been fighting me every step of the way. Every time I fix one cv axle, another one snaps in half haha. Been searching for a shop willing to make some custom cv axles that will hopefully last longer than my patch work at least as a temporary fix until I can figure out how to solid axle swap this thing, but so far no one wants to get near it.[/QUOTE]

Kinda thinkin on it for the solid axle swap would be work.
im thinkin of gettin rod o f the transaxle and goin a FRS / BRZ engine, trans (rear wheel drive) and a transfer case for the solid axle ???
Just thinkin out loud.

Hi Ada! Wow, didn't think I'd see this cute little beast again.

Sometimes I still regret selling the GL, both because it's such a rad little rig and because it's a cruel project to inflict on anyone else... Just issues that stem from the car being so dang tiny, really.

> [COLOR=#333333]im thinkin of gettin rod o f the transaxle and goin a FRS / BRZ engine, trans (rear wheel drive) and a transfer case for the solid axle ???

This car is so narrow, neither an EJ25 or an FA20 fit in the engine bay between the frame rails. EJ20 is doable apparently, but I think even that requires retrofitting a wider 2nd gen steering rack.
When I had the car, I played with the idea of putting suzuki axles under it and using a divorced transfer case from a samurai. That would solve the other issue too, that being the sad 1.5:1 factory low range that gives a pitiful 20:1 crawl ratio. Fine for railroad bed trails like switzerland but a clutch workout for more technical stuff.
Sadly, I just didn't have the chops or the shop space at the time to make it happen.

Glad to see you're getting after it, the GL deserves to get back on the road! I'm happy to lend tools, help, or shop space if you need any assistance getting the old gal back to adventuring.

[/COLOR]<font color="#333333">[video=youtube;s8b1n9AvqJ4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8b1n9AvqJ4[/video]