My first post on here! From my involvment in other forums I hate nuff nuffs using msn/txt short hand slang crap who disregard punctuation and ask questions they should be shot for... so here's my go at a genuine request for help in finding a direction to start the mods on my stock subaru.
I'm stuck in the mud and can't decide on what to look for in modifying my suby... so I'm hoping for some suggestions to help me out. Here it goes!
My scuby is a...
'92 Liberty GX, 240,000km, manual, AWD, new dual range transmission and clutch (only 2.5k on them), and a K&N airfilter... so basically stock.
I am a...
21, male uni student with enough mechanical knowledge to do a basic service... I'm an avid outdoors man and do a lot of white water kayaking, climbing, mountain biking and bushwalking. I'm not into full on 4wding in the sense of 'going 4wding for the weekend', however my main hobbies send me into places with roads not meant for your average car.
Winter sees mud and snow (I don't go looking for it, but I always seem to find it) and wet dirt roads... summer sees loads of dusty dirt roads and sand.
I want my scuby to...
Get me where I need to go without smashing the undercarriage, front and rear ends, and not sliding off the road. My best mate has an older Mitsubishi Delica and I would like to get into the same places as him. Scubs still gets used around town and sees a lot of highway driving so no screaming mud tires. I don't want him to end up looking like a mud monster, just a subaru that sees more time in the bush than in the city, which is totally true.
Mods that I'm thinking about are...
2" or 3" body lift
new wheels and tires to increase total clearance
sump guard
full front bar for roos and scrub
rear bar
Questions I am lost on and would like guidance with...
1. What are people's experiences with 2" and 3" lifts? Especially if you've had both... what are the differences in handling from stock to the 2"? Stock to 3"? 2" to 3"?
2. How clear are the BYB installation guides for the lift kits? How hard is the installation itself? As I mentioned, I'm no genius mechanic but I'm not a dunce and can do the basics and learn quickly.. my next door neighbour is also an apprentice mechanic...
3. I have no idea whatsoever on what tires and wheels to get - any suggestions, given what I wrote above about what I want the vehicle to do? Will the 2" vs 3" raise give significant differences in options? I'm bewildered.
4. Front and rear bull bars - are these readily available at wreckers (I haven't seen them on many libs around town, mainly on older L series (will these fit?). Front is really for roos and scrub, the rear to keep the back end protected from melbourne drivers and people loading things onto the roof... Is there anyone, particularly in vic, who makes these new and suited to GXs since Hi-rise seems no more (or so i've read on these forums) and Scorpion's website says 'not available'?
5. Sump guards - can they be found commercially for libs? Scorpion only seem to do them for outbacks and foresters. Is it worth it? Anyone successfully DIY and have tips? I have some welding abilities but not that great... maybe this is my chance to improve
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6. My pneumatic lift is still working fine, should I leave it in or take it out? Its reputation seems hit and miss as to its reliability, though I've had my scubs for close to 12months without issue...
I look forward to everyone's suggestions, advice and comments. When things start happening you can be assured there will be plenty of photos!
Cheers,
Owen
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