Bought a scrappy not a scoobie!

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:53 pm

Hi all, 10 months ago I bought a 1992 Subaru Brumby. All of the signs said "no don't buy it" but I was in a tight spot and purchased it with a quite severe oil leak. Which of course disguised other problems. Since purchasing I have replaced the oil pump, water pump, temperature sender (radiator). Front main seal. Front left bearing, front right inner C.V...... There's pleanty still to come.

The breaks are next on the list. The front rotors are stuffed and so are the rear drums. So for the "Guru's of Subaru's" out there what would you do if you were in my position? Bear in mind I intend to do some good 4x4ing if i ever get her A1.

1) Replace the drums with new ones or replace with disks? If so what sort, where do I get them, is a drum to disk conversion easy, and what is the likely cost involved in buying rear disks if I do the work myself?

2) Do I just replace the rotors on the front with the same or is there a better option out there for similar costs?

Any help will be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers Chris

P.S. Ill be asking for advice as each problem is solved and the next one tackled. Be aware at these early stages I know nothing about Subaru Jargon yet so speak to me like I have a learning problem and this will go fine

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:09 pm

cost of RX L series rear disc set ups about 350 bucks and are a bolt up with a rebend of a hose - as I am led to believe.

I would just go standard replacement discs for front unless you have the need for high performance brakes and lotsa time,

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:12 pm

Thanks steptoe, the RX L series what model are they off? Is that price for a brand new set up?

You got a reply from me within 6 months this time thanks again.

Cheers Chris

brumbyrunner · Post by **brumbyrunner** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 11:48 pm

Basically you want the rear disc setup off any 4wd 4 stud Subaru. They will bolt straight on and are a great improvement.
You obviously want to improve your braking performance so have you considered a 5 stud conversion?
There is a huge selection of discs and calipers available (by comparison) and many that are discarded by owners upgrading to later model stuff.
As a bonus you'll end up with a stronger front strut and a mind-boggling array of wheel choices.

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:02 pm

Have I considered a 5 stud conversion? I have now!!!! Tell me more as the wheel choice is starting to bug me a bit.

Will doing the conversion mean I have to completely change the front disks alltogether?

Ok just for a second I have decided on a 5 stud conversion. What is involved and what will it cost me to do the complete conversion not including new wheels? Is there any specialists I can talk to in Brisbane?

Thanks for your help.

Cheers Chris

brumbyrunner · Post by **brumbyrunner** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 9:34 pm

Do a search, have a read, plenty of good info here.

Bumpty · Post by **Bumpty** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:31 pm

lovey80 wrote:Thanks steptoe, the RX L series what model are they off? Is that price for a brand new set up?

Hehe, mate, RX is the model name for the L series (subaru) range.

Subafury · Post by **Subafury** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:25 pm

a crossbred kit is the way to do the 5 stud conversion. but will take some skill to do yourself and not cheap for an old car. but a very good upgrade.

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:34 pm

Again thanks guys I am a serious Subaru newb but am loving them more with everything I read. It seems the possibilities are endless as far as mods go.

I spoke to Jeff at crossbred today and got a quote on a 5 stud conversion and twin piston brakes allround.

As far as doing it myself I would have persevered and done it but it seems my time has been cut short and may have to get a mechanic to do it for me. Can you guys recommend anyone in the brisbane area that you would take your subaru's to?

Of course I'll have to have a set of new wheels and rubber to go strait on once the conversion is done. Most of the ones I have seen are 16" at a minimum. If I went 16" rims how large rubber can I go before having to lift it at the same time?

Brumbyrunner I read 90% of your rally car thread today. Boy I bet you have inspired a few to go crazy on thier brumby's. Very good job there mate you should be proud of yourself.

brumbyrunner · Post by **brumbyrunner** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:53 pm

Thanks Dude

Don't forget that the folk that pay the bills on this forum are also a good source of parts, accessories and performance mods for older Subies like yours.

When you talked to Jeff at Crossbred, did you ask him if he could fit the kit?

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:51 am

No Brumbyrunner I didn't I thought he was in Melbourne and I'm in Brisbane.

stamp_licker · Post by **stamp_licker** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 5:12 pm

Jeff's on the northside of Brisbane.

lovey80 · Post by **lovey80** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:43 pm

Thats awesome Ill give him a ring in the morning and see if I can pop in. Not sure where the confusion was with the locations. Does he have a shop or is he a back yardie?

Cheers Chris