Brian894x4
Explorer
Some of you might remember me for my 1989 Toyota SAS pick up and then later a 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser 80 series. Man, do I miss those vehicles. I sold the '89 to buy the 1995 and spent a lot of time and money decking it out and taking trips, but unfortunately financial reasons forced me to sell it a few years ago and I've been gone ever since. It was a painful experience and just even looking or thinking about Land Cruisers is very hard for me. To anyone who's emailed or tried to ask questions because of my 4x4 websites and Toyota information, please understand, its been hard to lose what I spent so much time and effort building, so I've been trying to avoid the subject. But I'm sort of back now. The current "expedition" rig is a lot smaller and more economical, certainly less capable....but it's been pretty fun to build and drive.
It's a 2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport with stock non-turbo 2.5 liter boxer engine and auto transmission. The biggest mods so far are in the suspension. I'm running AGX adjustable struts and King Lift springs + Subtle 1" blocks all around plus a 3/8 spacer in the rear. Perrin strut bars up front and tires upgraded to 215/65R-16 General Grabbers. It sits about 4" higher than a stock Impreza of my year. It really rocks in the sand and snow and is the funniest rig I've ever had to drive on gravel. I've left everything set up for good handling on the street, so all sway bars are in place and rear sway bar upgraded too.
It's got a Gorilla Off Road brush guard and skidplate up front, factory skid plate under the rear diff, air compressor in the engine compartment.
Interior has an STI gauge cluster and additional guages and STi seats and rear cargo area modified to include a wood deck and extra storage in the spare tire well area. I was used to carrying over 1000lbs worth of gear and spare parts, so I've had to learn than light and less is the new motto. Only carry what I absolutely need.
Auto trans has been modified with a gateless shifter that I built that allows for easy up and down manual shifting, plus a switch to electrically lock the transfer clutch (center diff so to speak).
Engine is mostly stock. It's got an aftermarket exhaust and a modified WRX intake system.
Future mods will include a Limited Slip rear diff from a Forester, a few more underbody protective plates.
Things I don't like about it is that I wish I had more power. 170 h.p. is nothing to sneeze at, but I long for a turbo WRX engine. Also kind of wish I had a manual trans for performance reasons, but the auto sure is nice to have for off road.
Guess I need to update my signiture too don't I?
It's a 2002 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport with stock non-turbo 2.5 liter boxer engine and auto transmission. The biggest mods so far are in the suspension. I'm running AGX adjustable struts and King Lift springs + Subtle 1" blocks all around plus a 3/8 spacer in the rear. Perrin strut bars up front and tires upgraded to 215/65R-16 General Grabbers. It sits about 4" higher than a stock Impreza of my year. It really rocks in the sand and snow and is the funniest rig I've ever had to drive on gravel. I've left everything set up for good handling on the street, so all sway bars are in place and rear sway bar upgraded too.
It's got a Gorilla Off Road brush guard and skidplate up front, factory skid plate under the rear diff, air compressor in the engine compartment.
Interior has an STI gauge cluster and additional guages and STi seats and rear cargo area modified to include a wood deck and extra storage in the spare tire well area. I was used to carrying over 1000lbs worth of gear and spare parts, so I've had to learn than light and less is the new motto. Only carry what I absolutely need.
Auto trans has been modified with a gateless shifter that I built that allows for easy up and down manual shifting, plus a switch to electrically lock the transfer clutch (center diff so to speak).
Engine is mostly stock. It's got an aftermarket exhaust and a modified WRX intake system.
Future mods will include a Limited Slip rear diff from a Forester, a few more underbody protective plates.
Things I don't like about it is that I wish I had more power. 170 h.p. is nothing to sneeze at, but I long for a turbo WRX engine. Also kind of wish I had a manual trans for performance reasons, but the auto sure is nice to have for off road.
Guess I need to update my signiture too don't I?