Scott Brady
Founder
I feel the love on the Lada Niva.
Sub-Compact Overlander
- Thread starter Scott Brady
- Start date
Would someone put this in my drive way w/ the title signed on the front seat............Thanks.:costumed-smiley-007
Find one of these with a VW TDi. THAT would be awesome. The aftermarket is brimming with Samurai parts and options. VW TDi, Toyota trans, spring over and some decent tires, thatd be pretty cool. A little too small for my 6'4" but cool nonetheless.
I vote a first Gen Amigo build. Always liked them. I had a 91 Rodeo that I built up with a 3" lift, 32" Mickey Thompsons, 4.30 gears, locker rear and 5MT with the little GM V6 and it was pretty damn tough with a lot of room inside.
compactcamping
Explorer
I thought I knew that funny looking mountain.:wings:
So does your pal still have this? I would love to see more pics and more info too. looking for a new offroad ride
I think everyone knows I was a moron and sold my ride to my son, I look at it everyday and cry.....he hasn't picked it up yet....sniff tears....lower lip quivers ........man kids just short circuit your sensibility. tears.....tremble....******t I can't even back out, he already paid for it and I spent the frogskins.....crap.
compactcamping
Explorer
Yes, I know it's an '84 GL hatchback, 4-5 of lift, 27-28" tires, welded rearend. I'll have to dig up some of my out pictures of it.
For off-road Subaru's check out UltimateSubaru.org, here is a Roll Call thread from the site.
For off-road Subaru's check out UltimateSubaru.org, here is a Roll Call thread from the site.
Last edited:
Warn Industries
Supporting Vendor
I've got a buddy in Wisconsin who has a lifted Loyale. I see the lifted Subies from time to time out here in Oregon (e.g. see above!).
Here are a few of the new subcompact 4x4 vehicles for sale in USA for 2011. If you think of more subcompact examples, let us know.
2012 Nissan Juke
1.6-liter Direct Injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
188 hp, 177 lb-ft
continuously variable transmission with sport mode
full time all-wheel drive w/ torque vectoring
independent rear suspension
EPA 25/30 mpg
~$21,000
I saw a Juke on the road the other day. Its appearance is definitely unusual, but its size makes its exaggerated styling cues appear almost cute. The torque vectoring transmission makes the Juke the best handling subcompact SUV.
2011 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
170 hp, 174 lb-ft
5 speed manual transmission
full time all wheel drive
independent rear suspension
EPA 20/27 mpg
~$21,000
Four doors and Subaru reliability are pluses for the Impreza
Suzuki SX4 Crossover
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
150 hp, 140 lb-ft
6 speed manual
FWD or full time all wheel drive
twist beam rear suspension
EPA 22/30 mpg
~$19,000
The SX4 Crossover is considerably lighter than the vehicles above, which helps reduce the impact of its lack of torque. It's nice to be able to run in front wheel drive when conditions don't require AWD.
The Jeep Patriot is considered a compact car. But since it's less expensive than the subcompacts above, the Patriot deserves a look
Jeep Patriot Sport X 4x4
2.4L 4 -cylinder engine
5 speed manual transmission
part time 4x4
solid rear axle
EPA 22/28 mpg
~$18,000
Add $2000 to the price of the Patriot to get their CVT automatic transmission with extra-low first gear, plus a package of off-road oriented accessories that include an engine oil cooler, fuel tank skid plate, hill descent control, and AT tires.
2012 Nissan Juke
1.6-liter Direct Injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
188 hp, 177 lb-ft
continuously variable transmission with sport mode
full time all-wheel drive w/ torque vectoring
independent rear suspension
EPA 25/30 mpg
~$21,000
I saw a Juke on the road the other day. Its appearance is definitely unusual, but its size makes its exaggerated styling cues appear almost cute. The torque vectoring transmission makes the Juke the best handling subcompact SUV.
2011 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
170 hp, 174 lb-ft
5 speed manual transmission
full time all wheel drive
independent rear suspension
EPA 20/27 mpg
~$21,000
Four doors and Subaru reliability are pluses for the Impreza
Suzuki SX4 Crossover
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
150 hp, 140 lb-ft
6 speed manual
FWD or full time all wheel drive
twist beam rear suspension
EPA 22/30 mpg
~$19,000
The SX4 Crossover is considerably lighter than the vehicles above, which helps reduce the impact of its lack of torque. It's nice to be able to run in front wheel drive when conditions don't require AWD.
The Jeep Patriot is considered a compact car. But since it's less expensive than the subcompacts above, the Patriot deserves a look
Jeep Patriot Sport X 4x4
2.4L 4 -cylinder engine
5 speed manual transmission
part time 4x4
solid rear axle
EPA 22/28 mpg
~$18,000
Add $2000 to the price of the Patriot to get their CVT automatic transmission with extra-low first gear, plus a package of off-road oriented accessories that include an engine oil cooler, fuel tank skid plate, hill descent control, and AT tires.
Warn Industries
Supporting Vendor
I own a 2010 AWD SX4 and love it. FYI, Rocky Road makes a lift for it, Primitive Racing makes skid plates for them, Road Race Motorsports offers a light bar for it, and of course you can slap some WARN lights on that light bar.
It's pretty good in the sand and the snow, too. Center diff lock, as well. Mine currently just has a Road Race Motorsport short-ram intake, Rally Armor mudflaps, and alloys from a 2007 SX4. However, I plan on putting some WARN lights on it, soon.
Here's a guy's lifted SX4. He does some light off roading with it:
http://www.subcompactculture.com/2009/05/subcompact-showcase-geoff-beasleys.html
Here's my first SX4 (the 2010 is my second) up on the Beartooth Highway in Montana/Wyoming.
- Andy
It's pretty good in the sand and the snow, too. Center diff lock, as well. Mine currently just has a Road Race Motorsport short-ram intake, Rally Armor mudflaps, and alloys from a 2007 SX4. However, I plan on putting some WARN lights on it, soon.
Here's a guy's lifted SX4. He does some light off roading with it:
http://www.subcompactculture.com/2009/05/subcompact-showcase-geoff-beasleys.html
Here's my first SX4 (the 2010 is my second) up on the Beartooth Highway in Montana/Wyoming.
- Andy
Last edited:
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
I own a 2010 AWD SX4 and love it. FYI, Rocky Road makes a lift for it, Primitive Racing makes skid plates for them, Road Race Motorsports offers a light bar for it, and of course you can slap some WARN lights on that light bar.
It's pretty good in the sand and the snow, too. Center diff lock, as well. Mine currently just has a Road Race Motorsport short-ram intake, Rally Armor mudflaps, and alloys from a 2007 SX4. However, I plan on putting some WARN lights on it, soon.
Here's a guy's lifted SX4. He does some light off roading with it:
http://www.subcompactculture.com/2009/05/subcompact-showcase-geoff-beasleys.html
Here's my first SX4 (the 2010 is my second) up on the Beartooth Highway in Montana/Wyoming.
- Andy
that's a pretty cool little rig. I had a grand vitara, and it was definitely a capable offroader. sure it lacked a tonne of clearance, but you just had to pick your lines carefully. I ended up having timing chain issues, and subsequently sold it, but it was a good, honest trucklet.
zukrider
Explorer
here is my current sami. im a rockcrawler that builds to last. i dont wheel stupid, but i do wheel hard. i always build my sami's to do 80mph on the highway with control. well as much as can be obtained for a samurai.
this one is gonna get dual zuk cases, bout 130 hp of turbo/carb'd zuk power, and a custom by me suspension. gonna 3 link with panhard the front while getting it an inch lower than it sits now. and for the rear, i have been working on a 3/4 eliptic rear that will incorporate yj's and should have superb control. im hoping that i wont need to lock it out for the street if all goes as planned. gonna stay sammi front with gusseting and a trail tough hybrid tracker rear. 4.30 r$p. i have a 4.9 tcase now, and the tracker shogun doubler will give me another 1.8 to double with. will keep the 33 tire size, though maybe go 35's again, and the rest will be geared towrd "expo". ive decided to sell my burb, so im gonna make the sami work.
planning a interior cage with roof sliders that will double as a roof rack base. lots of lighting and a winch are in the plans as well.
baby steps
before
current
this one is gonna get dual zuk cases, bout 130 hp of turbo/carb'd zuk power, and a custom by me suspension. gonna 3 link with panhard the front while getting it an inch lower than it sits now. and for the rear, i have been working on a 3/4 eliptic rear that will incorporate yj's and should have superb control. im hoping that i wont need to lock it out for the street if all goes as planned. gonna stay sammi front with gusseting and a trail tough hybrid tracker rear. 4.30 r$p. i have a 4.9 tcase now, and the tracker shogun doubler will give me another 1.8 to double with. will keep the 33 tire size, though maybe go 35's again, and the rest will be geared towrd "expo". ive decided to sell my burb, so im gonna make the sami work.
planning a interior cage with roof sliders that will double as a roof rack base. lots of lighting and a winch are in the plans as well.
baby steps
before
current
this is cool.
fairly new to expo, thought I'd let you know about my suzuki. it is a 96 jlx sport. these came with a wider track, and long wheelbase as it is a 4 door. It has ifs up front and a solid axle in the back. It is powered with a 1.8 twin cam, up from the 1.6 from earlier models. I have put a set heavy lugged mud tires from goodyear on it, and put a 2 inch suspension lift in it. I love expedition vehicles so stuck a load warrior rack from yakima on it. Its got a shovel up there and an axe. The only real issue is they have a small gas tank. they hold about 40 liters. I made a rack to mount a jerry can off my rear tire carrier, but it will need better engineering as it failed with cracked welds the last time out. the extra 5 gallons adds a lot to its range. I picked up a small trailer which is light enough to tow without compromising power. this is big enough for tents tarps and other camping hardware. latest buy- a set of off road cibie's for the rack. Looking forward to enjoying camping, and exploring in my expedition-lite truck!
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
I came across a Subaru I simply could not pass up a few weeks ago.
'84 GL
4-speed manual
Dual range AWD
Carb'd 1.8L EA81
Low miles
And clean as a whistle!
So far all Ive done is tend to a few items, clean it up a bit, and put some winter wheels and tires on it.
let me tell you..... this thing is like a snowmobile in the snow! :smiley_drive:
Right now the only plans are a 2" front lift, and possibly a bull bar and custom rear bumper.
Id like to fit the thing with receivers front and rear, for a receiver mounted winch. :ylsmoke:
'84 GL
4-speed manual
Dual range AWD
Carb'd 1.8L EA81
Low miles
And clean as a whistle!
So far all Ive done is tend to a few items, clean it up a bit, and put some winter wheels and tires on it.
let me tell you..... this thing is like a snowmobile in the snow! :smiley_drive:
Right now the only plans are a 2" front lift, and possibly a bull bar and custom rear bumper.
Id like to fit the thing with receivers front and rear, for a receiver mounted winch. :ylsmoke:
SRN
Adventurer
I came across a Subaru I simply could not pass up a few weeks ago.
'84 GL
4-speed manual
Dual range AWD
Carb'd 1.8L EA81
Low miles
And clean as a whistle!
So far all Ive done is tend to a few items, clean it up a bit, and put some winter wheels and tires on it.
let me tell you..... this thing is like a snowmobile in the snow! :smiley_drive:
Right now the only plans are a 2" front lift, and possibly a bull bar and custom rear bumper.
Id like to fit the thing with receivers front and rear, for a receiver mounted winch. :ylsmoke:
If it's as clean as those pictures make it look, I'd keep that sucker stock. They are getting rare. Just my $.02.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
The pictures dont lie. It is crazy clean.
Ive got a small site with photos of it here -----------> http://www.bonnefinstudios.com/kwb/automotive/subaru.htm
Low mileage, and always garaged. It has become my new garage queen.
Though, at the end of the day it is still just a $2000 Subaru. Ive thought about keeping it 100% stock, but we bought it to drive, and it has requirements it will need to fill. So I will modify it accordingly.
I will make certain any modifications will be 100% reversible though. :ylsmoke:
Ive got a small site with photos of it here -----------> http://www.bonnefinstudios.com/kwb/automotive/subaru.htm
Low mileage, and always garaged. It has become my new garage queen.
Though, at the end of the day it is still just a $2000 Subaru. Ive thought about keeping it 100% stock, but we bought it to drive, and it has requirements it will need to fill. So I will modify it accordingly.
I will make certain any modifications will be 100% reversible though. :ylsmoke: