Leaderboard

OK well that was easy to diagnose-- the bottom cover over the flexplate/torque converter has come loose and is rattling. As I recall that cover was bent/damaged when the engine was changed and the bolts probably weren't tightened sufficiently. Fixing it is another matter since the bolts are inaccessible behind the crossmember. At least it's nothing serious, just bothersome.

wow.. that is a lot of miles. even if it is on the 2nd round so far mine is still on its first round (original engine & tranny), and going strong.. engine had the headgaskets done long before I got it (somewhere around 108K from the carfax report), and so far, so good.. knock on wood.

same here, where i haven't seen an old gen in a yard in 10+ years due to rust - still, a social media or forum post putting a good price on an OEM axle: "$75 for good OEM axle" post title might motivate someone.

My 99 OBW has 560,000 miles. Not sure what will give out first, second engine, second transmission or body from rust rot

Go to the following web site and save the Factory Service Manual - "1983 Subaru EA81.pdf" file. Put the cursor on the link and click the right mouse button. In the menu that pops up, move the cursor to "Save Target As" and click the left mouse button. A window will open and you can select or make a folder to save it in on your pc. http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/--Old Models--/ There is a lot of stuff on that site. When you click on a folder and then want to go back, click on Parent Directory. You mentioned brakes, they are in Chapter 10. It's a long document so the scroll bar will be small. Move it about half way down. The page numbers at the bottom of each page will be 10-1 etc. I use Acrobat Reader DC to view pdf files. It's free.

If you’re keeping stock brakes any 80-84 factory service manual will help. The Brat ran longer as did the Hatchback. But the 80-84 cars are the core. Any of those manuals will help. There are Brat or MPV Supplements to the FSM’s you may find. But for the engine and drivetrain the regular car manual has you covered. Guys like me are out there on eBay. Dedicated hobbyist selling off their “hoarded stash” . With me it’s the 70’s. I don’t have much 80’s at all. But I do see a guy selling 80’s NOS and there’s often good used items from guys like you and me. Ebay can be tricky sometimes. But at least with 70’s and 80’s parts you can bet it’s not some copy and is totally authentic. Hunting for rear disk brakes too ? Turbo models will have those and later Loyale Turbos. Enjoy !