rainman19154

Howdy... welcome aboard

hey!! welcome aboard... as mentioned, do use the search function... you can find lots of good arm chair reading in the old threads, besides (likely) an answer to your question of the moment.

the old series Subarus... early 1980s offered Dual Range 4WD in some models. I had two wagons, one with, one without. I know some Brats had it (perhaps all??). Others here will know more about it. There is a thread here concerning a deal that was in the works: to ship a batch of DR trannys from New Zealand, landing them on the West Coast. Search the forums ... it was an interesting read. I dunno how that finally ended up: if it actually took place or not. I've also read arguments that assert the 2.2 and 2.5 have enough power that the DR isn't such a nessecity as it was with the old 1.8 cars. Again, I had my time with them and they weren't much for hp. Super bullet proof reliable but sorta gimped for output.

Welcome to the boards... it sounds like you've brought a great project that we can all enjoy following along. Post some pics!

Hey, Grumpy... I'm fairly new here myself but this is a great group. I'll echo what you said, that forums are great (perhaps the best) place to get info, but this one is exceptionally friendly. Like any message board, you're encouraged to use the search function but when you're stumped, these folks are generally glad to help.

Faux', welcome aboard. I've had both era of cars ... the early 80s vs the late 80s, and I prefer the older models like yours. Just my two cents and reflects my own experiences but I had fewer issues with the EA-81s.

Yo YO Welcome.... and hey, don't be so hard on the wagons. They haul our stuff!! really well.

haha apologies if it seems we're ignoring you. Welcome to the forum. And I'll second t he call for pix.

About your blown boot.... IMHO, you might as well replace the axle on that side and not worry about just the boot. I know the car has sat... but if there were many miles with that boot gone bad, your CV joint has lost it's grease and is badly worn anyway. Replacing the axle is actually less work than trying to replace that one boot. I don't recall the exchange price with the core but they were pretty cheap, (circa 88-92, Alaska prices). I just looked and Ebay has the axles for under $100. Get yourself (buy or rent??) a 3/4" drive breaker bar and 32mm socket (check me on that socket size)... you'll need it to break the gland nut off the axle and then to get it back on tight enough. That breaker bar and a 3-4 ft piece of pipe to slide over the handle will get that nut off. IF you have a 1/2" impact gun, you can rattle em off... sometimes. But generic 1/2" tools will often twist off taking that nut off. I've ruined Snap On and Craftsman breaker bars taking that nut off. Once I bought the 3/4" setup from NAPA, I never had another problem. They used to sell a 'split type' boot you could allegedly retro fit onto the cv joint without pulling the axle but no one I knew back then had any success with them holding up. I never replaced a throttle cable but odds are it's not that tough. If you're on a tight budget (young student type) you may do ok finding one at a wrecking yard.

Yet another Pa resident chimes in... By a few blocks, just inside the Philly city limits. Bucks County is where I do most of my driving, shopping n dining. Bensalem/ South Bucks County in particular. Current employment is in Montgomery County (I think... Norristown/Plymouth Meeting. I'm new here and still learning my way around) Welcome aboard.

Ouch!! That had to have given quite a jolt through the chassis, coupled with some crazy sound effect when it all let loose. I've had nothing like that. In fact, in other posts here, I've read of symptoms much more severe than anything I was experiencing. Learning of the FWD fuse bought me some very valuable time while I got the resources to buy a full set of tires. For that insight alone, I owe USMB a great debt of gratitude.*** THANK YOU, ALL Basically, I think I've dodged a bullet and can worry about other things, i.e. the aforementioned brakes.

It's hard to call it a flush; so far I've swapped out about a gallon of fluid. And probably more as a result of getting proper tires on there - after about 25 miles of driving the torque bind had pretty much cleared itself up. In fact, by the time I'd driven home from work today and had about 70 miles clocked, I'm was feeling next to nothing. Some posts on other threads say I should feel the AWD giving some sensation... there is maybe a rumble of sensation but nothing I'd call a bind. I'm gonna swap out another gallon or two, just cuz it's due. I'll keep your offer in mind but the next priority is getting the brakes done. I need pads n rotors x 4, minimally.

for lack of a better response... "ouch, that's gonna leave a mark"

Heya!! Welcome to both of you!!

ah well, stupid is as stupid does. I was up bright and early setting things right. The drain for the T'axle was a little tough to spot in the shadows but that's handled. I will say, it came off really tight- not sure how it should be, I checked the torgue spec on it and put it back in accordingly. 32.5 ft lbs I think it is. That seems light but I didn't want to strip something out with my enthusiasm. As for the ATF, I was just about to the low mark on the stick, so not terrible. I've added another quart, drove it around and checked it again. It's warmed up somewhat but looks to be about halfway between the marks - I think a bit low yet. I'll check it again later after I've put some more time on it and got it more fully warmed up. Oh well, live n learn. This isn't the worst or the dumbest thing I've gotten myself into but it's a high mark in recent history.

Wow. what an awesome concept.... I'm sure there's VeeDub enthusiasts rolling over in agony at the prospect. Back when, I went through a couple of Beetles... what are you doing about heat? You've got the hot water jacket and plumbing... putting an aftermarket bus heater in the back seat? What about venting some of that to the defrosters? I know in the Northwest you will get fogged windows.

Hey, Back!! Welcome to the forum. I'm fairly new here, too- but the folks here are exceptionally helpfull and friendly. 'Yet another headgasket job... you must have a 2.5. Use the search feature and you'll find 101 threads on that topic- I'm sure you'll find a tip that will help you out. Can't say much myself for HP increase... again try the search feature.

So true...... ^ ^ ^ ^ All of the above ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Thx for the feedback.... It never occured to me there'd be 3!!! dipsticks under the hood. When I saw how short the first dipstick was (Transaxle), I should have clued in. Oh well, except it cramps Sunday morning, no blood - no foul.

Okie Dokie.... guess I'll be draining or siphoning the transaxle and putting 90W back to the proper levels. And what small amount I did get draining the ATF was ~reasonably inline with what my owner's manual says. I tossed that siphon pump thinking it had quit after only pulling a quart out. Turns out that might be all that the transaxle had it in it. I guess I got this sorted out... I hope I've given ya'll a good chuckle on a Saturday night. Damn, I hope I'm not a quart over in the AT. Well that is another matter and nothing that can't be sorted out.

edit: '95 legacy, AT AWD, 2.2 OK... with the intent of doing a two gallon flush/exhange of atf.... I pulled the little yellow dipstick on the passengers side, put the hose for my Harbor Freight pump down there and proceeded to draw fluid. After only about a quart, the pump took a dump. So I put a jack under the driver's side, lift the car and pull the tranny plug. I only got about a gallon out of it before it stopped draining. I expected more, but then I'd pulled a quart out all ready.... I put the drain plug in, level the car and proceed to funnel ATF into the hole on the passenger's side where the little dipstick was. I got nearly 3 quarts in and then it was overflowing!! "HUH????" After dorking around (sadly in fading daylight, it's now dark outside), I found the proper dipstick for the tranny back on the Driver's side, hidden in the shadow of hoses. I was all ready sorta freaked out, realizing I've screwed the pooch, so I'm not sure if I put 3 quarts or 4 into the (proper) tranny tube. RIght now the car is sitting. I'm not starting it until I have a plan of action. Also, I prefer to conceal the puddle of ATF that is under it now from where I overfilled (the transaxle???) the passenger's side dipstick. OK crew... I'll dig into my owner's manual and see what it has to say about Transaxle fluids. If it's just ATF in there, I can just restore it to proper levels. As for the tranny... I was doing a flush pursuant to Torque Bind. I finally got four new tires y'day. Today I pulled the FWD fuse and the TB is still there. FWIW, seems much worse turning to left than right (or is the other way around. I sorta rattled right now and totally off my rocker). I know this isn't the end of the world, just a hitch in the giddy up. I haven't run the car but what was gonna be a simple 20 minute event has become a minor crisis.

My '95 Legacy is very due for pads n rotors. Is there anything special I should anticipate? Additionally, when swapping tires right after I got the car, I observed my backing plates are very!!! rusted. Is this typical? I've never seen any so bad, even on my old Subbies. Are these something I absolutely need to replace asap? Would Autozone or NAPA stock them (I'd expect "no"). Would junkyard replacements be adequate or should I just bite the bullet and go to the dealer? I will say, these backing plates complicate what would otherwise make a basic brake job.

I had one of the FWD 2 doors for a short time.... that thing would haul a**! I was onto my second 4WD wagon when I got a good deal on the 2 door. Compared to the typical slugbug wagons, that 2 door was a rocket! I got the car and a Honda 3 wheeler for $300 --- sold the car back to the same guy six months later for $200. He needed transportation and I had a glut of cars in my yard. I'll always remember that little car fondly.

Blown Turbo? yeah I bet. Turbos are not for the casual/negligent motorist... a used car with a turbo would be off the radar for me. Not something I'm gonna take a chance on.

cajun, creole, whatever.... DEEP DIXIE is still Dixie. I never met a confederate cafe I didn't like.