jmoss5723

Full time 4WD wiht a locking center differential and low range gearing. In theory, it is awesome. However, some people seem to prefer the 5spd D/R.

I don't recall, but it is on the list of things to check. The RX trans has low range, so no worries there. My BRAT is like 90% on road and 10% off road. I'm hoping to have it fun on road but not give up much off road.

Maybe 50cc Honda scooters?

I'm already lifted and I do wheel it some, but realistically it is used 90% street and 10% offroad. I like the idea of FT AWD, but not if it will be unpleasant to drive. Thanks for the input!

In preparation for the EJ swap, I'm starting to compile a parts list and I started thinking about adding a transmission to the list. I already have an EA82 series 5spd D/R trans, but I'm thinking that it would be pretty sweet to replace it with an RX full-time 4WD trans. Today I'm working on figuring out if my axles, driveshaft, and rear differential will be compatible. I'll also have to figure out which clutch kit to get. I'm presuming that my original EA81 shift linkages that have been modified to work with the 5spd D/R will also work on the F/T 4WD transmission, but that is a bridge that I can cross if/when I get to it. Gosh. This is getting complicated!

I'm trying to round up all the parts to do some serious upgrading on my gen2 BRAT. Currently, I'm running an EA81 and the previous owner swapped in a dual range 5 speed. I'm planning on putting in an EJ22 and I'm giving some consideration to putting in a full-time AWD transmission from an RX. I have the EJ swap stuff figured out, but I have some questions about the transmission. Aside from the transmission itself, what else would I need to replace to make this work? I'll have to make sure I have the same final drive ratio in the rear diff, of course, but are the axles the same? Can I use the same driveshaft? Any other considerations I'll need to make while sourcing parts? Thanks!

This is a solid review, here. I think we'll really enjoy the van. I have 21+ hour road trip to break it in in a few weeks! #2 is no reason for a van! 2 car seats fit in the subaru no problem. The big convertible car seats are a little tight while rear-facing in an older impreza or forester, but manageable.

I hate those little rubber sleeves! Any time I've encountered a stuck slide pin it has been on the pin with the sleeve. I always remove them now and have no problems.

Add "goob everything up with high temp brake grease" to that list, and you'll have a pretty comprehensive list.

I do LOTS of pad changes on automatic transmission subarus. I engine brake quite a bit in my manuals so brakes last forever, but the autos seem to eat pads up. I've tried quite a few brands of pads and everything from semi-metallic to full ceramic. I've decided that Centric brand semi-metallics from Rock Auto perfectly balance longevity and price and they're not terribly dirty.

Redrilled hubs are great. Redrilled wheels look like some sketchy garbage, though. If the car is rusted up beater, sure, just redrill some toyota wheels to fit the subaru hubs, but if you want your car to look presentable, don't drill the wheels. I guess you could redrill the wheels and weld the unused holes closed and grind it smooth again. That wouldn't look terrible, but then it isn't quick or easy anymore.

This is the right answer for quick and easy. If you do a quick search here, you'll find plenty of info on redrilling hubs.

Did you replace the little gaskets around the spark plug holes when you did the VCGs? Check the sparkplug tubes for oil. Its not uncommon for oil to leak into there and cause a misfire.

Always going above and beyond, Tom.

How did I not know about this?! Do you have a link? This would make the EJ swap in my BRAT way better! RWD EJ BRAT would be awesome.

The BRAT is getting a heart transplant! I just scored a 180k mile 1994 FWD Legacy with a very nice running Phase 1 EJ22. $100 for the whole car delivered to my house! I'm also quite happy that the interior is a perfect color match to the BRAT and the seats are pretty clean. The original seats in the BRAT are very tired, so this will be a nice upgrade. As excited as I am, this whole project will have to sit for a little while before I can dig into it. I'm in the middle of a major remodel on a portion of my house. And just about the time I get that finished, my third child will be born this summer. Realistically, this will be a project for next winter.

Just as an update for those who might care, I bought a 2005 Honda Odyssey with 170k miles. Its REALLY nice. I think we'll be very happy with it! And I only paid $3500!

Yeah, man! It seems like the general consensus from all of my various sources is to buy the Honda. Only a few outliers have said to get the T&C.

Maybe I'll just get a vanagon and subie swap it. Too bad my wife will never go for it.

We have a 3rd kid on the way and they're all in car seats, so the OBW isn't going to cut it anymore. I'm looking at buying a 4th gen Chrysler Town & Country (2001-2007) or a Honda Odyssey (2005-2010). Anyone have experience with these vans? I'm looking for advice from a longevity/reliability and ease of maintenance perspective. Thanks!

According to his website (sjrlift.com) His email is: sjrwa@yahoo(dot)com. I have never purchased from Scott, but his reputation is solid around here. Plenty of happy customers.

I run 215/70/16 Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires on stock size KYB Excel-G 2003-2008 Forester struts with no rubbing on the struts. I DO have rubbing on the plastic wheel well liners in the front at full lock, though.

Pictures added!

I bought it in Virginia from a dealership that only really exists online. They sell 100 cars a month on eBay. I asked a local subie guy (does part outs, timing belt jobs, occasionally flips cars, etc.) if he knew where I could get a car with a bad tranny to put this one in. He gave me this dealer's number and the rest just kinda happened.

I bought a 2000 Forester S for $800 last week with a "bad transmission." The car is immaculate. Single owner. Southern car. No rust. Detail cleaned engine bay. 4 new tires. Leather interior, etc. I took it home to swap the transmission with a good one I had laying around and I discovered that it just had a self-detonated front CV. I swapped the axle and now it is driving 100% perfect. What a deal!