3mlkm

Thank you. I manages to get then out. There was no clip. The ball joint screws into the body. Boy, those tail gates are heavy !! Great site. SOOO much info.

Hi All. Names Neil from Australia. I first got into Subies (Many tears ago) via a mate who couldn't drive, lived on a very rough road and seemed to aim for all the rocks. We joked at the time, " ..Soon see how good these Subies are...". Well it was the most abused car ever and it just "Kept on Truckin". I bought an 84 Sports Wagon (new) and over the next 19 years did over 3 Million Km in it. It never let me down. Just changed the oil and filter every 7 Km. Drove it through water up to the door handles (low range 1st), Got to the top of mountains that Range rovers couldn't ( with hang gliders on top), Towed over 1 ton loads, Etc Etc. At 2 Million Km I had the engine taken down and all that was wrong was one split valve and a small pit on one cam lobe. It was still going when I sold it. Needless to say, I think they are the best cars ever made. Bought a 2003 Outback new and the gas struts that hold the tail gate up are shot. I live on a dirt road and the dust here contains a lot of fine silicone. I joined this forum to find if there was any info on removing them, mainly the bottom, ball joint end. Does the ball just screw out or is there a nut on the other side. Not being sure what you guys call them, hoping someone can point me to the right forum. After I've spent some time looking around I hope to be able to contribute. I'm not a professional mechanic but I have a bit of experience keeping these wonderful cars going. Thank you. Neil