TajMan Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 What up guys? I have 2 Brats with 2 4-speed manual transmissions in them. Both have some issues in different areas. I really don't know anything would like to learn more about the trans, and find out what parts could be interchanged between the 2 to make one perfect trans. My '83 Brat used to be an automatic. bummer huh I converted it to manual, with parts sourced from a '81 GL wagon in the junk yard. When I got it running, I was disappointed to find out it was a single-range trans. More disappointed to find out it grinds 2nd gear usually unless extremely slow/careful, and grinds 3rd gear also on quick higher RPM shifts. 2nd/3rd gear syncros worn correct? The shifter feels tight though it doesn't have the typical loose Subaru shifter feel of most 80's cars. I know this '81 trans uses different 1st and 2nd gear ratios I believe.. I installed a new clutch kit in this vehicle (smaller pre-'84 clutch) The '84 Brat I just picked up is sweet, more original in many ways compared to beat old '83. DUAL-range transmission! Awesome Uses the bigger post-'84 clutch. Not sure how much life it has left, but doesn't slip. The shifter feels way loose, typical of most old 80's Subaru cars I've driven, lots of play. Shifts ok except sometimes 3rd gear issue. It can feel like it goes into 3rd fine, but as soon as you let out the clutch it can pop out of gear (and sometimes that causes a little grinding as gear is half-in). With another try you can usually hit 3rd no problem. If you are in 3rd solidly, it never pops out again on its own while driving. If I can build one complete properly working trans out of the two I have, I will do it. Or, I might pull another trans from the pick-n-pull junk yard to try it. They have a few cars there I need to check out, and I have $145 credit there from a bad engine I returned.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 Not worth it - use your credit to get a 5 speed D/R instead. The 4's are obsolete and are just a MESS to rebuild. The 5's are better and stronger all around. GD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TajMan Posted September 4, 2011 Author Share Posted September 4, 2011 well dang no more explanation about the shifter looseness, or my new '84 that pops out of 3rd sometimes after you've let out the clutch?? I'm going tomorrow to check out the 5-speed transmissions in the junk yard, half price tomorrow and monday! maybe go that route, I'll just be getting this car all 100% restored and painted nice to sell it, the 5-speed trans would just bring a little more value Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TajMan Posted September 4, 2011 Author Share Posted September 4, 2011 bump for anyone else that might see this aww I still love the good old 4-speed, and the new D/R option I have in my '83 is a pretty good trans I can use. What causes like 3rd gear to sometimes pop out when you let out the clutch, and the shifter looseness? Can really nothing be done without full-on transmission dis-assembly? No top shifter piece to take out and work on without splitting the case? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idasho Posted September 4, 2011 Share Posted September 4, 2011 the 3rd gear pop is simply a 3rd gear and 3rd gear syncro issue. A complete tear down is required, IF parts are available. I might have missed it, but have you checked fluid level? I had a pretty bad rd gear problem when I picked up my GL, only to find that the fluid was low due to a leaky input shaft seal. Once the seal was replaced and fluid filled up to spec the 3rd gear problem went away 90+% It isnt completely gone, but it does shift without grinding, and it holds in gear. The sloppy shifter is a linkage issue. This is one of the methods to fix it... http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=86901 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TajMan Posted September 4, 2011 Author Share Posted September 4, 2011 thanks for that Well, a few cars at the pick-n-pull. 5-speed manuals with the push-button 4WD... I'm going to stay away form those ones One 5-speed dual range trans that I believe I'm going to pull now! 225K miles on the gauges, but the shifter feels tight and all gears feel normal, I think I'm going to give it a shot and hope for the best! And there is a '88 Turbo FI ea82 engine'd wagon...... Sh*t F*&&$ ahhhhh I think I'm going to try to pull that also by 5pm tomorrow. crap, lots of work Engine + full wire harness + a computer box under the dash, to get that turbo FI motor to run????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idasho Posted September 4, 2011 Share Posted September 4, 2011 Yes, the dual range 5-speed is the one you want. Ive got one in my shop waiting for the 4-speed to die. I wouldnt worry TOO much about mileage. But I would pull the dip stick to see how nasty the fluid is. Clean and clear, go for it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TajMan Posted September 4, 2011 Author Share Posted September 4, 2011 Fluid looked good and clean when I watched it draining. I've pulled the 5-speed D/R trans, I have it in the back of my Brat now! Tomorrow I'm going to pull the turbo engine, and I still need info, I think I'll start a thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now