98 Legacy Outback with 4EAT repair question

[smokeeater495]

I have a 1998 Legacy Outback wagon with a 4EAT auto transmission. The transmission tail shaft housing is cracked and leaking like a sieve. I have found a replacement housing. Is the swap an easy job or complicated?

[john in KY]

Not difficult, so I have been told but think about why that part cracked. My bet is the driveshaft front u-joint failed. 

[smokeeater495]

I didn't want to make the original post too long. Yes, the U joint failed. I bought this car in non running condition for $200.00. Wasn't running because someone hacked the wiring harness trying to put in a remote starter. I have that sorted. Engine runs great now. The front u joint was completely destroyed. It looks like they drove it that way for a while too because it took a chunk out of the tail housing when it finally came apart.

[wtdash]

It's been a few years...but IIRC:

- Drain the fluid, Drop the exhaust, loosen the pitchstop, and engine mount nuts (so engine can move w/the trans), remove  the trans crossmember  (or maybe just its bolts to the body) while supporting the trans w/a jack, tilt the trans down, remove the housing bolts, CAREFUL w/the parking pawl - it'll try to escape...for starters.

 

I'd also recommend replacing the Duty C solenoid while you're in there - $100 new OEM (?), a new gasket for the housing and make sure the transfer clutches aren't worn....look up torque bind and you can see pics, if not familiar.

 

GL,

TD

Edited March 29, 2016 by wtdash

[smokeeater495]

Any links to pics, torqe bind?

Edited March 30, 2016 by smokeeater495