Need Help in Chicagoland with '94 FWD 4EAT Swap!

[HobbyWrench]

Hi,

 

I need help in swapping a 4EAT FWD transmission in my '94 NA Legacy Wagon.

 

Are you in/near Chicagoland, have the experience and tools/jacks, or can refer me to a 'nearby' garage Subaru-experienced (and capable) for this?

 

(I found a replacement '94 4EAT FWD with 110K - the differential eventually went out after 200K on the original.  I know, I know, I should go with a 5MT swap, but it is for my girlfriend who ABSOLUTLY CANNOT drive a 5MT.)

 

Also, what would be a list of seals, O-rings, gaskets, etc. you would suggest I purchase to replace with this swap?

 

Thanks!

Mike

[idosubaru]

torque converter seal is about it to replace

if the engine has the plastic rear separator plate - install the metal stamped variety (though these early models might have metal)

atf hoses are wise

rear output shaft seal - though they are replaceable from underneath and don't leak often so you could conceivably leave it if finances are on the table.

 

change the ATF and front diff gear oil

 

some early 4EAT's needed a special Subaru recall filter - i think it was 91-92's but check to make sure 94's weren't included. 

 

swap a 5MT?  way more work, more expensive parts (pedal assembly, console, cruise, clutch cable, driveshaft), more expensive mainteannce - flywheel, clutch, resurface, you won't have a spare rear extension housing for future maintenance - less reliable (maybe equally reliable at most) with clutch, synchro's, main and input shaft bearing issues, less forgiving torque bind issues, more annoying to tow with, can't manually lock the "center diff". a more expensive, more time consuming, functional downgrade...sounds like a good decision to me. 

[AdventureSubaru]

Don't think Miles Fox is on here much anymore, but he may be willing to do it or could point you to someone who can. If you pm Tom (TheLoyale) he can probably put you in touch with Fox. They're both up in the Milwaukee area. Both great guys. Had a few dealings with them over the years when I lived out that way.

 

Or, a transmission jack can be rented for bout $30. a day. These transmissions are pretty easy swaps. Takes about a day to do one. FWD will be easier than an AWD. I can talk you through it. You'll get dirty and tired but save $$$ and know the job is done right.

[AdventureSubaru]

And yeah. if it's all shipshape and lines aren't badly rusted, swap fresh fluid and gear oil (Drivers side is trans fluid. Passenger side is gear oil) install and drive.

 

I love AWD for snow and trails, but those FWD legacies are extremely low maintenance. Easy to swap, less to go wrong and better mpg.

[CNY_Dave]

Just make sure the torque converter is really seated, after mating engine and trans there must be a gap showing between the converter and the flex plate!

[HobbyWrench]

Thanks, Guys, for the replies, advice, and encouragement!

 

(My apologies for the delay in responding - work has been crazy.)

 

I am now tempted to give it a try, though I do need to read up on the steps to refresh my memory.  One concern I do remember, however, IS alignment of the torque converter.

 

The new transmission (111K miles), has the its torque converter wired in place on the transmission.  If I'm careful and keep this torque converter attached to the transmission, does making the seating easier? 

 

Thanks again!

 

Mike

[CNY_Dave]

Presumably the TC on that trans is still seated- maybe.

 

If it looks like it cou;dn't slide back more than 1/8 inch it's probably seated.

Seating is fairly easy once you get the hang of picking up on the front of the converter just the right amount.