Flexplate replacement- engine out or trans?

[BoostedBalls]

As many of you already know, my flexplate is likely busted in my 1993 Legacy. (thanks USMB for the help there!)

 

Do you guys think it would easier / quicker to pull the engine or to pull the trans to get at the flexplate? I was thinking it would be easier to just pull the engine. Looks like I have another couple days of ugly weather here in Portland, OR before I can get started on it anyway.

 

OR- maybe I can pull the trans back a few inches to get to it? Hmm???

 

Chuck

[Reveeen]

"OR- maybe I can pull the trans back a few inches to get to it? Hmm???"

 

Or, pull the rad, stick in a piece of plywood over the air condensor, and pull the engine ahead?

It's gonna be however you can get enough working room the easiest with your availaible tools/equipment.

[Gloyale]

If you've got a hoist, pull engine. If you've got just a jack and stands, pull tranny. I personaly hate unbolting exhaust, but you may have to either method. Neither is too hard.

[idosubaru]

engine out is the easiest method.

but the fastest method can be the trans. but it can be very annoying working from underneath and without good tools for supporting and moving the trans.

 

whatever you do, make absolutely certain the torque converter is fully seated. not doing so will ruin your transmission...unless you like tearing them apart to replace the transmission oil pump components. the last 1/4" can be tricky to seat fully and mistakenly installing it that way will break things. do a search for more info on that if yo'ure not familiar. keeping all this in mind, i'd try sliding the two apart and see what kind of access you can get without actually removing everything. sounds like a plan.

[subeman90]

don't forget the new rear main seal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[idosubaru]

don't forget the new rear main seal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and make sure it's installed perfectly. there were a couple members here and at xt6.net who had newly installed rear seals start pouring oil out shortly after installing. not sure if it's the quality of the seal or the install but i'd be very careful replacing them. for the few rear main seal replacements we see, having two fail last year is interesting and both were by seasoned subaru guys.