retrograding to 84 gl hatch

[powderhound]

I'm going to look at a 84 gl hatch tomorrow 160k, 5sp, 4wd for $600. This being my first older gen suby is there anything particular to look out for? TIA.

[nipper]

Rust. Especially the front frame rails. Rust kills more soobies then any other cause.

 

 

nipper

[GeneralDisorder]

I'm going to look at a 84 gl hatch tomorrow 160k, 5sp, 4wd for $600. This being my first older gen suby is there anything particular to look out for? TIA.

 

4WD will not be a 5 speed. If it's 4WD then it's a 4 speed single range (DL) or dual range (GL). 2WD Hatch would have a 5 speed (GL, DL) or a 4 speed (STD).

 

Check for play in the distributor shaft, and for rust on the whole car. Especially check the radiator, upper and lower hoses, and heater core hoses - all of which should be replaced if there's any evidence of corrosion in the system.

 

Assuming it's a 4 speed D/R, then when you drive it see how tight the linkage is - if it's loose and barely wants to find reverse then you may be looking at a new transmission eventually. Also see how "crunchy" 2nd and 3rd gear are - the four speeds suffer from 3rd gear syncro failure, and also from premature shift dog failure (mostly reverse) due to poorly maintained linkage bushings. Have a look at the transmission mounts - they are often soft and crappy, and aren't cheap - about $90 for both at the dealer.

 

Check out the exhaust - they tend to rust out before anything else on the rig.

 

GD

[mikeshoup]

RE the transmission mounts,

 

I got a brand new pair of transmission mounts from rockauto for $30.

[GeneralDisorder]

RE the transmission mounts,

 

I got a brand new pair of transmission mounts from rockauto for $30.

 

They are out of stock - have been for a while now unfortunately.

 

GD