Need parts resources...

[unverviking]

Looking for a driveshaft for my 96 Imp OBW. Found out this morning that the u-joints aren't replaceable... The dealer is quoting $500 as the list price.

 

I searched online and found http://www.wholesaleimportparts.com has them for $347 with free ground shipping. Anyone heard of / bought from these guys before ??

 

Anything specific to look out for in getting one for any other source besides a dealer.

 

I've been away from the site for awhile, is Subie Gal still selling parts online for the dealer that she works at ?? If so, what is the web address ??

 

Thanks to all for the assists.

[aircraft engineer]

Looking for a driveshaft for my 96 Imp OBW. Found out this morning that the u-joints aren't replaceable... The dealer is quoting $500 as the list price.

 

I searched online and found http://www.wholesaleimportparts.com has them for $347 with free ground shipping. Anyone heard of / bought from these guys before ??

 

Anything specific to look out for in getting one for any other source besides a dealer.

 

I've been away from the site for awhile, is Subie Gal still selling parts online for the dealer that she works at ?? If so, what is the web address ??

 

Thanks to all for the assists.

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=87496

 

From Reveen -

 

I SIMPLY do not understand.

 

http://www.rockforddriveline.com/replacem.htm

 

$35

 

Anyway - it's a BIT (forgot the "ch") of work getting the stakes and caps out but IF you have time and equipment, it beats the $500. They even provided a short course in replacement on their website

[lmdew]

Might have one for you, what length and do you need the front rear or both? I parted a 97 OBS.

[unverviking]

Might have one for you, what length and do you need the front rear or both? I parted a 97 OBS.

 

Front side is binding, but would like to replace the whole thing. It's got 125k, and I just started towing a small camper, and hope to keep it for a few more years (towing and all)

 

About how many miles is/was the one that you have ??

 

I'll measure tomorrow. It is a 96 Imp OBW

[chef_tim]

I bought one from here.....

http://www.thrashdriveshaft.com/

Comes with replacable/greasable U-joints. Price included shipping

 

Later, Tim

[nipper]

I bought one from here.....

http://www.thrashdriveshaft.com/

Comes with replacable/greasable U-joints. Price included shipping

 

Later, Tim

 

WOW thats a good price.

 

nipper

[unverviking]

Might have one for you, what length and do you need the front rear or both? I parted a 97 OBS.

From Tip to Tail is measures about 57.5 inches.

 

Let me know specifics on your's... Mileage most importantly, I'd consider it if it has under 50k or so on it... Otherwise, I'd be in the same boat with something with more mileage than that...

 

Thanks.

[unverviking]

I bought one from here.....

http://www.thrashdriveshaft.com/

Comes with replacable/greasable U-joints. Price included shipping

 

Later, Tim

 

Thanks for the link, I'm gonna give them a call tomorrow when they open up. I like their bio better than the others. They've been in business since 1955, the others didn't say anything about time in business, etc.

[unverviking]

here's the latest...

 

Called 2 local dealers, 1, quoted me list price $499.99, the other quoted $399.99 as my cost from them. In speaking with him, he searched and found that there wasn't one to be had... and it could be awhile. I worked with 1 other local resource, ultimately they would have to send it to a remanufacturer in California, 2 1/2-3 week turn around time. I also worked with the guys at Driveshaft Specialists (www.thrashdriveshaft.com) they too would need my driveshaft to rebuild it, then send it back. So I boxed it up and sent it away for its trip to Texas for rebuilding...

 

Now to the rest of my question(s)... I've seen a U-Joint replacement done before... not that big of a deal. What is so difficult about these "stacked in" u-joints that they can't be done locally by someone who does the "normal" kind? I know that in looking around for this, I've not seen 1 "aftermarket" u-joint available for this, so parts availibility is an issue... But there has got to ones available if there is an aftermarket for rebuilt driveshafts, like mine is going to be.

 

Next question... How much of a difference is there in these driveshafts? I know length, etc. But the 2nd dealer parts guy told me that there are at least 4 different drive shafts used in 96. Is there any difference in the standard Impreza Wagon, and Sedan vs. my Impreza Outback... Is it the larger motor? I've seen that the 1.8l was available in it.

 

Thanks to all in advance for the replies...

[aircraft engineer]

HOW TO INSTALL A "NORMAL" (REPLACEABLE) U-JOINT -

 

"normal" U-joints are held into the hoops with c-clips inside the bands

 

remove the c-clips, put a small socket wrench on the end "pressing in", a big enough socket wrench on the end "being pressed out" and compress the joint with a suitable vise (or hydraulic press if you have one) The bearing cup being pressed out pops off into the inside of the bigger socket.

 

Now put a small enough socket on the u-joint cross end and the large socket on the other end and press out the cup you just pressed "in" and remove it. Do the other 2 cups and you can get the cross "out". you now have 2 pieces of driveshaft (plus a used u-joint to discard).

 

(Disassembly finished)

 

Installation isn't tricky - just needs to be precise and is "sort of" the reverse of disassembly.

 

Start by putting in the cross in between the hoops then put 1 bearing cup in place, put the cross into the cup and then press the cup into the hoop.

 

Put on the C-clip. Now put the other cup in place and partly push the cross out of the cup just installed and onto the cup to be installed. (it's a guide at this point) Press the cup into the hoop and install the C-clip.

 

Repeat for the other 2 cups.

 

IF the cup isn't flush with the edge of the hoop (Sub cups are below the edge in order to make the "clenches"), you would need to press it in until the c-clip groove clears the hoop. Once the clips are installed, it's seated and ready to go. Lube it and install the shaft (or install then lube - no difference.)

 

Some other installations use band bolts and nuts to hold the u-joint to the differential. Those are just a matter of making sure the cups are fully seated before tightening the nuts.

[unverviking]

UPDATE

 

Received the driveshaft back today from Drive Shaft Specialists. I had the car halfway jacked up when the UPS guy delivered it. Had it installed within 45 minutes. Rides great, no more shaking... Now I need to fix the Speedo Cable... Any suggestions ??

 

More on the driveshaft... They cut off the old yoke ends, and rewelded new ones on with greasable u-joints, installed a new carrier bearing, it was rebalanced, then painted. The 2 day return was worth the $45 extra, especially since it wouldn't have arrived until NEXT Tuesday (5/13) with ground... I checked once it was all back together, all the u-joints are accessable for greasing without pulling anything off.

 

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this repair. I'm glad that I did this one, it would have been another charge for diagnosis and then the rest... Saved a bunch... I think...