[Wheelwright]

I just bought a '96 Outback wagon. 275k, 5s, 2.2, almost no rust outside the driver's door. I'm not unpleased, since I needed a turnkey driver that I wouldn't need to travel to get, and rust-free Subarus in Western Pa are...unusual to say the least.
My bike has 174k on it, and they can keep each other company.
The transaxle is making ungood noises that sound like a diff with a whole lotta miles on it. It isn't dead, but it's heading that way. Oil color and level are both good, shifting is OK (lubing the linkage pivots helped a bit, imagine that).
Question I have is this. Will the transaxle from a '97 Impreza bolt up? I am expecting to check diff ratios, speed sensors, and other peripherals, but will there be any significant compatiblity troubles? Same motor, less than half the miles, locally sourced, and good price.
By the same token, are there any external checks for transaxle health? For BMW bikes and old Alfas, you turn the shafts, check the drain plugs, and pray. Are Subarus the same?

Thanks,
Wheelwright

 

[canubaru]

your 5 speed trans has a 4.11 final drive ratio.

any manual trans 96 - 99 from an outback, GT or forester should match. they all have the same ratio.


lots of other years will probablt fit as well but it will take a little more research to know for sure. the only 2 things to match are the final drive ratio and the push vs. pull clutch.

a non-outback / GT trans COULD be used but you would have to swap the matching rear diff as well.

for parts look here: Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market . i would look close to home first to avoid shipping and then at the lowest price just to see if there is a real bargain out there even with shipping.

The transaxle is making ungood noises that sound like a diff with a whole lotta miles on it.

a whine, a scream, a clunk, a hum, a clicking, a whirring ??? or does it sound more like ''luke, i am your faaather.''

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

wheel, double check that the axle stubs are completely popped into the diff.

 

[lockmedic]

97 Impreza will still be a cable operated speedo. I'm fairly certain you can pull the cable and swap in a speed sensor but I can't vouch that everything will be copasetic as far as final drive ratios and speedo drive gears. My gut says it's probably a 3.90 as Subaru usually picks FD's based on tire size. . . Imprezas ran shorter tires so taller gears. Not the end of the world as if you get the rear diff you can swap it too and have an awesome-mileage machine. . .just don't hope to beat anything faster than a pedal cart in a drag race.

 

[Wheelwright]

The trans is both cheap and local. Like down-the-hill-from-work local, but it's in a vehicle at the yard. Is there any way to tell the FD ratio from either the VIN or markings on the trans cases?

 

[canubaru]

only by the year and model of the car.

you need one from an OUTBACK, 96 - 99.

 

[Wheelwright]

So a trans from a Forester will do? They're pretty common. According to the online parts fiche and the transmission list, the forester used the right clutch type, FD ratio, and speedo connection.
Outback versions are a little less plentiful.

Thanks,
Wheelwright