edrach

Austin, have a safe and uneventful trip back. As near as I remember some of the roads you're considering, everything out there is boring. I-84 is interesting with one humongous pass just after Pendleton and then one smaller one after that. I-80 is the most desolate road I've ever driven on after passing through Salt Lake City. Conservative cuss that I am, I'd opt for the direct route and skip the sight-seeing for some really nice scenery.

You might call the tech guy at www.cvaxles.com and explain your dilemna and he might shed some light on it. Their axles are the best rebuild as far as I'm concerned; and not too pricey either ($55 each plus returnable core and shipping last time I bought a set).

Another vote for Smart Service.

Typical symptom of the diode trio failing in the alternator. Usually a pre-curser to complete failure to charge. At least get a working spare from the local Pull a Part yard so you're not standed before you decide to install a new rebuilt alternator.

2WD axles and 4WD axles have different shaft diameters; I'm not so sure about the stubby that goes through the wheel bearings however. But it might explain why some axles pull through easily and others not.

Actually, you're lucky they gave you the 23 and you have the 25 spline DOJ; the other way around and it goes on so easy you don't realize it's wrong until after you're done and go to drive away and the oversize DOJ shears off the roll pin! Been there, done that! Good luck getting the right axle; you might try getting one from richierich at Superior Import Repair. Good luck.

Superior Import Repair, Rich Lawson (aka richierich on the USMB)....you can't go wrong with him. 503-288-8634.

If the rad has become inefficient the sure sign is that the faster you go on the highway, the warmer she runs. If you've already replaced the thermostat and the fan kicks in when it should and you have the proper amount of coolent, then it's time for the radiator to be replaced. Don't waste your money on a flush of the system....that generally costs $30 to $40 and a new radiator can be had for around $100.

13 PSI is correct. I hope you kept the receipt for it also to prove it; it would be nice if you bought the rad cap at the same store.

Didn't this new radiator come with a new radiator cap? Either way, I think you're getting a run-around.

Whenever, I have trouble getting the spindle through the hub, I unbolt the hub from the rotor, remove it, and that makes it much easier to get it started.

Great job Karin. Consider that there are tons of posts from some of us male chauvinists who did a timing belt job and then it didn't work at all. Feel like coming down here and trying to replace headgaskets on this project Brat I have? I'll even share the beer!!

Noah, sign me up for a set when they are done. Thanks.

Here are some of the pics I shot over the weekend. I'm sorry I couldn't get more of the show and shine cars and people. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/photos/showgallery.php?cat=721

You might do a quick search of Suburb Service here on the USMB and draw your own conclusions. Seems your car is a bit too old for them to work on it.

If you are checking around, try Smart Service in Shoreline. They will not be the least expensive but they are unquestionably the best in Seattle. http://www.smart-service.com/

The price doesn't seem unreasonable to me, but the fact that it is still breaking belts is. The belts should last past the suggested 60,000 mile interval without breaking. Two thoughts: The tensioners as mentioned could be bad and contributing to the premature failure. Also, as far as timing belts go, I would not use anything other than genuine Subaru belts. By the way, next time the belts go, replace the water pump; it's right there when the belts are replaced and if it fails the labor involved is right up there with the cost of replacing the belts.

My Blue Brat will be safe in Bozeman, thanks to tailgatewagon who was kind enough to lend us garage space for the duration. It will come home as soon as I get past my vacation weeks (WCSS7 and Vancouver Island here we come). I haven't heard from the guys, but they might be in Idaho by now, certainly past Missoula. They are going to be one tired set of puppies when they arrive back here.

Well, sadly the Brat finally lost the head gaskets about 20 miles west of Billings. James will try to have AAA tow it to Bozeman where it will have safe haven for a few weeks until I can get out there and tow it home. I'll have more definite news later.

That's correct; looking at the exit numbers and recognizing that they switch from I-94 to I-90 at Billings, the distance comes out to 360 miles. Odd that there a typo on the mileage chart of the Atlas I was using. Creative accounting is what I like....just saved almost 300 miles!

Just an update on the timing going into Bozeman.....Glendive to Bozeman looks like 630 miles if I'm reading the map correctly. That looks like at least 10 hours driving time to me. Another update: I'm really confused now, the mileage table adds up to 630 miles but the exit numbers on I-94 come out to much less than that. When I get back to the office I'll try to get a better "guesstimate." Turns out the 630 miles is bogus; see later posts.

Freddie, thanks so much for your update. It's a pleasure to know that they are moving right along. That was quite a trek making it from Jamestown, ND to Montana overnight. They must not have gotten too much sleep.

I will take a last run to PAP tomorrow to see if the blue wagon finally made it into the yard. Carpet and window regulator (actual regulator or window crank? right or left door). Also the red tail-gate is on my "restoration" brat (see my photo gallery); gold tail-gate is on Eric's brat (see my photo gallery for that also). Oh, I also have 2 or 3 harmonic balancers for you.

Help me out here so I don't forget. Here's the following items I will definitely bring to WCSS7: XT6 seats for bratsrus1 Impreza seats for snowman Standard bezels and grill for McBrat Did I promise anyone else specific items to bring? If so, let me know by PM or post it here. I'll be bringing other stuff to sell but I'm not sure what.

Just got a call from James. Head gaskets are done and they're back on the road again as of 10 minutes ago. They might stop in Bismarck long enough to check things out but hope to get into Montana tonight.