Mr. Wob

Thank - this helps a lot for both the suspension and search function. XT6 parts really are the biggest hurdle for me, thats why I am interested in alternatives. Maybe I just need to get an Impreza at this rate lol! Actually I see lots of Legacy wagons for cheap, maybe I should look that way. But I must say, for a city beater, I sure do like my Loyale. It has its quirks, but its fun for sure.

I know some of these have been asked, I apologize, I can only seem to find 50% of my answers. I know I have to do a 5 lug conversion and I have read what is required, but I can't seem to find whether all Impreza and WRX parts are interchangable for it. It seems to easier and cheaper to find Impreza hubs and WRX struts. Thanks Caboo, that link seems to answer some of these questions. Its ashame though because its so hard to find XT6 parts. I found a few parts cars, but I have no room for that. Is there a way on search to include words as a phrase? If I search WRX suspension it brings up suspension and WRX hits.

I know the dead horse may be kicked a few times in here, but I'll try my best. I have a 93 Loyale Wagon that has been a beater since last year. Body is so-so, engine runs strong, and could use some tie rod ends, and another ball joint. I havebeen having some visions of upgrading to some new parts though. I have been thinking WRX knuckles/hubs, struts and springs for the front. And I would like to use similar parts on the rear. First question - Do regular Impreza parts work in conjunction with WRX parts? For example, can I use base Impreza hubs/knuckles and WRX struts and springs? Likewise, what brakes will fit this setup? 2nd, How about the rear? In my searches I have found only info on Accord springs or XT6 five lug swap. Are Impreza or WRX parts possible? Will a WRX steering rack or master cylinder fit? I am thinking I want to tackle the suspension first, then do an EJ swap, so perhpas that needs to be kept in mind for the best answers. As usual, thanks in advance

As I was driving along the highway the noise level in my Loyale wagon went from normal to farm tractor in an instant. It actually took me a minute to realize it was my car and not a truck engine braking Either way, the rear muffler pipe rotted away at the flange connecting to the mid pipe. i need to get a new gasket and muffler with pipe now. I tried my old faithful http://www.overnightautoparts.com but before i order, I wanted to see if anyone knows of a better place to order (or cheaper). I have had good service with them so far however. Also, can someone clarify the pipe I need to order I am confused by the two part numbers they have listed. I just need the muffler and pipe set - the mid pipe flange is still ok.

Do Accord springs work front and rear? I actually would like to get a bit lower center of gravity and a bit better handling out of my wagon. Would those cheapo ebay coilover style springs work front and back?

I guess I just need to play around with the vacuum lines again - I was just attaching, waiting and seeing if the light came on then trying the other one, then I just put it back to stock. Therefore, I have no clue which one actually put it in 4WD. The times I drove it in between too I never felt binding , then poof, got in and I felt it I guess my question is that I need to put vacuum to one line to put it in and then I can return it to stock setup, then the other line needs to be connected to take it out and THEN I need to reverse the car and roll it around a bit to get it out?

Of course!!! Now I was messing around with the solenoid vacuum lines again and I went for a drive and it seems to be binding in turns and the car needs some gas to roll with the wheels turned trying to park. So I though ok great 4WD does work! The bulb must be blown. All the vacuum lines are plugged in as normal right now. I tried pulling forward and back and rolling etc, but now I can't get it OUT of 4WD I still dont know which line put in 4WD, but thats something I can mess with later - at least I know it works. But now how do I get it out??

I just did a ball joint and the tie rod boot is torn, but has no play and has been well greased since the tear. I'll replace that soon enough too, but I wanted to see if it was another problem first.

I did a U-Turn, but it was wet out. I still didn't feel any binding really though. I'll play around with it this weekend maybe, see if the the arm moves. Can I manually engage the arm if I slide underneath? What side of the tranny is it on? Thats Numb, you have been a good guide so far. It sounds more like its coming from the right front rather then the tranny area. I do have a manual though.

so an update - I tried bypassing the solenoid. I tried both vacuum lines that connect and I heard nothing and the light didnt go on. I tried driving with one connected and no engagement either. The line in has vacuum too. Sound like the 4WD is DOA? Or am I doing something wrong? Drive longer, wait longer etc? Gracias.

Wow - lots of replies! The vacuum line method seems to be more what I had in mind. And to answer the question about the wires - the wires are severed right at the silicone so I cant just splice. I really need to get a whole new unit and although someone on here had one, I have not had the time to worry about shipping and installing. So I just need a "___" size vacuum line connector - very good to know. As far as the front is concerned, I havent swapped wheels. I live in Manhattan, so its difficult to get space to work. I will try that next - thanks and if there are more ideas I would love to hear them as well. Thanks again.

I am not so much interested in making a whole setup. I just have a some severed wires right at the solenoid that need to be replaced for my 4WD to work again. In the mean time I wanted to know if there is a manual way to engage the 4WD. As far as the steering is concerned, I have double checked all the things that were disconnected and everything is tight. I only undid the sway bar bolt, ball joint bolt and ball joint pinch bolt, so there was not much to check.

I never got around to replacing the severed wires on the solenoid, so I have been left with no 4WD. There may be some snow headed this way and I wanted to see if engaging 4WD without the use of the solenoid is possible. I heard installing a lever is possible, but what about without one? Is there a way to engage it without having to make a lever and moreover, if so, where I am I looking to engage it? Thanks - as usual. Also, now that I think of it - I did a ball joint the other day and now, I get a of back and forth in the steering wheel and kind of like a faint woodpecker noise under load. Not like a popping from a CV joint really though. I assume the steering wheel shimmy is from too much toe and needs an alignment, but the tapping noise I have no clue. I have a little tear in my CV boot, but I have been packing it with grease regularly until I fix it and the noise did not seem to start until after the ball joint was done Ideas?

So I figured what the hell and I beat the car like it owed me money and guess what? Tick got quiet, then went away! I am still going to change the oil, but I am glad it doesnt sound like I am driving an old Rabbit Diesel anymore Thanks guys.

thanks grossgary. i may do a half qt because its definately a bit hard to find a place with Marvel or Seafoam around here. Its been a little bit since I had the car really driving, probably a good 12+ starts that I would drive a block and park and shut it down. That plus the cooler weather probably plays a big role. Hell a good oil change may even shut it up for a little while.