Pryce

I realize that the transmission and front differential are all in one big box. That still doesn't change the fact that they are two separate things. As far as exactly what a Viscous Coupling unit is or how one works, I admit I do not know. What I do know is that the noises I am hearing are not from the suspention. At times it sounds just like the bad CV joints I just replaced (clunk, clunk, clunk). However, now it has gotten so bad that it is obviously a gear grinding noise with the occasional clunk; as if at some point the gears catch, 'clunking' into place. I have found several threads that refer to a 'clunking noise coming from the transmission... http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=61454&highlight=clunk http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=59696&highlight=clunk http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=56562&highlight=clunk If I raise a front wheel off of the ground, with the transmission in gear, I can still rotate the wheel and feel the snap as the gear slips from one tooth to the next (and yes, the entire axel rotates all the way to the tranny). The odd thing is ... when I am on level ground, I can hardly get the thing moving because of the gear slippage; but when I drive up my repair ramps, there is no slippage at all and it seems like this would cause the most slippage.

It is not the transmission, it is the front differential. If I could force it into RWD only, I would not have any problems. Unfortunately, it seems this is not possible. Being in Texas, there are not a lot of Subaru dealers and the ones we do have keep changing. I never have liked dealership mechanics and it is becomming obvious that the service rep I spoke with doesn't know what he is talking about. I have found a used Subaru tranny with 83k miles on it for $1100 incl. shipping and six (6) month warranty. Do you think this is a good deal or would I be better off with the EJ tranny as GG mentioned?

The clutch is not slipping, but I have to press the pedal to the floor for the clutch to disengage. The Subaru tech called it some kind of 'clutch' in the front differential. I thought they said 'transfer clutch', but I don't really remember (my head was still spinning from the $1200+ price tag). It acts as if there is a failing relay that doesn't engage the FWD all the way (I have no idea how the tranny/differential works). Once the (transfer) gear engages, there is no slippage (grinding); but getting it to engage completely is the problem (as if a relay is not making complete contact). Thank you for your input.

I have a '99 Forester L (MT) with 98k miles. About a month and a half ago I replaced both of the front half shaft axels (the CV joints had failed). About a week after that, as I pulled up to a stop light, I heard a loud 'clunk' from the same area as the CV joints I had just replaced. A few more weeks past with no more concerning sounds until one day, when I made a relatively sharp turn, it sounded like the one of the CV joints was failing again. This issue got worse very quickly and began to make the clicking noises even when not turning. After some inspection I have found that it is not the CV joints, but is the front differential that is failing. It is so bad that I can't even drive the thing any more. After talking with a Subaru repair tech, it would seem that the transfer clutch has failed. In addition to this, the main rear egine seal is leaking and with the milage on the vehicle, a new clutch is also in the mix. Estimates for the rear seal, clutch and front differential transfer clutch are in the $2000 - $2500+ range (they cannot give me an exact quote as they have to open up the tranny to see what has to be done). With this and a timming belt comming up at 110k miles ($500), I am looking at $3000+ to get this thing in good condition. I am concerned that the vehicle is just not worth it. I have already had to replace a rear bearing as well as several factory recalls. I bought Subaru for their reliability, but I have not been impressed. When talking to the Subaru tech, he mentioned pulling a fuse for the AWD and that would disengage the FWD. I cannot find this supposed fuse. Can anyone help with this. Any comments are welcome.