CzarMohab

Ok, so 3AT will forever suck a fat one in my book. I've been pampered too much by the wife's 98 Leg L (4EAT I think, 4 spd auto for sure) and Vicki's 5MT... In 'Junior' I always seem to want to shift from third to the next... but I'll live. I haven't had too much free time to poke around everywhere, but the front side markers/parking lights need at the very least new bulbs. Might do the turn signal rewire for the side markers while I'm there; Vicki was supposed to get it, but I was waiting on that. The speedo sticks like a champ ~60-85. I know, speeding over 85 (heck, 70 out here), but how else am I supposed to see what its got? Down hill ran out about 90, so I couldn't see for sure how high she could go. Vicki made a 102 MPH run (Down hill of course) a day or two before she died, so I'll just assume Junior can get that close. I read the forum about how to fix. I don't care enough, though, as travel at 65+ is much more rare now that the wife is closer. Big issue (for my own reasons) is that the odometer reads 2.1 miles for every 2 miles driven (or 1.05 to 1). Is there a way to fix this? I know that the speedo reads right. Stupid cop (I respect law enforcement, but this guy was a real idiot) confirmed that one for me (hehe 47 in a 30). On the plus side, when 200000 rolls around, it'll be a tad sooner... I hope to have that recorded. There's also a nice sounding exhaust leak. Makes Junior grumble like a Mac truck. Only side effect is the exhaust seems to like being in the cabin with me, so eventually it will have to be fixed. I got one heck of a deal on Junior. New trans, newer tires, new brakes, new AC, new belts (all), newer water pump, newer alt, fresh oil and filter change... And one major thing Vicki didn't have: STOCK STEREO!! :headbang: although all the buttons are stripped of their black paint, leaving me to assume what they are. Is there anything common with '88 GL Sedans that I should look out for, that wouldn't be so common with an '86 GL-10? I think Vicki threw almost everything at me at one point or other so I don't think that there will be much new.

That is a very disrespectful and borderline racist comment. I'm not of Japanese origins, but I still find that extremely distasteful. To me, its up there with the 'N', 'K', 'W' and 'C' words. I understand what you mean, but there are much better ways of saying that; Crazy Japanese, Crazy Subaru/Honda/Accura designers, Crazy persons of Japanese origins that thought so kindly to design a car in such a fashion. To answer your question, just go get it checked, if it needs alignment then get that done too.

The mighty power of duct tape... GO TAPE GO!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

I'm glad to see that the Buckster has no more big holes. Was looking kind of rough for a while. On a side note, one huge and pointless yellow spoiler on the Buck might add a few HPs

No bother at all. I didn't look, and even though I really wanted to start her up just to see, I didn't feel comfortable with the tow yard guy standing right over me the whole time. My guess would be that most of the damage is body/frame. I'm thinking she'd be a good donor car to someone, so might end up selling her guts (but I'm lazy, so prolly all at once). New water pump, new fan belts, new front brakes, new alt... If the sedan I bought didn't already have all that new, I would keep all that for myself... Insurance Co is kinda slow, so I don't know what if anything they will do. I don't think my policy covered towing (stupid me) so any sale price would probably be geared to recoup some of those expenses, if anyone is wondering. We'll see. She gave me alot, and now has alot to give to another 'ru. I was hoping that I could get it out of the tow yard and do some swaps with the sedan, but the wife kinda hinted at letting me just get a new Vicki in time... That, and I don't have a garage at the moment where her corpse could rest for a while.

So here is a thought. Lets assume for the moment that I have everything available. Just not so much time to do it all at once. Would it be possible to run the 4WD MT(it is PB 4WD) as FWD only until such time as I could install the rest of it? Or would that be too difficult? Again, its just me thinkin out loud. I may never get to this project...

Yes, at least mine did... The headlight switch was where the hazard button is on my 88, and I'll asume your 89. Its wierd how they altered the buttons over the years but left the same holes.

Well, you all know about Vicki, or should by now lol so I won't reiterate that one... Few years back was the accident with the Taurus... Butt Monkey made an Illegal left turn without checking both lanes of traffic, and *BAM* T-Boned him, destroying his F-150 and somehow totalling out my car (stupid Geico). Dumb airbags didn't go off, but that migh have been because I managed to stand up on the brake pedal, and probably was too slow for them to actuate. Got a nice bump/burn on my forhead because of the steering wheel. The truck was a retirement present from his wife... Then there was a strange one a few years before that in NY, I backed up to let an 18 wheeler turn onto the road (red light). I forgot to take it out of reverse and some old lady got really close behind me (one of the few things that did work on the car was all of the lights, including back up lights) and instead of going forward when the light changed, I backed (slowly) into her car. She backed up, drove around me and flipped me the bird! There's more, but I don't think that they really count since I wasn't yet of age to drive (2x's on a school bus, 2x's with family) As to fear of driving on certain roads afterwards, I never liked driving where the Taurus was hit after that. I've only been by where Vicki died twice so far, and honestly I cried when I stopped to take the pictures... but other than that, I have no problems driving on that highway. Now I-5 when it was packed but still 55+, that scared the bejebus outa me. I'm talking about when its 4+ lanes each way, Seattle/Tacoma, Portland, LA, etc...

I've heard lots of talk about people swapping engines, transmissions, etc, etc, etc... So assuming that the donor car's engine and tranny are still in good working order, how much work would be involved in swapping an EA82 w/FWD & 3AT with an EA82T w/4WD & 5MT? Is it something that could be done or am I just dreaming? I realize that Vicki's dead, so I wasn't exactly planning to go that way (her engine's prolly good enough, as with tranny, etc... just didn't really look, kind of emotional as it was); but I know that there are other donors out there... This little sedan is great with its 3at of pure power... NOT! I hit any hill, any hill at all and I slow down... and can't get back to speed because I can't downshift without breaking it... no good in my book. So just wondering if it can be done. Oooo... another thought: would the donor have to also be a Sedan (I'm thinking drive train length here)? and one last one, if the donor has a digidash, would that have to swap over too or would the anadash be ok? Or should I just wait until I can find another EA82T 5MT something-or-other? Czar ":Flame: 3AT" Mohab, who notes that he was spoiled by Vicki's 5MT of pure power!

Pictures: http://s186.photobucket.com/albums/x303/CzarMohab/ too many and too big to post individually...

Possible bail out from an old-genner... When I borrowed the Jeep a while back from my brother's ex wife, it had a similar issue, would blow kinda cold then fall to whatever outside temp was. I noticed that 1.) it desperately needed a recharge and 2.) the compressor clutch wasn't staying engaged. I didn't pursue it too far, but some research showed that one could have caused the other, but not knowing which happened first (clutch or leak) it was impossible to determine the exact cause; but what I learned from that was the low pressure in the refrigerant lines damaged the compressor. So, I would try to see if you can get ahold of a refrigerant pressure gage and check that. If you're full up then it *should* be the compressor. In any AC system, there is alot of little things that can FUBAR the works, and in an automobile's system, its usually refrig level or the compressor. I'm with Coug on this, it could just be a hosed relay. If it is low on R-12, I believe that there is a leak detecting dye available that you can add. A safety warning, just in case you don't already know: Freon is heavier in air (about 4x's), so stay above the leak and/or fill points, and be extremely well ventilated. Freon also has a tendancey to become phosgene gas if exposed to a heat source (I forget the exact temp, but the 'cherry' of a lit cigarette can do it). Phosgene is a corrosive gas developed during World War I, which kills by burning and blistering the upper airways. So no smoking or it might be the last.

If Vicki hadn't died, I'd have been there in a heartbeat. The new 'ru I don't think would make a trail; a gravel road, maybe some dry dirt... but wheelin's out for me for now, sorry 'ruguru

I don't blame Vicki and I never will. There wasn't anything either of us could do about it. I think that the tire blistered from the heat, and the thumps were from rolling over the bubble. They were Sears brand tires, so do you think that I could get my money back? I mean, you find a busted up Craftsman anything on the road, take it in and they'll replace it no questions... so you think maybe they'll buy me at least 1 new tire? Czar "I miss Vicki" Mohab

Went to the ER, spent 3 hours waiting... What do I get? A friggen perscription of Vitamin-M, the US Navy's cure for everything. I spent 7+ years in the service, dealing with that kind of treatment (including, but not limited to, when I FUBAR'd my knee) and here I am, just had a life threatening accident, and the civilian doc says, go home and take 4 (OTC strength) motrin, and call me if you have any more issues... I had to take 6 because I've built up a tolerance to them (cleared it with the doc, he said to do that once or twice only, and spread out over an hour or two). Makes me wonder if it really is all that great. Never really noticed.

-OR- How the heck did I get out alive? We just finished our move from Bremerton to Yakima, where my wife is currently staying until we can find a nice house to live in here in Kennewick. Yesterday was her birthday, and like a good husband (and despite needing to be at work later that evening) I decided to go see her and deliver what presents I had for her personally. It's only about 90 or so miles, nothing Vicki or myself couldn't handle. After filling the gas tank, Vicki and I left, and being the wonderful car that she was, didn't protest or anything. It was hotter than when I usually drive her, and that may have been a contributing factor about thirty minutes later. There was an odd "THUMP-THUMP-THUMP" (yes, only three times) followed promptly by a loud "BANG!" and then the screach of a wheel locking up. I had about 10% control of her at that point, which I used to try to keep her on the road and slow down, which was kind of hard going 70. Poor girl, gave everything she had, but to no avail. The road sign tried to help slowing us down, and luckily fell instead of trying to impale me through the windshield. But that factor caused the car to spin (Pass side front bumber took the blow, almost cleared the sign), and just after we were through the gravely part between freeway and onramp, the driver's side tires cought pavement, and with the unwelcomed help of gravity and momentum, Vicki pitched hard on her side, and continued her spin. Somewhere in all of this, gravity took a stronger hold and finished the flip, landing poor Vicki on her roof, crushing the driver's side A-pillar, windhield and roof. Not wanting to be inside should anything else collapse, I quickly unbelted and exited through the now nonexistant passenger side window. I had the sunroof and driver's window open, and somehow did not find my head on pavement. In fact, aside from sore neck muscles some three hours later, all I got were some small cuts on my hands from crawling on broken glass. I gave a moment to do something similar to , while those that stopped and watched all gave me the , how the heck are you alive, look. A closer look at the underside of the car (now that it was the top side) revealed that part of the tire wrapped itself around the axle, the tire didn't spin freely by hand. All but the passenger's rear most window, liftgate window, and (I don't know how) the sunroof window were smashed. If anyone travels along I-82 west in Eastern Washington, please honk once for Vicki at the onramp near milepost 82. As much as I hated having to deal with her issues, I will forever miss her. She was only 157k miles old. On a side note, I got a deal on an '88 GL sedan today. Only major issues (so far) is its a 3at, and the speedo sticks at 60+. But I'll get to see her turn 200k! (198K right now!) On another side note, I can say I 'rolled' through Prosser, Wa... Yet one more sidebar, I'll have pictures tomorrow, provided I remember to take them; might be tomorrow, might be Monday if the tow yard isn't open on the weekend. Czar "HOLY CRAP I'M ALIVE!!! :headbang: :banana: " Mohab

Sorry for the update delay. yeah, got lucky, was just a loose hose in the air intake line. don't ask where, kind of embarassing... i've had this hose pop off before, just never drove with it off, so i thought it was something new... and to keep the trend of something gets fixed so something else has to go bad, my good buddy TOD stopped by to say hello... Little time on a dirt road made him shut up for a while though... Hopefully fresh oil will make him go away for longer like last time... Czar "Wondering what's next" Mohab.

OK, so I'm pretty sure this isn't new for anyone... but seriously, is there a point when all the 'little things' just stop popping up? So, this morning I noticed that the turbo was making that whooo-pssh sound when shifting, something I'd only heard on cars that are supposed to sound that way; and this evening I noticed that it wasn't having as much get-up-and-go power, and at one of the stop lights it wasn't idling happy. I get home and check all the hoses I can see, air, vacuum, coolant, and notice nothing out of the ordinary. Tightened some hose clamps in the air intake line, but that did nothing. Checked the exhaust, maybe a leak, right? Still nothing. So am I now screwed into replacing the turbo? or could this be as simple as finding and tightening a bolt someplace (oh please let it be this one!)? Thanks in advance

$5 says he went to school here: http://www.funnyhub.com/pictures/img/free-drug-zone.jpg

Forgot to add that I managed to install the new one, too... Today was the first real road test... and it passed with flying colors. Still does a little shimmy 65-75 but is so much less than what it was. Come to think of it, every car I've driven has a shimmy in the higher speeds... Also, it fixed what I thought was a bent brake disk, It used to shake really bad when forcefully stopping. Not no more. :banana:

So, after almost no struggle, almost no real issues, I managed to pull off the old half-axle. On the shaft is what remained of the sticker, that said, "...Heavy Manuf.....ng, Japan..." whats the probability that this, too, was an original piece of equipment? Kinda tired of finding those; but then again, the boot was torn and if it hadn't been prolly would have gone another 20-30k, or more. Thanks you all for the help!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

All about the cheater bars, ex-Navy mechanic... just need to find one...

Gloyale- My car is retarded, not that retarded. Anyone have a linky to a good write-up in greasing wheel hubs, joints, etc? My 'ru repair manual, while just a crappy Haynes, is not with me at the moment, and I figure since the car's going to be up on blocks this evening for CV joint replace, I may as well do the rest of everything that I can. On a side but similar note, while coming in to work I finally heard the sound of the vibration from outside enough to think its coming from driver's rear wheel, but definately driver's side. Also, are there any tools, common or otherwise, not mentioned in Ed's write-up that I absolutely must have (not counting the obvious stuff, such as socket set, wrench set, etc.) to perform all of this? I'm going to be borrowing work tools as it is for this, so I may as well get everything that I can so I don't have to worry. vibration zzz vibration

To quote a (great?) song, and a great TV show at the same time: "Its life, Jim, but not as we know it." -or- "Its worse than that, he's dead, Jim!"

Its seriously that simple? *Looks at turbo* Guess I know now, thanks.

I have come to the conclusion that the CV joint/half axel will need replacement, however, I still cannot determine if the vibes are coming from there or elsewhere. So I go on the Autozone website to check price and availability. $100 and its available... in two sizes... 23 & 25 spline... grrr... How do I determine which I have without pulling it all apart, as I need this car to get me to the part so I can get it replaced?