kybishop

Today in the 2000 OBW, changed the engine oil, oil filter and air filter.

Replaced the Knock Sensor on the 2000 OBW.

Thanks everyone.

Thanks for the reply. I recall something tricky with going from single to double on each side, something with wiring the high and low beams. I will put a relay in as well to get more power to the lights.

I am converting my 86 GL large sealed beam lights to the four quad lights from a DL. Somewhere I saw a write up on the wiring that needs to be done with this swap. I can not find it with a search. Anyone know where that is? Thanks.

Oh yeah, right before the new lift supports for the GL and tranny oil and filter change on the OBW... New front lifetime NAPA brake pads and rotors on the OBW. Always have great luck with these and I did get free replacements when they did wear out on the Jeep I had. Then balance and rotate the OBW tires. Patch one with a leak. Have new KYB GR2 struts for the OBW to put on soon. New exhaust a couple months ago on the GL. Plan to have the GL rusty rockers cut and ground off soon and replaced with some welded in square steel rock sliders. Same shop that fixed the underbody. They ground out what little rust underneath I had and welded in stainless steel. KB

Oh yeah, I also changed the transmission oil and filter on the 2000 OBW. Brilliant engineers. Transmission pan drain plug and external screw on oil filter. Why can't all transmissions be this easy...

I was going to get them at our local NAPA where I get most of my parts. However, these were a bit higher there and not in stock. So, I turned to Ebay. Bought them from seller mrlousstuff and they were shipped to me quickly. These are the ones I bought http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-Wagon-Tailgate-Lift-Supports-Subaru-DL-GL-Wagon-1986_W0QQitemZ370331335394QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item563977bae2 2 for $50 not bad. Have to watch what years as they differ slightly. Also, some sellers sell them individually and some as a pair so look for that as well. Easy to think you are getting a great deal on 2 when you are only getting one cause they show two in the photos. The brand I ended up with was strong arm and the quality seems to be great. The lift gate will open on it's own once you start it. Then it slows to a stop to full open. I would recommend this seller though. Sent me tracking info and was packaged well. Good luck. KB

New lift gate supports on the 86 GL wagon. Now that's using my head...well, I mean I don't have to use my head anymore...these things are great!

Hey, thanks guys. All great information and sounds like I'm running pretty typical. I had a 1966 4x4 Dodge Powerwagon crew cab that was similar in difficulty in getting in gear. I wanted to make sure this 86 Sub was not supposed to be easier than it is and I did not want to cause some headache down the road. Just have to start from second sometimes if being slowed to a craw but not a stop in traffic. Shifts pretty easy otherwise. The hill lock still works on this thing and I love that. Thanks again all. I will check my clutch adjustment but it sounds like it is working as expected. KB

I have an 86 GL wagon, 150,000 miles and running strong. Is it typical in cold weather for the gear box to slow the engine when letting up the clutch in neutral when cold? May be due to the thick tranny oil? Also, it is real hard to get in first gear while moving/rolling or down shifting when cold. Impossible sometimes, don't want to force it. Second gear can be a bit difficult while cold. I need to check the levels again. May need new fluid or rebuild. My 98 Jetta TDI does not slow the engine at all while letting up the clutch in neutral but it uses a lot lighter weight oil in the gear box.

Great information. Thanks much.

Thanks for the info. and yes, all things being relative, it is quite cold this morning in KY. 0 degrees early this morning in Frankfort, 8 degrees around 7:30. We ended up with around 3" of snow. Where abouts in Kentucky are you located?

Nice job matching the subs lines.

Has anyone put an OEM Subaru weather radio from a newer Subaru in an older generation subaru? I really like our OEM weather radio (and CD changer) in our 2000 OBW. I think I am going to find one from salvage yard and put in my 86 GL wagon. Just wondering if anyone has done this yet.

What happened to the trails forum? I used to enjoy looking at all the trail runs and photographs there.

I don't know a lot about the swap. I sent you this way from the outback forum. I do know that the turbo engines typically are not preferred for swaps. Sorry I could not be of more help.

Put her cargo carrier cover in, topped off her fluids, gave her a nice rack:banana: and took her kayaking.

I took the same Thule load bars and attachments off the jeep, just bought different feet and put them on the GL. Hauled a lot on that rack and they are quite stout. Lumber, drywall, plywood, ladders...pretty much renovated our house with it. Also hauled canoes and the kayaks. Put a Thule on the Jetta and the Outback too. They are great systems, makes securing loads much easier. Looking for a long narrow cargo box for longer trips. I think I like the Yakima cargo boxes better than the Thules at this point. Vests, paddles and camping gear up top with enough room for a kayak beside it. Rest of gear in the back of the car. KB

My 86 GL is mufflerless at the moment. She seems to like it but a bit loud, nice rumble though. I have a new NAPA pipe and muffler I probably will not be using. I bought it and was going to use it but have recently aquired a 87 SPFI low mileage doner with new exhaust. I think I gave $120 or so for it new from NAPA. It is the whole back half, pipe and muffler. Not sure if it will fit your 94, bought it for an 86 GL wagon. Muffler is at very back, exits on left and has 2 hanger just in front of rear bumper. One hanger on each side of muffler, at back of muffler. Be a bit to pack and ship though. I am in central KY. Not sure on your electrical gremlins, those can be quite difficult. Sounds like the one flickering light would just be a bad connection or bad wire shorting a bit. KB

I got rid of my 96 Jeep ZJ (grand cherokee) cause I wanted better mpg's. So I drive a 98 VW TDI jetta daily (40-41 all around, 48-50 on trips) and I have this GL for getting me to the places we like to play. The jeep was a bit of a workout getting the kayaks on and off the top due to height. This 86 GL is a piece of cake to load and unload from up top as the roof is so low. Kudos to the GL for rooftop hauling. Pics are from this past weekend out. And the subaru is a great, not greak, kayak hauler. Can not edit title unfortunately. Had to put her in 4wd to get to the put in. But it was a beautiful day for kayaking. Took the kids, they love it.

I'm third owner on this one. Traded a bed for it to the second owner. Read the owners manual and saw a name I recognized. Called him up and he said, "yes, I bought a new 86 Subaru GL wagon, it was green. I would like to have that car back." I am enjoying it. Running with no muffler at the moment, quite a rumble. Exits in front of rear wheel. EA82 SPFI doner car comes with new exhaust. Doner has power steering too which I don't have. Doner also has 4 nice doors with power windows I will not be using if any interest. That tan color or light yellow, whichever it is. KB

I am quite fond of it myself. Our 2000 Outback we have is close to the same green, a bit darker. What part of Kentucky you in John? I am in Frankfort.

Some pictures of my 86 GL wagon. Nice wagon. Good solid runner. Bit of rust on rockers and typical places but solid underneath. Have a 77,000 mile EA82 SPFI slated to swap in soon. I do not see many in this light green. Anybody else? Interior is brown without a rip or crack.

Thanks. Swapping my carbed EA82 with a low mileage SPFI EA82.