CaptEditor

I'm not sure about the UK models, but my 04 has the 4.44 gears with the automatic transmission. I'm not sure what the manual has. One major advantage the 04 US Outback models have is that the winter package was standard. That meant heated seats, heated wiper strip, heated mirrors, and a limited slip differential in the rear. The 2.5 engine is not the most impressive engine but it does get the job done pretty well.

I'll be moving to Moscow in a little over a month. After my wife and I get settled perhaps you could show me some fun trails!

Does that engine have mechanical lifters that need to be adjusted? If yes, adjust the valve lash before anything else. I can't remember, did you ask your mechanic about knock sensors? I'm not sure if these engines have knock sensors, but they could be causing misfires if they need to be replaced. If you pull the heads off it may be worth it to have them inspected and/or rebuilt at a machine shop. A machine shop will be able to check every detail and specification of the heads that may cause issues. While you have it apart, it wouldn't hurt to send the injectors to be inspected/rebuilt. Make sure you check and clean all of the electrical connections before reassembling everything. Note: I just wrote a very long in depth post but when I clicked post it deleted it. If you have any questions about the above, I have a lot of information on the entire rebuilding process, I just don't feel like typing it all up again! -Kevin

edit: nevermind

Waiting for the pictures!!

I just need some $$$ for a GPS device

I had a set of these in 185/65R14 on my 89 Jetta. They were great in the rain and did well in iight snow here in the Sierra Nevada foothills. I never tried them in snow deeper than about 3 inches, they lasted well even commuting a lot in them, I'd recommend them.

I lived in Wyoming the past year, so I understand about life and death in the winter! I love snow and it's easier to bundle up tha try to keep cool most of the time (except swimming at the river). Those pics are from Wyoming. I really miss it there! Rough and Ready is a historic mining town in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It is near to Grass Valley and Nevada City. If you don't know where that is, it's north of Auburn. We usually don't get more than a dusting here but every once in a while we get dumped. those 10-15 year storms. The unique thing about the Sierra Nevada ranges is just how much snow they can get at once. There are certainly more snowy parts of the country, but when it snows in these mountains it really SNOWS and it is wet snow, too. Although, the snow line is usually just above my elevation and between Grass Valley and Nevada City. Moscow looks like a great place and my kind of place! I'm excited, but I've got to get accepted to the university there and prepare to move first. -Kevin -Kevin

I don't have many friends, so I wheel alone. I see you're from Idaho, I'm looking at possibly moving to Moscow next year. How do you like the area? -Kevin

I'll start: Aid: Old Towel Rating:4 Tires: Grabber AT2's 215/65R16 Model: 2004 Subaru Outback Wagon Conditions: snow drift on a dirt road, I was following ATV tracks I used a towel when I got stuck in a snow drift. I wasn't entirely stuck, but my wagon kept sliding sideways toward a small tree whenever I accelerated forward. I cleared a bit of the snow from around the rocker panels and in front of the tires. I then placed the old towel down in front of my passenger rear tire, the side that wanted to go towards the tree. I placed the auto transmission in 1 and slowly went forward and straight out of the 'stuck' area. I was surprised at how well it worked, however I have only tried it this one time. I usually have an old towel or two in the back since I have 3 dogs. Yes, I forgot to pack a shovel, too. :-P -Kevin

I am cross posting this from SubaruOutback.org for additional response! http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20286 What do you guys bring with you for traction aids? Please specify how/where you have used them and how well they worked. (mud, snow, loose gravel, etc.) Let's rate them from 1 to 5 unless someone objects. :-P Also state your tires and year/model! -Kevin

working under a car on gravel is a tad uncomfortable even with cardboard...

that is awesome. :-) mine already blew away... wyoming wind

Yeah some of those river crossings look rough. I suppose it depends on the time of year as well as the amount of traffic. I think most of the trail isn't bad but the river crossings can get really torn up. Entry angles may be a concern for subaru's, too.

I like watching the highway webcams here in WY, but there are a lot in CO too: http://www.cotrip.org/atis/web.ZoomboxMarshal?device=CCTV&Zoombox=0

I took a few days off and headed out to the Great Sand Dunes in Southern Colorado (very cool) and there is a primitive road called Medano Pass that heads north out of the park. I was wondering if anyone has driven it. I drove up to the point of no return (not far from the campground) where the road turns to sand for about 5-6 miles but I did not go any further since I was not interested in getting stuck. Seems like a really fun road to try with a group of people. I was afraid my little 215's would be too narrow even when aired down and would slice right into the sand. :-P I suppose if it was damp after a little rain I wouldn't have worried so much. The road was closed/impassable part way out anyways due to snow this time of year, but I'd like to go back some day and check it out. It may be too rough for our subies (well mine at least :-P) but if I had a jeep I'd go for it in a heartbeat. link: http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=53 Minimum wrecker fee was $400 when iw as there :-P still looking for photos to see just how rough the climb up the pass is. It looks like most of the trail is not too bad except for water crossings that may be deep. -Kevin

Yeah where is this trail? I drove north through the rockies last week and it was pretty clear of snow, although some areas just got pounded in the northern areas. -Kevin

I got this one to pass, so yours should be fine too. :-p Looks like a blast, I wish there were more Subie fanatics around here! -Kevin

I went up to Pole Mountain and behind Vedauwoo over the weekend since the weather has been so nice. Most of the snow has melted except the drifts. The one I got stuck in was 10-12 inches deep. I wasn't completely stuck, but I kept sliding toward the tree on the passenger side. -Kevin

We get a lot of snow pack here since the roads are rarely plowed. I actually preffer the fresh snow for stopping and if I am sliding, getting into the snow on the edges of the road can help slow me down. The biggest key is just to drive slower and leve much much larger following distances. Use the larger distance to take more time slowing down with less braking. I know our cars can accelerate and handle well in the snow (as can many other vehicles), but the limiting factor always comes down to brakes.

I believe aviation gas still contains lead. (not good for our engines)

looks like a lot of fun!! I always get nervous next to drop offs like that, though... -Kevin

If you live in an environment where it gets very cold the bypass valve can be very important. I had my oil pressure on my 85 VW max out my pressure gauge on a cold morning when I had a cheapo oil filter on it. Granted, it did have thicker oil in it than the subarus should have, but I still like the security. I always by the OEM filters/OEm equivilent. -Kevin

I am looking at getting a transmission temperature gauge but I was trying to decide where to install it. (2004 Outback Wagon) I seem to use the spaces under the radio a lot so I would rather not put one there. Anyone have pictures of their gauges or ideas? I was thinking that the A-Pillar would not be so bad if it was way down in the corner where I can see it at a glance. -Kevin