RossMasson

yep, replaced inner and outer seals. Thanks! Ross 88gl Wagon 81 fiat x 1/9

I bought new wheel bearing seals for the front. They don't seem to be the correct ones. Shouldn't they be firm up against the circumference of the axle shaft? There is enough space that I can see the bearings between the axle and hub. BTW, these are the same size as the ones that I removed. Thanks for the help. Ross 88 GL Wagon

i got a front axle and wheel hub from the local pic n pull. The boots are cracked but not broke. Are the boots replaceable? Please bear with me and my silly question, i think i know the answer, i just want your opinion. Ross 88 GL Wagon

Yes, I have been studying up. Thanks again. r

Hi-I have an 88 GL Wagon that I need to replace the right front axle and steering knuckle. I can get these items in good condition off of an 87 GL wagon. Are they interchangable? Thanks! Ross

I'm assuming I will have to replace / rebuild the CV joint(s). I haven't removed a front axle from the Soob before. Any advice, comments, hints, warnings before I dive into this? It's an 88 GL wagon. Thanks in advance. Ross Masson Meridian, ID

Aa Ha! I just remembered. On the xweb forum month or so back, I can't find it. There was discussion of building a 4wd X. Not an offroad version mind you, just 4wd / awd. Anyways the idea of a subaru drive train installation came up. Seems simple but the X is a mid engine, we need to keep it that way. So, can you install a Sooby drive train backwards? BuuWaahaahaa.

4x4- I ditched the bumpers/leadweights and did a few simple mods to make a good appearance. The unmodified X only has about 80hp as well. The less weight the better. Jerome? you wouldn't be the guy that had a red X for sale in Gooding about 5 years ago? Zeno - the x 1/9 got a bad rap. Namely they rusted quickly and had horrible electrical problems. I can't speak for the rust, other british / european cars of that era have rust problems no different than the fiat. As far as electrical issues go, it is grounding. I cleaned all the ground points and ran redundant ground wire from all the ground points, most importantly from the engine block to the chassis. Not only for me but for many other X owners this has solved all electrical issues. Never the less, if you were to witness the rats nest of wires under the fuse box panel you would recoil in absolute fear. Just like the older Soobs there is a fanatical apprectiation for the X. If you want one you have to enjoy working on cars. I frequent an X 1/9 web site whos members are as friendly and helpful as this site appears to be. If you ever care to check it out go here: http://www.xwebforums.org/ Thanks for the interest. Ross

Well, he made it to LA. He is on the beach, its raining. He said the car ran fine, (just not enough power apparently). I don't think anything was wrong with it but we will have it looked at anyways. Thanks for all the help / advice! Ross PS here's my daily driver:

He told me it would lose power/speed while in 5th gear and climbing a "very small hill". These engines only have about 80 hp right? I would think it couldn't climb any sort of grade in 5th gear. what do you guys think? Mebbe it needs the timing adjusted? Anyways he is back on the road, not stranded, we will see what happens. Thanks for the help! Ross

My son decided to drive his 88 GL wagon from Boise to LA. He is now sort of broke down in Hawthorne Nevada. He says the soob is losing power as he tries to accelerate. He is unable to keep speed in 5th gear. Anybody have an idea as to what to check? He said the spark plugs look good. I think the fuel filter is new. We just bought the car in early January. The previous owner maintained it well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Know any soob mechanics in or near Hawthorne NV would really help. Thanks! Ross

the soob http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/rossmasson/?action=view&current=P1060290.jpg the fiat http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/rossmasson/?action=view&current=Finish2.jpg

I would like to post some pictures. How do you do that? The FAQ sez to go to User CP and clik on the Pictures and Albums link. I can't find that link. some help for the newbie please. Thanks!

Hi. I'm new to this fine site. Just bought my son an 88 GL wagon. Has about 190k miles and has been mechanically gone over by the previous owner. It appears to be in very good mechanical condition and so far it runs very well. Shifts into 4wd easily but there is a noticable clunk when it is shifted out. Is this normal? Any other comments, tips, and suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thanks! PS. I also own an 81 fiat X 1/9, let the comments begin, Ha! Ross Masson Meridian, ID