workin4weekends

I appreciate it guys, I hear ya on both accounts. Curiosity will probably make me have to see if i can get it to hold oil and run it for a little bit, but I already know its gonna be a project. I ordered another one yesterday, they put it on a freight truck today so I'll have it here when the big day comes. I'm going to be offline for about a week and a half - leaving tomorrow for a little R & R, need a vacation!! I welcome comments, feedbacks, suggestions, book recommendations and the like, you guys have an excellent board going on here. Take care and I'll talk to you in a couple weeks. Scott

Thanks grossgary. I didn't know if it was too far gone at this point to try to fix it. I haven't pinpointed the leak yet as the whole undercarriage is covered in oil right now. The guy I bought it from drove it about a 2 miles completely dry and I pulled it up in my driveway dry so I don't know how much more damage has been done. I actually have a newer car. This is probably the cleanest 89 I have ever seen so I couldn't pass up the deal. It is actually going to be a first car for my youngest kid next year. I worked for Subaru when these were new, but never had much experience with the drivetrain and all of the Subaru's I ever owned were standard trans. I have to agree with you that reading these boards, there is A LOT of great information, i have printed a few things out. It's also made me want to find an old wagon or hatchback with the hi/low transfer case and jack it up and make a toy out of it. This could get more costly than I thought....LOL Anyway, thanks for the info and I appreciate your reply! Scott

Thanks, I will pick one up. Found some good books on older Subies but not much for this year model. Would also like to find a book that would give me different engine and tranny info and just good general info on the cars if anybody has a suggestion.

Can anyone recommend a good book (or 2) for me to tackle this project myself? I have a Chiltons manual and am not impressed.

Thank you again. for the wonderful info. My car was manufactured 10/88 and I am told by the reseller of the trans that I need an early trans which his is. Would this cover the gear ration. My car is FWD, not 4WD if it makes a difference.

Yuck, I was afraid of that. Is the differential / trans one unit? How hard is it to replace? You have to remove the axles, right? I found one with 98k miles on it for $185 don't know if this is reasonable. Also, do I need special tools to pull the axles? Thanks, Scott

Hi Everyone, New to the forum, have been reading lots of great posts. I have owned several Subaru's but never encountered this. I recently bought an 89 DL Sedan that the prior owner said had "transmission problems". When you put the car in gear it makes a horrible grinding sound:eek:. Auto tranny fluid is red and does not smell burnt, however gearbox fluid shows none on dipstick and when I fill it runs out the bottom. I have not had a chance to pinpoint location of leak. Guy said he was driving the car and all of the fluid came out and it started grinding. Don't know that i beilive him, but it's what I have to go on. Has anyone ever encountered this? I presume I have to replace the entire tranny / gearbox? I believe it is a 3AT. Have never attempted this replacement. Any thought or comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Scott