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Unfortunately, the dealer is correct. It's 'torque bind', infamous and well-covered on here. If you're handy, you can fix this yourself. And if the FWD did fix it, it's a mechanical issue - not electrical. Check this LINK for repair info. Td

FWIW, the older OB's struts were longer, and they also used body spacers to get the lift. And I'd bet $ the struts will fit (bolt pattern) esp. for the same year. Have fun!

This may be a 'given', but also suggest checking the valve clearance while you got it out.

chech out this link...it'll give you a good idea on how to R&R the transfer clutches: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55651&highlight=bad+gear+good+torque+bind I had a delay on my AWD engagement, followed the above info and it was 95% fixed. Still get torque bind (SEARCH) every once in awhile, but no delay. Good luck, TD

Check out this POST on Legacy Central...haven't read it all, but it may help. GL, Td

Hello, Found this ONLINE for a '95 Legacy - yours should be very similar: Automatic Transmision: Fluid capacity - 8.4 US qt SEARCH on here on about flushing/replacing the tranny fluid if the tranny is a 'high miler'. Also, it takes 3-4 drain/refills to replace all the fluid. The engine holds 4-5 quarts of oil. GL, TD

I'm going to expand on what Sir Nipper stated...hopefully live to tell about it. The green connectors are used for 'active' reading of CEL codes. On the Legacy from '90-94 (and maybe your '00) there's also a set of black connectors used for 'stored' codes. Both sets may or may not be next to each other, but usually on Legacys are under the driver's side of the dash, as in your pic. Here's a LINK about using them on older Subies, but I DO NOT Guarantee the results are the same on your '00. There is a recent post on this site about doing this on the OBD2 cars, and it includes the code #s and descriptions...but can't find it right now. However, my DISCLAIMER is that if/when you do have a CEL, take it to a place w/an OBD2 scanner to get it checked. Good luck, TD

Just to clarify on Olnick's informative post, the '99 Forester (and Impeza RS) had the SOHC 2.5 engine, not the DOHC. The DOHC was '98 only for the Forester. (The legacy outback used the DOHC thru the '99 model year.) The SOHC 2.5 also had issues but usually they could be resolved w/a coolant additive, so you might check the car's maintenance history to see if it was treated. Also, the Forester has an issue w/the rear wheel bearings, which are expensive to have replaced. Plus the Forester has air bags, ABS and a 5 year warranty....The '92 Legacy rec'd air bags midway thru '92 so it may/may not have them, and ABS wasn't standard, either. The legacy will have a bit more cargo room, if it matters. My suggestion is get the Forester (or maybe I will :-) ) Enjoy! TD

According to this ARTICLE from Legacy Central, top speed is 130mph and from the same site there is no speed limiter per Legacy777. And this is @ stock boost of 8.7 psi. So, you should be very close! Have fun, TD

You said you were a 'rookie', so no offense if this is obvious! Raise the rear wheels off the ground, grab the top of the tire and see if there's any play in/out. That should tell you if it's the bearings...I've heard Foresters have 'bearing issues'; not sure about the OB. Also, fill the Rear diff (if you can get that darn top plug out!). Good luck, TD

Get another estimate...ANY Mechanic can do struts. There is something to be said for getting the parts and labor done @ the same place for future warranty/repair issues - no finger-pointing - but it shouldn't cost that much. good luck, TD

Moves/rolls, as if in Neutral, or just a few inches and stops? Make sure they look @ this during the inspection, too! Good luck, TD

Welcome to the board! Searching on here for 'swap' and 'conversion' will likely find you a lot of info. I also know there are dedicated sites for VWs that have swapped in Subaru engines. Personally, unless you're very familiar w/turbos/wiring/engine management/etc, I'd leave your '96 EJ22E AS IS - don't turbo it. Unless you run <5psi boost, install turbo-quality pistons, and other mods, you'll be looking for a new/replacement engine b4 too long. Otherwise, find an EJ22T from a '91-94 Legacy or a WRX EJ20 w/all the related bits to go turbo the safe way. Have fun! Td

'89-91 = Same (aka pre-facelift) '92-94 = Same (mostly - the GT had a raised roof in '94) (aka post-facelift) Yes, the shortblock is great...rumor it can handle 300+HP 'as is' w/supporting mods to fuel/ECU/etc. '92 Turbo TCU in a '94 NA? It'll work, but you may get some weird shifts on occasion...@ least I did. I'd match the transmission (turbo vs. NA) w/the same TCU; I think the year matters less. BTW, if the '91 Turbo is an Automatic it also has the same diff ratio as your '94 - 3.90 - and it should have a VLSD...buy that for sure!

Also, I just noticed the 'City Driving'.... ....That may be more like 100K+ miles for an average city/highway car. So, I wouldn't be too surprised they are getting soft. Td

No offense, but from reading/experience, the '98-'08 will all work. I bought a set from an '08 w/18K. Thanks, Td

Pay this site a visit: http://www.subaruforester.org/

Maybe I missed it, but buying Used can save a ton, and if you can replace them yourself, save even more. Buy the whole assembly and it's a pretty easy swap (remember to mark the top strut bolt). Over on SubaruForester.org they frequently have them for sale. Just get 'em w/lower miles <30K?? Good luck, Td

Welcome to USMB. And don't buy a '95 EJ22 from a 5-speed (doesn't have the EGR). Been there, done that! Td

Yes, the 'slots' on the drum can cause an AWD engagement delay. Mine took a second or so to engage. I removed the rear tranny housing (did NOT have to remove tranny), filed down the grooves, replaced the Duty C, and the delay was gone. I STILL get torque bind on occasion, as the plates (?) need replaced, but it's 90% better overall, so I'm just living w/it. Also, might test w/the FWD fuse in. If the fuse eliminates the torque bind then you know the Duty C is OK (although I'd still change it if you fix the slots.) Here's MY THREAD on this. Good luck, TD

Thanks for this info- very good point! ...It's the AT w/the 2.5 so it's a 4.44, I believe.

Sounds similar to my kid's car - '96 Legacy Brighton - electronic speedo. - Speedo would intermittently bounce/not work under 30mph, but OK above that.....NO idle/drivability issues. - VSS error code (can't recall # of code but was the front one) - Replaced w/USED VSS and cleared codes, but still had speedo issue (but no code). - Replaced gauge cluster* last nite - we'll have to wait and see. * cluster is out of a '96 Outback - exact replacement and gained the Tachometer..just hope it fixes the issue.

The Legacy GT Turbo also has a different exhaust flange...so the TD04 probably won't bolt up correctly either.

For comparison, they're almost equal @ around 110HP for the Impreza and 115HP for the GL Turbo, I believe. I was always wondering why the GL wagon's turbo only added about 25HP.....and the Legacy 2.2 vs. 2.2 Turbo is only 30HP more. Sorry, tangent.. Enjoy the Impreza!

Also, don't expect much 'git up and go'. The EJ18 w/the 4EAT isn't known for its performance....If you drive a lot of hills, may be a concern. Otherwise, that's a good deal IMHO.