Ratpick

Perhaps this would be a good topic for someone wanting a research project, to make a proper sticky, or pinned, post. I found some other threads on subject but now I'm having trouble finding answers when I search. Anyway, I have the complete struts off my wrecked 97 outback that I wanted to use on next purchase, along with rallitek rear sway bar. (King springs w kyb excel- felt great!) I thought I could put them on almost any Subie from 90-03 or newer. But, I just found that the 99-03 legacy uses a different multi-link rear suspension. I found a couple clean ones in that range and was considering, but not now. So if I want to go to a newer car with the sohc 2.5 then I should look for impreza or forester, right? But will sway bar fit their rear suspension? I'm sure I could sell it buy what fits. But maybe I should stick to same generation Legacy. Anyway, can some of you spill some knowledge on what fits on what? What did they change? Where were major improvements? What other parts can swap, such as sit control arms and braces and such? Still learning the Subaru-modding world. Thanks.

My experience with reman, or new aftermarket axles has been pretty good. But I may agree w above post about 80% success rate, as I've heard other stories about failures and vibrations. I spent several years as mechanic for tire store and a couple at Chrylser dealer. One time I had a reman fail on a test drive, on an Integra. No posi so it was stuck. I slapped in another from a different store and it failed within a couple miles too! I couldn't believe the luck that day. Took another day to get one, then it was good. But other than that, all others have worked well. But I don't have that much experience with Subaru and if they're more sensitive to funky axles.

Hi there. I thought I may throw in my two cents, since (cents?) I work at a speedometer shop. As far as diagnosing why ones not working, as johnceggleston mentioned, if speed and odometer quit at same time, and cruise doesn't work, then there's probably no input from speed sensor. Either sensor bad or a critter chewed the wire (side track- I heard somewhere subaru didn't use the soy-based wiring insulation a lot of manufacturers are so mice and whatnot are less prone to chew on a soob. Any knowledge about this?) anyway, an electric speedo works on frequency (Hz) and some nice multimeters have a function to test this. You would see Hz go up the faster it spins (electric drill is usually fine). No idea the calibration of one of these. It can also be checked on regular dc volt setting, it will show a very low voltage that just jumps around as it spins, so at least you can tell it's doing something. If this checks out good then trace wiring and all connections. As outlined by this repair, I've seen a lot of failures due to simple cold or dirty solders or seemingly benign corrosion on a connection. I'm glad someone discovered the common problem, I may even get to use it at work. Otherwise we don't really repair any of the modern Japanese electric gauges as there is no info or parts available. Dealer wants to sell you a replacement. But if there's other speedo or gauge issues w any Subarus I'd be glad to look into it anyway, for the sake of the forum.

That was a pretty incredible, yet believable story. Love it. I've seen other cars revived after underwater drives. But like they mentioned, there's gonna be problems later. I was surprised enough by a 89 Grand Prix I acquired pretty much for free. It sat in impound lot for about 3 years. Threw in a battery and showed it the key and it fired right up. But improper dry storage started to show little bugs after a while (the thing also looked like it had sat in the sun for 20 years. Good job gm) Somebody has gotta find out if this sub-Subie is still alive.

Well kinda looking right now. I'm going on vacation in May and my woman said I have to wait til after to buy anything. Also currently waiting on some cam gears to arrive to see if this engine can live again. Then it might sell for a couple bucks. But I've got a sweet Civic to drive now, so guess not in a hurry.

Ha, thanks. Patrick it is. I found the option to upload photo on here, just had to switch to full version instead of mobile (right beside "post" is "more reply options"). Gotta get back in a Subie. That was/is best all around car I've had.

Here's a pic of her. I haven't really found anyone else mention this potential fragility of these cars- that a sideways impact to the front corner can cause body/frame rails to smash cam gears and kill the motor. Otherwise, it could've driven away. No airbags went off, no coolant rupture. No tires rubbing, though alignment was wayyyy off. But yeah, for a car that seems so tuffy, a mild slideways hit and it's done. At least I managed to not get a ticket, and most importantly no one else.

Hi! Just found this forum and seems to live up to its name. I was just scrolling google for info and stumbled into it. A lot more people modifying soobs and swapping parts here than other forum I was on. I wrecked my 97 outback about a year ago and finally deciding to get another. I still have it, since I got new struts n springs and other little bits just before wadding it up. So my first questions- how do I post pics on mobile version of site? I'm one of those guys that only uses iPhone. And, how new/what other models can struts/springs from my car swap into? I got King lift springs w kyb excel. This was interchange info I was looking for and it looks like I can put these on up to like 2003 or 05 or something. Thanks y'all