[high mileage torque bind question]

Thanks a lot for the replies--a lot of good suggestions.  Sorry to take so long getting back.  Work has been a bit hectic and this project took a back seat  for a few days.

 

Yes it is a 4EAT.  (Should have included that in the first post, sorry)

 

I changed the AT fluid 3 times in 1000 miles a few months ago.  It helped for a while but the bind came back.

 

The FWD fuse does nothing and the AT light flashes on startup--tracking those symptoms down using threads on this site are actually what clued me into the solenoid and clutch pack.

 

 

 

At those miles a JDM does make sense.  Statistically valid data is nearly impossible but I would guess 350,000 mile transmissions aren't the norm or average?  I don't mind trying for it, but I'm not sure I'd call it a sure bet!

 

I'll say this - the times I've opted for a JDM engine/trans over repair - I've definitely never looked back a few years later and regretted it.   That's more likely to happen if I attempt a repair rather than replacement!

 

Another option might be buying the JDM and swapping the rear extension housing, which can be done in the vehicle so might save you some down time/work/effort and you'd have the insurance of having the spare transmission if you do have future issues. 

 

The miles on the transmission are a concern and that's why I was wondering about the new transmission.  I think this is my favorite idea--just get a new JDM and switch out the rear portion--I think i will probably try that.  However as I investigated the possibility of replacing the parts I found a kit that included all the gaskets, the solenoid, and the clutch pack plates for this job but there were 4 different options of clutch plates for a 4EAT.  Does anyone know how to tell which set of clutch plates I would need if I took this route?

[high mileage torque bind question]

Hey there, I've been visiting for a while to read the threads for advice with my car but just signed up to actually join the conversation.  Thanks to all the folks with the experience on here that post on these threads--I cant tell you how many times one of your threads has led me to figure out whats up with my car.

 

Transmission related question for whoever's out there:

 

I drive a 1997 legacy outback with +/-45k miles on a second engine and pushing 250,000 miles on the original transmission.  I have pretty bad torque bind that is very apparent in turns.

 

Transmission shifts fine, minus the occasional late or slightly hard shift and the car drives smooth.

 

Question is this: Do i spend the money to replace the Duty C Solenoid and and the Clutch Pack or do I spend a bit more and replace my 250,000 mile trans with a 30-60k mile JDM trans?  (All work is my own--so only real consideration is the price of parts)

 

I was just going to fix it until i realized that the parts I'm looking for come out to about half the price of a JDM transmission. (Maybe im looking in the wrong places but solenoid=$130 and clutch pack=$120-200, does that sound right?)

 

I'm a bit attached to this car--Its been a project for me--so getting rid of it is not an option.

 

Thanks in advance for your advice.