rigfennid

Mine blew last week at 150,000. I'm getting a whole engine from CCR. They may be able to help with parts, but I'm not certain of that. CCR's Website Emily & Rick (owner) are AWESOME to deal with!

I'm right by Security Mall... for now. Trying to get things together to make the move to Colorado. I just put KYB GR2's and Scorpion springs on my OB. I LOVE IT!!!

My 97 OB blew a head gasket, so I'm getting a rebuilt engine from CCR. (Sidenote: Rick & Emily at CCR are AWESOME. Answering questions, being helpful... if you need/want to replace your engine, buy one from CCR. THE BEST people I have come across in a long time.) So, I'm thinking it'd probably be best to replace my radiator and I'm looking for the best bang for my buck. Suggestions anyone?

I'd prefer the XT motor because of not losing displacement and the increased torque at lower rpms. I'm planning to move to Colorado ASAP and will be exploring every backcountry trail I can. Plus, I tend to tow things quite regularly, and I think the Forester engines were designed with that in mind. Other than CCR, does anyone know of a source for an XT engine with wiring, ecu's, etc.?

I'm emailed & called CCR, but they are closed on Saturdays I guess. So here's me picking the group intelligence of the USMB. My head gasket blew at 150,000 miles. I'm thinking about putting in a turbo motor for more fun. What prices are as yet, I have no idea. I'm wondering how much trouble/fun this project could be. Oh yeah, and it's gotta happen pretty quick too, so I can still go on vacation on Dec. 1st! Emily from CCR: H E L P ! ! ! Thanks in advance to everybody!!

NO WAY!! I love my 97 Outback! I just ticked over 150k miles with the original clutch and no HG problems. Does anybody flush & fill their cooling system? I do. I also get my brake fluid drained & replaced regularly, and I'm soon to go with stainless steel brake lines so that'll be a COMPLETE draining of the system. I just got an extra 2" of ground clearance by swapping to Scorpion springs (and KYB GR-2's at the same time). I hear the 2.2 is more reliable. OK, fine, no argument. But my 2.5 is rolling along fine. My point? With any used vehicle, get maintenance records whenever possible, and have an independent shop do an engine compression test. Stick with the Outback - they rock!!!

most of those wires are just extra length - still, best to let a shop do it, just in case the airbag pops - all the 97 OB's have power locks and actuators in all 4 doors and hatch - want to prove it? do this: use the lock/unlock button inside your door - which door doesn't matter - since there's nothing physically disengaging the lock, then that says you have actuators in all doors - IF you press the button, and a door won't lock/unlock, then that door has a dead actuator you should be able to find the brain and some remotes on ebay if you want the OEM system - i went aftermarket to get some other features, but the basics are all the same - enjoy!!

no need for an actuator in your door

My friend's dad has a tranny shop (auto's only!! ACK!) so I have access to just about everything I'd need... except a tranny jack! I'm going to see how much a local shop will charge me to do the work. I'm so friggin' busy, that time is the real problem.

It's looking like work will be in Boulder (subturd or Denver, to the west) but I want to live in Fort Collins, which is ~60mi north of Denver. I'm going to leave the CBR in Maryland for the winter, and fly back to visit and then ride it out to CO. Thanks for the info on the flywheel. I can't use a WRX clutch, can I? Aren't they actuated in the opposite direction than mine? I.e. WRX is push-type, OB is pull-type? I thought I remember you saying something to that effect at least. So with labor, I'm looking at $800+ for a new clutch... fun fun. Don't know if I feel like tackling this one myself. How much of a pain is it to do in the car? You did yours with the engine out, yes?

I have a spare set if you don't get that to work for you. I'll verify that they work 100%. $10 + S&H is all I'd ask for the pair. Good luck with the bulb replacement! Brendan

I've been thinking about it for a while, and came to the decision a few weeks ago. Probably would have told you on the phone but you had to run to a meeting and I've been STUPID busy lately. It'll be your 1/2-way house to your mom's place in Washington! So your knowledge of Scooby parts is ridiculously vast... any recommendations? I'm getting ready to order my new CV axles & Goodridge brake lines this week. Gotta get her ready for some play time in the mountains, ya know!

I'm curious about what you finally bought and the results. My Outback has 150,000mi on the original clutch, but I'm looking to move from MD to CO in a few months and I know it won't last that trip, especially pulling a trailer! What I'd like to know is: 1. What brand did you choose, and why? 2. What was your cost & source (if you don't mind)? 3. Do you do much towing or offroad driving? 4. Did you do the work yourself, and if so, how long did it take you? Thanks much!! Brendan

Hey rweddy - what clutch update are you talking about? very curious since i'm guessing it won't be too long before i need a new clutch - suggestions?

My 97 OB is a ROCK! 150,000 miles on the original clutch - that includes hauling my motorocycles to/from many tracks, & 2500lbs from MD to AZ and back!. I replaced the cam & crank seals - normal. Coolant drain, flush, & fill every other year at most. Brake fluid drain & fill on same schedule. I'm changing to KYB GR-2's & Scorpion springs this weekend. Failures? NONE. ZERO. But I do my maintenance religiously. My buddies 99 GT sedan is the same (but only has 45,000 miles). Both are 5-speeds. In winter especially, I am the first person friends call when they MUST get somewhere. I love my 97 OB 5speed, and you can't ever have it!!!

So I've got Scorpion springs (2" lift!) and KYB GR-2's on the way to me... but haven't tackled this job before. If anyone has experience with this job, please help out! I'm looking for info/advice on tools, techniques, and just how to get it done, in general. I have a Haynes manual but haven't opened it yet. Thanks in advance, all!!

same thing on my 97 OB - has anyone replaced the "bad" parts and/or tried buffing the windows?

I got a set off ebay for $340 SHIPPED!! only 5k miles on the tires, and balanced perfect even after shipping! they're the summer wheels though - once i get the Scorpion springs on, the OEMs with 27"+ tires will be going on for winter... hehehe....

i guess it's possbile, but i know i call Liberty directly and it comes in a box with their return address - i've never ordered from 1stsubaruparts.com so we'll need some feedback from members that have - anyone care to chime in?

I won't buy from them and urge you not too either. I ordered some foglights from them, got a confirmation, everything's looking good. Then I get an email stating that even though these items are in stock and no longer in production, I would have to pay ~$70/set instead of the ~$20/set that they had them advertised!!! No compromise offered, but the worst is that they refused to honor the deal. I spoke with Trish, and her boss (can't remember his name, but he was an ***** about it) and like you, they said basically that they held all the cards, and tough crap on me. I cancelled my order and would only ever buy from them if they were last place for a part that I needed desperately. DO NOT BUY FROM SUBARUPARTS.COM!!! I don't know if they monitor these boards, but if they want to try and dispute my facts, good luck - i still have all the emails - Trish might be nice but she's associated with a company that DOES NOT promote or engender good customer service and/or relationships. My new source: http://www.libertysubaru.com/ friendly, quick, and they give extra discount to USMB members if you mention you heard about them through this site.

might be that your tires are rubbing? check your springs/struts for signs of wear or rub - that's all i can think of... good luck!

Not sure of the cost or legal issues but maybe a billboard near his shop showing the BBB report? ya know, like standing out front and anybody that comes in, you just say "think three times before you leave your car" and hand them a copy of the report - you're just making people aware of his track record, so it isn't slander at all.... unfortunately for many people it seems the only way for them to learn is to get hurt, and if you hurt his business, he may wise up.... sad to have slime that that around best of luck!

Why bother lifting it? Seriously, these cars are super easy. Here's what I do: Oil Filter cut the bottom out of a 1 gallon milk jug but leave the cap on. position it under the oil filter. unscrew it and let it drop in to inverted jug. done. Oil drain Buy a Fumoto Valve made to fit Subarus. I have the front skid plate and the oil drains out fine without dripping on the plate, right in to my catch pan. I'm about your size and have zero problems getting under my Outback for this, but maybe the Baja sits lower? Give it a shot. I need no tools other than my hands to do an oil change, unless you count the key to open the door and work the hood release!

Any pics? Before would be nice, but after's would be kewl too. Anybody ever worked on making it a power lift, like the backs/side doors of minivans do? It would make loading my pup & gear MUCH easier...

I've got a 97 Outback and I'm wondering how close the bodies are - any idea? That looks sick! I love it! This summer I plan to put on KYB GR2's with Scorpion springs for a 2" lift... bigger wheel/tire combo (for winter mainly) and a bumper like that would just be killer - people fear me as it is, but with THAT...!! "get out da way, get out da way.. MOVE!!" yeah, boy!!