96 Legacy awd

I snagged an entire shift linkage with good bushings from the junkyard this past weekend. Today I was ready to put it in. Got under the car to disconnect mine then realized... Mine was different. The bracket that attaches the linkage rod to the selector shaft on the transmission is the only difference I think. But then I also realized, I remember the one in the junkyard being a lot easier to get to. Then it occurred to me that the car I got it from was a Fwd, not AWD. The lack of a drive shaft coming out of the back of the transmission wasn't apparent until I got a good look at mine.

 

I'm now trying to figure out of I can modify the bracket one the "new" one to work on mine. I'd take pics, but it's raining out.

Edited October 16, 200916 yr by Fairtax4me

I don't know if you're going to be able to modify the FWD shifter assembly to work on your AWD. I'd probably suggest going and trying to find one for an AWD car.

Couldn't do anything with it... except take the bushings.

 

Getting that roll pin out was a lot of fun. It's been a week and my neck is still sore. I tried everything I could at home, then gave in and took the car up to a friends place with an air compressor and an air hammer set. One hit with the air hammer knocked it loose. I made it so I don't have to remove the boss from the selector shaft next time. And I put a bolt in it instead of a new roll pin just in case I ever do.

I've had to mess with the lever on my Legacy twice. First was the bushings, 2nd was when my upper shift lever separated from the rubber mount. It is still a lot better design than my Mk II Golf. The shift lever was mounted to this PLASTIC cup that stuck through the floor, nothing under it! I had to replace that, and the parts were ordered in such a way that it was nearly impossible to re-assemble it correctly without 4 hands, and you could only fit two in the shift well! Took me about a DAY to get it together right. Bad bad BAD design!

I made these two punches/tools to help with the roll pins, especially installing them.

 

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subaru/images/jointcustom/DCP_4188.JPG

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subaru/images/jointcustom/DCP_4190.JPG

I saw those in one of the write-ups. I didn't figure on the thing being that hard to get out since it was all covered in oil. I'll know better if I ever have to do one again.

Do any of you guys now where i can get shifter bushings for 91 Legacy? I can't find any information about this year or if they are the same as newer models. Are the bushings attached to the shift linkage or shifter? Any help would be appreciated.

I can't imagine the bushings themselves are different. The linkage may be slightly different than the newer ones though.

 

They only cost about $4 a pair at the dealer (or is it a peice? I don't remember )

 

Best bet is to call your dealer and have them order them if you can't get lucky enough to find a decent set in a junkyard.

Do any of you guys now where i can get shifter bushings for 91 Legacy? I can't find any information about this year or if they are the same as newer models. Are the bushings attached to the shift linkage or shifter? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Welcome aboard USMB, hustle.

 

Dealer should be able to get what you need (if not, call Jason at Mike Scarff Subaru 866-528-5282).

 

Subaru changed the linkage design over the years so be sure to tell them it's for a '91 Legacy.

 

There are several different bushings used in the shifter system--2 large ones used to attach the stabilizer rod to the tranny and the car body, a small tubular one that connects the shift lever with the control rod and 2 in the boss joint (the universal type joint that attaches the control rod to the tranny stub-out.) It's the last two that usually go bad and cause sloppiness.

 

If you want to learn more, use the search function up top--type in "shifter bushing", select New Generation forum and hit enter. Lots of discussion of the topic over the years.

 

Good luck.

Welcome aboard USMB, hustle.

 

Dealer should be able to get what you need (if not, call Jason at Mike Scarff Subaru 866-528-5282).

 

Subaru changed the linkage design over the years so be sure to tell them it's for a '91 Legacy.

 

There are several different bushings used in the shifter system--2 large ones used to attach the stabilizer rod to the tranny and the car body, a small tubular one that connects the shift lever with the control rod and 2 in the boss joint (the universal type joint that attaches the control rod to the tranny stub-out.) It's the last two that usually go bad and cause sloppiness.

 

If you want to learn more, use the search function up top--type in "shifter bushing", select New Generation forum and hit enter. Lots of discussion of the topic over the years.

 

Good luck.

 

Yay! I found my bushings thanks! I also found an excellent diagram featuring the basic subaru shifter system which mine looks almost identical too.

That's great! And that is an excellent diagram. By the way, TiC supplied my pivot joint bushing, an excellent product.

 

Now comes the fun part--trying to drive the roll pins out of the boss joint!

 

Good luck.