I was thinking when I buy my used transmission in Jan I was thinking about putting in a LSD at the same time.

 

Just a few questions.. Where can I get gear marking paint? And What's a easy way to check the transmission before opening it up? I've never had one in front of me yet out of the car so I don't think you can turn it by hand out of the car?

 

Since my car is a 97 Outback I'm 99% sure it's 4.11 only thing is I wonder if I should stick with a transmission from the outback? Was it the outback or the GT with the taller gearing?

The gear marking compound sold at any GM parts department (GM part number 1052351) works really well. I'm sure there are lots of other places to get it too. That just happens to be the one I am familiar with.

4.11 is the same gearing available in OBW and GT's and basically most EJ25's. EJ22's got the 3.9's. only auto's get the higher number ratios (i think i know but am not positive what you mean by "taller").

 

draining the gear oil in a pan or filter that will show the condition of the oil and any metal might help give you good vibes on a used trans.

 

if you're going to essentially rebuild it anyway you could probably get a used trans with a bad input shaft bearing or possibly synchro's if they're reasonably priced cheap and replace that while it's apart - you'd get a cheap trans and new bearing. replace the input shaft bearing while you're in there anyway - they are a common issue. my buddy has one if you're headed south any time soon LOL.

 

good luck beast!

Last time I checked the synchro's aren't cheap.