I'm looking for some parts for a project Legacy L, but in the process I found something that may help my '99 Outback:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/pts/4381248624.html

 

It's from a 2000 Outback (I'm waiting to get the transmission code), but from what I have read here it should be compatible with my '99 OBW. Is his correct? Which other years are compatible?

 

Now the other question, and a more subjective at that: would you guys buy this transmission? I'm assuming the "AWD not working" means the center differential is fried, so I can just use the one on mine. The stubby axles are not there, but apparently it's just a matter of popping the ones on my transmission in there. But a) this thing looks somewhat neglected (or is it normal for a transmission to look like this?) and most importantly, it looks like the transmission has been rebuilt before (the sticker is from Reliable Transmissions Ltd. in NY). What should I expect from a rebuilt transmission? Would you guys buy one?

 

Thanks!

Yes it will bolt up ans should work just fine as long as the front and rear diff's are the same gear ratio.

 

Yes, the looks are pretty standard for a used trans

 

What is wrong with your trans?

 

The AWD  not working is most likely the rear clutch pack or C-Duty not working.  

 

The bad part is unknown condition of the trans and no way to really figure it out unless you install it or rebuild it.  

 

$100 is not bad but a Trans change is a full day of work and not easy at that.  Them suckers are heavy.  

 

Good used from a yard may be a better bet.

Thank you for the prompt answer

The transmission on my car has the "delayed engagement" that seems to be typical of the '99 models. When downshifting you need to be very careful with your right foot or the revs will go very high and when the gear finally engages you have to start giving explanations to everyone in the car about the "hit" they just felt

 

I tried the trans-x when I got the car but the problem never really went away so I was waiting for some decent weather to drain the transmission and refill with royal purple and more trans-x, but now that I'll need to buy another cherry picker to do the headgaskets on another soob I bought I'm running out of excuses to avoid removing the OBW, fixing a few leaks and perhaps replacing the transmission.

 

The person selling this one just sent me an email confirming "the clutches for the all-wheel-drive will need replaced but the trans is still drivable tho". Apparently that was the reason to replace the transmission on his '00 Outback (as a reference, the code on the '00 transmission is TZ1A4ZCABA-WL, and the one on my '99 Outback is TZ1A2ZJEBA-WZ)

 

I thought about going to a yard but I guess the price will be higher. That may not be such big deal if I can get a trans is in good condition, but how can I know that when buying from a yard?

Edited March 20, 201412 yr by jarl

If you're going to a self serve yard, pull the trans from a car that was hit hard.  At least you know it was going down the road.

 

I have a 2000 Outback Trans less front diff if you want parts off of it.  The trans was rebuilt but the pinon went out on the front diff about 4 years after the rebuild.

Je je... If my OBW was hit hard and landed at a junk yard the person pulling the transmission out of it would have a looong week

 

I'm not sure about getting anything but a complete transmission (this one that needs to have the AWD bits replaced is pushing it a bit). The more I take apart something the bigger the chances of screwing up something

 

I'll keep an eye open for other parts cars (Outbacks '99->'02 and Foresters '98->'02, right?), but I guess I can't discount this one just yet.

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

 

put in your zip and sort by distance to see what is close.

 

and you will have to search each year and model separately.

 

 

(Outbacks '99->'02 and Foresters '98->'02, right?)

outback and GT = RIGHT.   99 - 03

 

forester = not right for 98

not sure about 99,

00 - 03 = right.

Edited March 20, 201412 yr by johnceggleston