my 97 outback was making extreme  grinding noises from the rear area. I drained the diff.  and (broken) pieces of teeth flowed out with lots of metal shavings.

my question is: does anyone know what ratio diffs. fit mine and from what models and years.

One wrecker asked me; Is the back of the diff. smooth or does it have fins?

Is that a correct way to try and sell me a diff., with the correct gearing for my automatic outback?

I believe mine is a 4.44 ratio rear end. (I found that info on the web)!

Appreciate any responses as my car is sitting on four jack stands and I am without wheels.

thanks

pacgas

 

It's 4.44. You can use the diff out of any automatic outback, automatic forester, or automatic legacy GT up to 2004. Maybe beyond, but I dunno later than that. I don't know about VDC or 6 cylinders either, but those listed are 4.44 for the 2.5/auto.

 

It's 4.44. You can use the diff out of any automatic outback, automatic forester, or automatic legacy GT up to 2004.

this is correct.

 

starting in 01, the outback came standard with a VLSD rear diff.

the parts yards refer to them as ''locking''.

 

good source for used parts, sort by zip code to see what is close.

 

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

Edited November 10, 201411 yr by johnceggleston

I guess I forgot to mention manual, and probably automatic forester XTs use a 4.44 diff as well, but you probably won't just run across one of those kicking about...

Does your AT Temp light flash 16 times after you start the car?

You might have Torque Bind.

 

Have to ask yourself what caused the diff to fail?

 

Once you drop out the Diff, you will see a 2 letter/number code painted in white on top of the housing.  That gives you the ratio.  You can also use the Trans # to get the ratio.  

 

Make sure the front and rear Diff's have the same ratio.

did the car drive thru very high water? That can suck-in water in t to diff thru the vent and mix with the gear oil but, it would be really high water.

I have 2 outbacks here automatics.I'm in nj.idk if that helps u any 1998

I have that exact diff email my username @yahoo.com if you want to buy it.