how to tell the difference? what are the obvious signs. years, buttons, and or any other way of telling? Thanks

Quickest way is by knowing what year it is.

 

86 and older = guaranteed 3AT (no 'E')

87.. maybe 4EAT.. only if its a Turbo car though (as far as I know)

88-89.. same as 87, but slightly more likely

90+ = No idea.. I generally stay away from those.

 

Disclaimer. This information is based only on firsthand observation. Not based on any documented facts

Easy way to tell is by looking at the shift console. If you have D-3-2-1 (or a switch labeled 1-hold), then its a 4EAT, if its just D-2-1, then its the 3AT.

I guess the other question is: all 3at's are 3.7 geared right?

yes they are. Bill, gimme a call

No, they're not. There's debate on which models got what, but they did not all come with a 3.7 final drive. My experience has been that every nonturbo 3AT I've had my hands on was 3.9, but some people here enjoy telling me I can't read and that I'm wrong, regardless of the fact that I've swapped in a 3.9 D/R into a 3AT car without changing the diff and had no problems.

 

So my answer is... crawl under the car and look at the diff.

my 87 GL-10 turbo has a 3AT

Both my Subies are Manual 5SP, but I know that here (Honduras), all Automatic came with just the 3AT untill `89. those models thru `94 came with the 4EAT. in other countries may differ...

I am driving an '87 XT Turbo with a 4sp auto right now. I'm not sure what the rules are, but as soon as you say it can't be, along comes the contradiction.

The way to tell about the speeds is the shifters, or if already out, the top of the bell housing is flat on a four speed.

The best way to tell the ratio, as previously mentioned, is to check the backside of the rear diff, hopefully the sticker is still there.

So did the old automatics have a dual range?

I assume not?

So did the old automatics have a dual range?

I assume not?

nope. all autos were single range.