I'm going to look at a 84 gl hatch tomorrow 160k, 5sp, 4wd for $600. This being my first older gen suby is there anything particular to look out for? TIA.

Rust. Especially the front frame rails. Rust kills more soobies then any other cause.

 

 

nipper

I'm going to look at a 84 gl hatch tomorrow 160k, 5sp, 4wd for $600. This being my first older gen suby is there anything particular to look out for? TIA.

 

4WD will not be a 5 speed. If it's 4WD then it's a 4 speed single range (DL) or dual range (GL). 2WD Hatch would have a 5 speed (GL, DL) or a 4 speed (STD).

 

Check for play in the distributor shaft, and for rust on the whole car. Especially check the radiator, upper and lower hoses, and heater core hoses - all of which should be replaced if there's any evidence of corrosion in the system.

 

Assuming it's a 4 speed D/R, then when you drive it see how tight the linkage is - if it's loose and barely wants to find reverse then you may be looking at a new transmission eventually. Also see how "crunchy" 2nd and 3rd gear are - the four speeds suffer from 3rd gear syncro failure, and also from premature shift dog failure (mostly reverse) due to poorly maintained linkage bushings. Have a look at the transmission mounts - they are often soft and crappy, and aren't cheap - about $90 for both at the dealer.

 

Check out the exhaust - they tend to rust out before anything else on the rig.

 

GD

RE the transmission mounts,

 

I got a brand new pair of transmission mounts from rockauto for $30.

RE the transmission mounts,

 

I got a brand new pair of transmission mounts from rockauto for $30.

 

They are out of stock - have been for a while now unfortunately.

 

GD