I finally killed my poor old car!

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Mon May 27, 2013 5:20 pm

It had to happen eventually. After something like 8 years of putting up with abuse my car finally died!

My tricked up auto is basically stuffed. The bearing / gear mesh noises I have been ignoring for about 30k have gotten worse, but the real killer is it looks like my torque converter is stuffed. I am now getting random lockups when it is cold.

For the first time in my life, this happened:

The boys at work suggested I try this:

I am in the middle of some major house renovation at the moment and I really don't have time to sort out all the issues with my current auto box. I am however running out of cars to borrow so I need to get this thing on the road again.

The engine is the original EJ22 with about 240K on it. It has been very well maintained and is running strong so i figure i should keep it. I just need to sort out the driveline.

I would consider a manual conversion if I could find a liberty wreck cheap so that all the parts are there. Does anyone around Brisbane know of any for sale?

Alternatively if anyone knows of a good auto box for sale please let me know. I currently run a 4.44 rear diff but I am happy to do a diff swap if the right box comes up. Any 4EAT pre 1998 would do as long as its in known good condition.

Realistically i only plan to keep the car until I finish renovating so 12 - 18 months. I will then buy something newer. Suggestions for where to go next with the old girl would be appreciated

60766244 · Post by **60766244** » Mon May 27, 2013 5:41 pm

vincentvega wrote:

I'd been given similar advice before. :\ Bumping and wishing you a speedy new (cheap) autobox.

NachaLuva · Post by **NachaLuva** » Tue May 28, 2013 7:42 pm

"Subaru Repair Kit" lol

H-top · Post by **H-top** » Tue May 28, 2013 8:02 pm

Budget?

Is 4.44 the Turbo ratio Auto?

i hope for the best for you mate.

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Tue May 28, 2013 9:54 pm

vincentvega wrote:For the first time in my life, this happened:

First time! Lucky bugger!! I reckon I've done this at least three times

So you knew it was on the way out - I've done the same before, ended with a seriously dead engine when I could have done something about it and had a serviceable engine to work with.

Hope it's a relatively painless period with the fix.

Cheers

Bennie

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Tue May 28, 2013 10:11 pm

My current box was my idea of the ultimate offroad auto.

4.11 Gen2 GX auto rebuilt with valve body mods for increased line pressure.
91 GT legacy 4.44 front diff
94 GT legacy VTD rear end
Gen2 outback speedo gears
93 WRX TCU
Large oil cooler
91 GT legacy 4.44 VLSD rear

If I was to do it all again I would start with a 4.11 outback or WRX auto as they have a tougher torque converter and additional clutches. The initial purchase and rebuild price would have been the same but I would have ended up with a tougher box.

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Tue May 28, 2013 10:19 pm

Yeah Bennie i probably could have done something about it, but it wouldnt have prevented the converter for failing. Years of working it hard and getting it hot have taken its toll.

I tend to maintain my car based around touring trips. I will do basic maintenance only for a year or 2, then go right over the car before a big trip. Problem is I bought a house to do up and all touring has ceased! The car is basically a work ute now and has been pretty much ignored except for regular services.

The other problem with renovating is your workshop is constantly full of building materials! not great for trying to work on your car.

taza · Post by **taza** » Tue May 28, 2013 10:43 pm

Damn mate! What a bummer, 8 years is good though, you can't complain with that!
Only needing the tow truck once is good.... the old 2.0l engine in my Foz had a knock for a good 6 months(almost 30k km) and then one night finally died. Atleast you knew it was coming.
I've considered the old Subaru repair kit a few times. haha
All the best with getting it up and running.

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Wed May 29, 2013 7:32 pm

vincentvega wrote:Problem is I bought a house to do up and all touring has ceased! The car is basically a work ute now and has been pretty much ignored except for regular services.

The other problem with renovating is your workshop is constantly full of building materials! not great for trying to work on your car.

Good to know! Also, don't have a kid - they tend to "get in the way" too

Sounds like you know what you need to build another good box that could be even better than this one. Do you know exactly what gave way or do you only suspect what the problem is (other than a dead gearbox)?

I hope it's a quick fix for you anyway!

Cheers

Bennie