No R&R how-to for Front Diff in Chilton or FSM

[Surbahar]

The 1997 Subaru Legacy Owner's Manual uses the term "Front Differential". I suspect it is this component which is failing. I have acquired the Chilton's 8259 (64302) Subaru 85-96 repair manual, but it doesn't specify how to remove the front differential, or how to replace it. Neither does the Factory Service Manual from what I can tell.

 

Is the Front Differential not a separate component, but integrated into the 4EAT? I need to determine whether I can remove and replace this component as a shade-tree mechanic working outdoors in the Chicagoland winter, or if it can't be done.

 

Is the Front Diff a sub-component of the transmission, and merely something which bolts against the 4EAT in a flush fashion, such that the manuals treat the Front Diff as part of the 4EAT? I'm baffled.

[mailman]

yes, the 4EAT is all one piece, transmission and front diff. not separable afaik

[Headtrauma89]

Afaik the "front diff" consists of your ring gear and your front drive shafts. It's all kinda built in, there are some pictures for reference here: http://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=6367

[johnegg]

replacing the front diff is not a practical solution.

 

you either have to buy ''new parts'' which are really expensive

or you have to buy a used trans, complete, which is affordable.

 

if you buy a good used affordable used auto trans,

why bother using ONLY the front diff and installing it in your car.

just swap in the entire trans and be done with it.

this is common.

 

BUT< before you do anything ,

 

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR CAR?

what is it doing?

why do you think it is the front diff?

what are the symptoms?

how long has it been doing it?>

how long have you had the car?

has it always done it?

does it always do it?

 

 

 

given how much / little you know about the front diff,

it would be foolish to replace it or the entire trans with out letting us diagnosis the problem.

there is a lot of experience here,

use it.

[spooln30]

FYI the front diff fluid is separate from the atm trans fluid and takes gear oil. I am not 100% on a manual trans.

[johnegg]

the manual trans is one long case, bell housing to output shaft.

(rear section is bolted one to enclose the center diff / viscous coupling.)

and gear oil is circulated through out the case.

one drain plug, one dip stick / fill point.

[Surbahar]

Johnegg, I'd love to pick your brain about the sounds in the video I posted, and get your thoughts about the noise as demonstrated.

 

And now the AT tranny is slipping after 10-15 miles. It will just become as if the vehicle is in neutral. However, if I turn the vehicle ignition off and then immediately restart the vehicle, I can coax a few shifts out of it.

 

I know the AT is completely separate from the front diff in terms of fluids. If possible, a few more miles squeezed out of this tranny will go a long way towards making life less miserable for my friend. We're going to try an AT fluid flush, and replace with fresh Dexron III fluid with some Bar's Leaks "Automatic Transmission Repair" two-part stuff. I had success on their last beatup AT in a geo with the stuff.