Tranny options for a 96 AWD Legacy

[blueb3]

WARNING: WALL OF TEXT (but please read it anyways)


Need a new automatic tranny. I know, slushbox=Ewwww but I sit in a LOT of rush hour traffic every day and the automatic tranny is a godsend. I have done some research, but I have come back with more questions than answers. I know that the transmission and rear diff need to match (due to variances in final drive ratios) and I know that I want an automatic. Now my question to you experts is this. What other options do I have here? No one can locate an auto for a 2.2. Can I use a different transmission (provided I get a matching rear diff?) And what transmissions can I use? Anything from a legacy? Can I use a JDM transmission? Can I use a tranny from the 2.0 twin turbo with the matching rear diff that has the LSD? (this would be nice due to the cheap price on low mile units and the sheer amounts of them on e-bay)

I have access to a shop with a lift and a friend that is willing to help me out. I just need to get an answer so that I can get my car back.




Thanks in advance for all your help, and sorry about the long winded post.

[jonklein611]

I don't know why you can't find an AT for a 96 2.2. They should be out there somewhere. I know my 96 has an AT in it and it's a 2.2, as far as parts go, maybe check your local junkyard.

[blueb3]

Well actually, I pick it up tomorrow, after a complete rebuild. It gives me a longer warranty, and now I know what my options are, I wont ever take it to a trans shop again. Seeing as how I would have been $500 out of pocket just to take the car as is with the tranny in the trunk, I decided to just bite the bullet and bend over. Wish me luck tomorrow.

Of course, I am also seriously considering trying my hardest to break it while it's under warranty. There are after all, 6 Rallycross events between now and when the warranty would be up.... :twisted:

[jonklein611]

nothing a large sledge can't break.....

[blueb3]

BFH is not nearly as much fun as this:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/06/Mix130-1.jpg

[jonklein611]

holy cow, that's the exact subaru I have, same year, color, engine, scary! What parts have you been able to find?

[blueb3]

Haven't really looked for much, just the JDM fogs with the glass lenses (need to re-wire them since they stopped working) Swapped in a set of seats from a 2000 outback sport, and a head unit from a 2002 WRX. This winter it's getting a set of the jdm headlamps.

[jonklein611]

Mine's got a short ram, cusco rear sway, and im looking to upgrade the breaks and find some STi seats.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Mine's got a short ram, cusco rear sway, and im looking to upgrade the breaks and find some STi seats.

Let's stay on topic. If you want to gab about parts, refer to the technical forums or if you want to ask about "what's a good mod?" put it in general please.

[jonklein611]

OK, how does that AT swap handle rally cross? Mine's ok, but idk if i would trust it doing something like that.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Why wouldn't an AT handle rally-x? It's only an EJ22 engine, not all that much power to contend with.

[jonklein611]

Right, but the AT's in that year have issues with the torque converters, i had one let go on me and that was just from normal driving. Rallycross adds alot more stress on the drivetrain and I was curious. I mean, I autocross in mine, but I'm assuming rallyx is a whole different story when it comes to wearing out a car.

[blueb3]

Depends, with the 4EAT I would drop it down to 1st gear and leave it there, since 1st and 2nd gear lock the center diff to 50/50 on the automatics. The car did amazingly well, I could easily beat out most of the field, including some WRX's. The course was usually tight enough that I would rarely bang the rev limiter and 1st was tall enough to hit ~40 mph.

Interesting that you mention the torque converter, seeing as how that was the part that they couldn't get to come out of the tranny :razz: The car has roughly 130k on it, and it is (was) the original tranny. Needless to say, I won't be floggin it around the rallycross course anymore :-(

I pick it up today (hopefully they don't bump it again) and I'll let you know how it is.

[jonklein611]

at least it works right? And I learned something about my tranny, did not know that it was 50/50 in 1 and 2. Now I know, thanks for the info.

Did you meant that the torque converter was like stuck in there?

When they swapped mine out (around 50-60k miles), there were issues, but thats because they put the forrester tranny in it! Ooooops, the car acted like a fwd, and would squeal tires off the line. Amco = clueless. I guess you could call that an accidental swap.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Right, but the AT's in that year have issues with the torque converters, i had one let go on me and that was just from normal driving. Rallycross adds alot more stress on the drivetrain and I was curious. I mean, I autocross in mine, but I'm assuming rallyx is a whole different story when it comes to wearing out a car.

Bah, the 4EATs are pretty strong. I'm sure a few have had issues, but for the most part, I haven't heard of any widespread problem with them.

[blueb3]

I swung by today ~ 4:30, STILL not done!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: They had originally ordered the wrong torque converter, and then the right one came in today, and now they can't get it to seat in all the way.

Yeah, my original tranny is still sitting on the shop floor with it's torque converter completely stuck in there.

I have learned a very important and expensive lesson: most transmission shops are CLUELESS!!!!! :mad:

[jonklein611]

i agree, but someone's got to do it, lol. Sounds like the torque converter fused itself to the tranny. What symptoms were you getting when it went?

[blueb3]

no prior warnings, just an instant *poof* dead tranny. I was just thankful I had dropped off both kids 10 minutes earlier at my mother in laws house. My son was with me in the winter when my Passat's tranny grenaded 2 years ago. It freaked him out.

[Sc0oby]

does anyone here any have tranny code so we could find out if it match final drive of the rear diff?

currently have a 96 GTB but seem like the center diff is shit. have source a matic tranny that came from a JDM twin cams 4cams N/A unit matic but would need to know if the rear diff will match. The tranny looks the same except for the flywheel is a bit smaller by a inch