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Thread: 2004 Outback H6 LL Bean Wagon - "TANK"

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    Cool 2004 Outback H6 LL Bean Wagon - "TANK"

    Guys!
    I'm back. And in a wagon, an H6 wagon, of all things.

    I'm so stoked to have something that I can haul stuff in and bomb around in. I haven't had a Subaru wagon in nearly 6 years - my 2nd son wasn't born yet when the old 98 GT got rear ended (me in it) and written off. It still lives on in a few cars around North America (I hope!) but it was high time to get some AWD love back in my life.

    So here it is, a one owner, no crash, 04 H6 LL Bean wagon with 197,000 miles on it.



    (this pic was after the rust repair on the rear quarter)

    Plans? I guess the basics, get the exterior and suspension to where I'm happy - this beast has a 7.9" stock ground clearance - the LL Bean is higher by a smidge than the comparable standard Outback. Probably the LL Bean springs. www.cars101.com

    Engine-wise, there's not too much you can do - from what I read the intake is already pretty good, and the car responds well to 91 gas and just a good air filter. There's not much bolt-on wise, except for a light weight crank pulley (and the usual intake type mods that I probably won't do lol).



    Future mod/maintenance list:
    Whiteline 20mm Adjustable Rear sway bar $180 - purchased not installed
    Polish headlights - $0
    Fluid film underbody protection $100
    Wrap side doors for corrosion protection - $0
    STi muffler - $40 purchased 8/20/17 to be installed
    Jdm rear taillights $100
    Fog light replacement, passenger side $30
    Clay bar and wax - $0
    DRL delete -$0
    Fog light tint $18 lamin-x
    Winter tires - $300
    Wrap hood $0
    New battery tie down - $15
    Summer suspension - shocks and strut tops.
    Rear strut brace $80
    Door visors $50
    Summer wheels & tires? $600
    Brake lines, pads and rotors
    Cabin filter?
    Roof rack or box $75
    Projector retrofit - $250
    Fender side markers - $50


    Completed Mod/Maintenance List:

    Replace front brake rotors $40
    Rust repair $300 - Edge to Edge Auto - 8/20/17
    Honda rear wiper - $20 Amazon - installed 8/17/17
    Replace front brake pads $50 - Edge to Edge Auto - 8/20/17
    Paint & install rear JDM spoiler - $100 eBay - $150 Edge to Edge Auto - 8/20/17
    Front wiper blades $12
    Valve cover oil leak - General Automotive $350, oil and filter change
    Transmission fluid, filter and Lubegard ATF Protectant - $100
    Reset ECU - $0
    Change pcv, air filter - $50
    Tint windows $180 - Finest Detail
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

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    Guys!

    What's the best online website for pic hosting? Or is it not worth it anymore?

    Rog
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

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    SLi Resident iampetro's Avatar
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    I use imgur
    You can have as many pics as u want (as far as I can tell)
    Each pic you upload has a bunch of direct links to choose from for hosting on different places

    I can't wait to see pics of this H6

  4. #4
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    Trying to display some pics:

    Interior looks pretty great for 197k!


    Passenger side


    First mod after buying - replace the metal rear wiper with a newer style plastic arm - thanks Amazon!


    Painting the spoiler - thanks Edge to Edge Autobody


    Welding the quarter


    Painting the rear quarter
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

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    SLi nOOb Somac's Avatar
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    Nice wagon! It looks pretty dang clean. I'm so jealous of the later BHs that were color matched exterior rather than the two-tone.

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    Just a quick pic from the driveway - the wagon has been freshly tinted by my regular guy, 50% fronts and rear windshield, 35% rear passenger windows and rear side hatch glass.

    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

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    SLi Supporter badbasser98's Avatar
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    Looks like a great find! I am also thinking about getting back into a BE. I have a project in mind and think that would be a decent fit since they pretty much don’t exist around here anymore.
    ~Matt
    '15 Ram 1500 Sport Crewcab
    '06 STi w/full bolt ons

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    Quick update, replaced the PCV with a new one, old one was horribly gunked up. Gained back some smoothness in the power delivery and car feels a little bit more torquey. Probably all in my mind, but knowing it's breathing better is always nice.

    I have a couple of quirks going on - weird hunting idle all of a sudden (air temp dropping?) and the rear right strut/spring seems to be squeaking a lot.

    What's that you say? Suspension needs replacing? Oh, no...
    .
    .
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

  9. #9
    Administrator Huffer's Avatar
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    I found a local selling some stock parts from a Toyota FRS, so I nabbed the stock manual shift knob to use instead of my stock shifter... it sits much lower and is more comfortable to hold. I may still cut another half inch off the shifter bolt to sit it even lower. I'm trying to decide what to do with the lower white part of the shifter. I know I need to color code it or hide it.

    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

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    SLi Lurker Sub-Goon's Avatar
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    Looks good!

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    SLi O.G. 98legwag's Avatar
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    I thought the manual FRS/BRZ had a different thread pitch from auto Subarus.

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    Administrator Huffer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 98legwag View Post
    I thought the manual FRS/BRZ had a different thread pitch from auto Subarus.
    Guess not! I googled around and it's the same pitch/thread. This shift knob is really light compared to the stock one. So, it's helping me put this tank on a diet.

    In other news, the battery crapped out on my when the temps went below 35F last week, so I had to replace that. I also replaced the rear diff fluid as I'm still getting some binding on tight turns. Problem is reduced now, but I see a 5EAT swap in the future with a sport shift mode. The EZ30 really needs a 5th gear anyway.
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

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    SLi O.G. 98legwag's Avatar
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    That is odd. When I Google it, I get that the manual brz/frs/86 is m12x1.25 just like manual Subarus and the auto brz/frs/86 is m10x1.25 like auto Subarus. Internet FTW!

  14. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by rkrenicki View Post
    6MT swap?
    Nah. Old man and kids are a distraction. Wife needs to drive it now too. Sportshift will be the way ahead, along with paddles!
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

  16. #16
    Administrator Huffer's Avatar
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    I cannot believe I haven't done anything since November. Oh wait, I live in Ohio. Car life is HARD here.

    As it is, the Tank just rolled over 200k, and the suspension has started clunking. A lot. Mainly when heading over smaller frequent bumps (hello potholes and divots). So, time to upgrade.

    In the staging area now are:
    KYB struts, 2004 Legacy fitment
    KYB strut tops, 2007 Impreza fronts, 2004 Outback rears
    H&R lowering springs, 2004 Legacy fitment

    JDM outer tails
    LED bulbs
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

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    SLi Resident fwa2500's Avatar
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    KYBs with H&Rs is such a nice combo, really enjoyed them on my 3.0R. Good to see you back in a wagon!
    '11 Lexus CT200h - Feb. 2024-Present
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  18. #18
    Administrator Huffer's Avatar
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    Well, I've managed to acquire a set of JDM V7 STi wheels. 17x7.5, ET53 and only 17-18lbs each. I got them for $75 each, and they all balance out perfectly. They have some wear and tear, they were definitely well used and loved, which is exactly how this car is. I will wait to grab a set of tires until the car has been lowered...

    I'm waiting on the last couple of bolts and nuts from Subaru, then this weekend the car is going to drop approximately 2" from what I can determine based on my knowledge. This will put it about 1" lower than a stock 2004 Legacy GT wagon, so it should be a near perfect stance for a highway cruiser.

    I threw on the JDM lights but the LED bulbs I bought don't fit right...
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

  19. #19
    Administrator Huffer's Avatar
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    Back to the drawing board!
    I bought NEARLY all the parts I would need for the suspension drop.. however I did not buy the right spring perches and rubber isolators.
    For those that need to know - the H&R springs, #29443, REQUIRE the 2005+ Impreza front spring perches (and matching rubber isolators). These are #20323FA000 and #20325FA000.
    http://www.hrsprings.com/application...s/35/600/2004/

    If you don't need those spring perches, then your suspension has already been switched from 2000-2004 to 2005+.

    Also, JDM taillights don't use 1157 bulbs for turn signals, they use 7507 or PY21W bulbs for turn signals.
    If you just swap over your harness to the lights, then you can use your stock bulb fittings (probably the better solution to avoid explaining to strangers why you need to buy a bulb that isn't in the owners manual)...
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

  20. #20
    Administrator Huffer's Avatar
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    Quick update, I've been posting most of my pics on SL-i's FB group or on the Factory 3rd FB group... and instagram. I will upload some here at some point.

    So the old girl went above 207k (miles) and decided to tell me a new driveshaft is needed. So I ordered the wrong one, a manual one, and now we're in the midst of a 5spd swap!







    Just kidding.
    I sent it back, and am now installing the auto DS (Dorman brand, makes the U-joint serviceable).
    Also installing the Whiteline KTA124 rear control arms and finally getting it aligned at the same time.

    Overall I am happy enough with the lowered suspension:
    2005+ upper front spring perches, 2005+ tophats (front)
    2004 Legacy front and rear struts
    2004 Legacy rear strut tops/reused
    2000-2004 Legacy fitment H&R lowering springs
    1" ADF strut spacers (initial lowering was really too low, kept scraping tires and exhaust on everything).

    Keeping in mind, the H6 LL Bean has a slightly longer strut than a regular Outback (the 2.5). I don't know why, maybe because the engine is heavier?
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

  21. #21
    SLi Resident ryu_haneda's Avatar
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    Hope you are well and that your Subie mechanic skills are sharp as ever!
    2010 Red Impreza 2.5i hatchback - SOLD
    (Still driving a Subaru now, though)

  22. #22
    Administrator Huffer's Avatar
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    Engine is messed up. Cylinder 6 is showing a misfire and I have coolant in the exhaust valve.

    Car will be limped back home from the mechanic until I can figure out the next steps. Chassis is a bit rusty too, underneath, so looking for a clean one to swap all my bits over to is probably the next option...
    - Roger - Site Admin
    My signature is now a shout-out to the SLi veterans who keep this site flowing with good knowledge and informative opinion. You KNOW who you are, so keep it up!
    USDM 04 LL Bean H6 Wagon - TANK
    USDM 98 GT Wagon - Pandgrish - RIP; USDM 98 GT Sedan - 216k RIP; NZDM 99 GF8 - retired
    USDM 07 Honda Odyssey - Mrs Huffer;
    Live Like No One Else - Debt Free

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    SLi Resident thenines''s Avatar
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    I got rid of my '03 VDC because the right side HG was seeping and the front diff was noisy.
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