No reverse or 2nd and tranny grinding on a 90 Legacy

[subaruman]

I just bought a 1990 Legacy L+AWD sedan with the auto tranny yesterday. It's in beautiful condition inside and out, only problem is the tranny is broken.

My original plan is to just replace or rebuild it but I would like to see if anyone has any advice for me. I'm pretty dumb about autos since all my previous subies have been manuals.

Here is the deal: It has no reverse or second gear. It pours out ATF all over the ground from the bell housing as far as I can tell. When in park or neutral it makes a really loud grinding sound.. I mean it's loud. Sounds like the infamous 1990 bearing problem, but I'm not sure. Also the duty C solenoid is shot, but I know how to fix that. The ATF on the dip stick is beautiful bright red. So I dunno.... If there is a easy fix let me know. If not I'm dropping the tranny next week.

I see the rear diff is a 4.11, sounds like a easy 5-speed swap??? Right???

Thanks!

Pic's to come soon!

[fishbone79]

Your rear diff is a 4.11?

[Legacy777]

Your rear diff is a 4.11?

yes....the 90 MY's had a 4.111 final drive ratio in both auto & 5spd

[subaruman]

Your rear diff is a 4.11?

Yeah it is... I was kinda shocked to see the 4.11 sticker on the diff.. but Legacy777 is right about the 90 model year having 4.111.

Were the 1991 legacy Autos also a 4.11? I found a 91 auto tranny but the yard had no clue if it was a 4.11. I'm scared it's a 3.9.

[Legacy777]

I believe the 91 MY's were also 4.111. I'd have to double check, but I'm pretty sure.

[THAWA]

they were 4.111 in 90 and 91

Also Hi Jeremy, I think we met a couple months ago at the pick n pull run in carson city and sparks or where ever, I'm brians friend hardy.

[subaruman]

Also Hi Jeremy, I think we met a couple months ago at the pick n pull run in carson city and sparks or where ever, I'm brians friend hardy.

I missed you guys that day. I was slaving away at work. Ah well, maybe next time.

[AZJEFFRO]

[AZJEFFRO]

OK so back to the no reverse, 2nd gear problem. What causes it and how do you fix it?? Mine is starting to slip in reverse and 2nd.

[subaruman]

Well, I pulled the tranny pan and found big chunks of metal and a washer looking thing in the bottom of the pan. Not good! I'm pretty sure it's toast. I cleaned the pan, installed it back on and filled it up with atf. A few days later it wouldn’t go into any gear. *sigh*. It's cool though, I've always wanted to rebuild a transmission!

[AZJEFFRO]

Mine doesn't make any noise (yet) it is just starting to slip into reverse & 2nd gear. it just started a few days ago, any idea what it is and how to fix it before it gets worse??!!