Qwertyco

iTrader: (2)

Looks like the Legacy GTB box has to come out on my driveway on axle stands, and I'm not looking forward to it.

Has anyone done this and supported the weight of the box with an engine crane holding onto the bellhousing area
from above the engine bay, and probably a trolly jack arrangement at the tail end?

boosted

No.
The box isn't that heavy, just use the jack underneath it. Find the COG and out it comes.
Quite an easy job tbh, access is good, not many things to hold you up.

Qwertyco

iTrader: (2)

Cheers.
The twin turbo downpipes are a nightmare to remove though!
. . . and I will be doing this by myself.

boosted

Downpipes won't effect the actual removal of the box.
No different to any RWD car once the front shafts are out the way.
By yourself? Is there any other way? 👍

Qwertyco

iTrader: (2)

Box is out, all by myself, and on axle stands.
Mind you, it did fall off the two trolly jacks that were holding it, but it was all free at the time so no damage.
No way will I be able to refit this by myself the same way, I'm going to try the engine crane method.

boosted

Shouldn't be a problem, it's common practice to fit or remove any gearbox with a jack and the car supported on axle stands. After all it should be a very gentle and precise procedure. Can't see how an engine crane is going to help, it's only going to get in the way, pull the box the wrong direction and potentially bend things.

JGlanzaV

iTrader: (3)

Yep you wont do squat with an engine crane..... Balance it on a jack and gently raise it up..... It helps with 2 people one to steady it but can be done alone....

Think yourself lucky its not a 6spd......

boosted

Or a six speed audi box...
The 5 speed is light as hell, I can do them without a jack, just pull the box onto your chest and push it up into the hole. (I'm a hero).
If your on concrete just use a jack, the only problem I can see here is if the OP has a small Mickey Mouse jack? Needs to be a proper sized jack suitable for the job. Box should be out and back in within four hours.

Qwertyco

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for all the advice guys.
I've got a selection of trolly jacks, one is a 3 ton high lift jobby.

Do you fit the gearbox cradle before you lift the box in, or after?

I need to strip the clutch off and check it or replace it today, I'll let you know how this all works out.

boosted

Check the spigot bearing, it's likely knackered.

Qwertyco

iTrader: (2)

Checked, thanks, seems fine, no play and smooth.
Clutch was near perfect as well, not bad for 80k miles!
Gearbox is now attached to the engine, and the clutch is working.
Used the engine crane, I couldn't have done it without it, no way could I lift the gearbox any other way lying on my back under the car, and without help.
A trolly jack under the tail and the engine crane took a bit of time with all the to-ing and fro-ing but it went in reasonably easily.
Just got to attach all the other bits now, and fit a by-pass hose to the Forester gearbox oil cooler pump pipes, which unfortunatly point straight at the primary turbo up-pipe, so a bit of bending needed.