Hi/Lo gear shift

[bobajob]

The Hi/Lo gear shifter lever has gone very loose in my '55 legacy estate. The car is ok in Hi but stays in neutral when shifted to low. Any thoughts on a self help fix?

Thanks.

[Gambit]

Sounds like the bushings have gone mate, common on the Legacy can be repaired. Not sure if its an easy fix or not I've never had to do one

Here is a guide I found all credit to the OP :)

 

 

 

I picked up a B&M short throw shifter including front/rear bushings. I
installed it a few weeks ago and decided to post a few pictures for those who
are wondering about this kit.

With the front / rear bushings the "neutral
wobble" is 95% gone there still some play but overall very nice.

B&M
Short Throw Shifter
PART # MAKE/MODEL
45150 96-03 SUBARU
IMPREZA
45150 96-03 SUBARU LEGACY
45150 01-06
SUBARU WRX 5-SPEED

Shifter fits the above.

My kit came with the
bushings so I am going to assume that all kits will come with them
now.

Cost: $190 CAN including tax local pickup brand new
http://www.jrponline.com

Shifter
Side-by-side


OLD REAR
BUSHING


Thats a
KartBoy
bushing but its identical to the B&M



The
front bushing wasn't in bad shape but I replaced them with the B&M that came
with the kit..

This is also a Kartboy
bushing but identical to B&M (i am just using this
for reference)




Now
the whole process wasn't to bad except for the fact that the B&M kit did not
come with a shifter retaining clip!!!!!!!!!!

It comes with everything
else but not something that costs 10 cents!!







This
is do-it-yourself if you have the right tools. This job was pretty easy since we
were using a hoist but it is 100% possible to do this in your
garage.

When you purchase the B&M kit it gives you a pretty decent
description step-by-step of what to do.

Summary:

Remove center
console

Remove bracket holding dust boot (6 screws)

Unscrew the
shift knob

Un-bolt the upper linkage from the shifter

Drop
Exhaust

Drop the exhaust shield

Drop the mid drive shaft support
(optional for more room)

Un-bolt lower linkage from shifter

Remove
retaining ring clip w/ proper puller tool

Pull out rear shifter linkage
from the rear shifter mount

Remove the rear shifter mount

Remove
the front shifter mount from the linkage (push it out w/ end of
hammer)

Replace front shifter mount (push it in with your fingers
left/right bushing)

Replace rear shifter mount

Remove the
shifter

Replace the shifter w/ new grease

Reconnect
everything

The only thing that seemed strange was the metal bracket
holding the dust boot had to be installed backwards and only 4 screws can be
used.

Theres a few little steps I didn't mention but the step-by-step w/
the kit will explain.

Heres also the legacy guide for a 97' I am sure its
the same as 95-99.





 

[Gambit]

 

[bobajob]

Thanks for the info received so far -

 

My Legacy estate has a standard 5 speed gearbox and also has an intermediate Hi/Lo ratio gearbox like off-road 4x4's, land rovers etc. It's the Hi/Lo selector lever that's got problems.

Thanks.   

[Gambit]

Oh ok sorry about that :(

I would take the gator off if you can I would say possible the same type of thing has gone. I take it was used a lot for off roading or still is

[Adam]

I am assuming the system is simular or the same on your newer Legacy as my older one...

The transfer box is cable operated so my guess would be that the cable has broken or come loose. The cable goes from the lever into the gearbox bell-housing at the top near the engine, you will probably have to remove the air box to see it clearly, but get someone to sit in the car and pull the lever. If all is well you should see the cable operate the linkage on the top of the gearbox, if not remove the interior trim to see if it's still connected at the lever end.