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I was after some general info re buying liberty 4wd wagon. I currently have a l-series touring wagon with ea82T + link computer, 2" lift, 14" wheels etc which is great but my missus hates driving and it runs on PULP which is a bit hard to come by in the outback. so I am tossing up whether to do it up a bit or swap to something a bit newer. I am probably looking at around $5-6K needs to be a wagon and manual dual range 4wd, easy maintenance and ability to easily/cheaply raise suspension/wheels down the track. not necessarily keen on turbo (unless needed) - more interested in low down torque - basically enough grunt to pull it up a hill on the highway with the family and a load of camping gear. I have not dealt with liberty's before so would be keen to find out which are the good ones and what to look out for. cheers brenden

Mines still for sale but sitting around in Canberra and with the change you could put the lift kit in hell I could even swap the stockies for forrester 15's that you could put all terains on!

Maybe considering getting Gen2 Liberty or Outback - 1995-1998 would be a good buy.. and you can find one in your price range..
Cheers
AP

thanks, is there much advantage in getting an outback over a liberty? from what I gather the earlier ones were not that much different other than a few extra bits of plastic and a slight height increase but they are generally a lot more expensive?? if i get hold of a high mileage one for reasonable price what should I factor in to replace/rebuild EJ22?

I think a gen1 Liberty from an L series is a huge step in the way of a newer car anyhoo, looking at a gen2 Lib or Outback, I don't think you'd find a very good one if any in the price range of 5k to 6k.

Cheers, I read somewhere that gen II 2.5L engines had troubles with overheating/cooling system??

oaf wrote:Cheers, I read somewhere that gen II 2.5L engines had troubles with overheating/cooling system??

Yeah that leads to Headgasket problems - only occurs on DOHC 2.5 litres.
Cheers
AP

Also appears on gen 3 sohc 2.5 as a external head gasket leak,usally passenger side.

oaf wrote:thanks, is there much advantage in getting an outback over a liberty? from what I gather the earlier ones were not that much different other than a few extra bits of plastic and a slight height increase but they are generally a lot more expensive??

They were also a bit more luxo inside, which seems to be what there selling point has always been.

But i'm with Bumpty, reckon a good gen 1 series 2 would be better than a cheap gen 2.( or a cheap gen 1 series 1 )
And might leave change for mods.
The 2.2's are strong if a little boring, but are bulletproof if not thrashed.
First step in lifting is so simple, just bolt in some Outback struts and through bigger tyres on.
When thats not enough, theres one inch raised springs and/or a BYB lift kit.
Daza.

thanks heaps - looks like it's a gen I series 2 liberty with ea22 then with a good service record (once I have sold the l-series...). I also heard somewhere that the liberty 4wd box is not as good off road in terms of low range??

oaf wrote:thanks heaps - looks like it's a gen I series 2 liberty with ea22 then with a good service record (once I have sold the l-series...). I also heard somewhere that the liberty 4wd box is not as good off road in terms of low range??

That is because the lo range is 1.19:1 whereabouts L series has 1.59:1
You could crack the box open and install 1.59:1 instead of 1.19:1 ratios
Cheers
AP

righto, though I suppose the liberty has a bit more grunt to move the higher ratio gears - so to speak. could be worth considering if/when the box needs rebuilding.

oaf wrote:righto, though I suppose the liberty has a bit more grunt to move the higher ratio gears - so to speak. could be worth considering if/when the box needs rebuilding.

In my opinion - I think Subaru thought about installing these ratios just to help out for light work or light off road & towing etc so they installed it, and I dont think its "low" enough for "hardwork" ie. off road etc... and maybe another thing Subaru didn't want to put 1:59:1 behind EJ22 as it could blow the box? I dunno.
Cheers
Tristan