4.44 Swap Qs - Speed Sensor & Input Shaft

[Dynamic Entry]

I am pretty far along the path of swapping the SVX transmission out and an Outback 4.44 in.

But I am having some issues that don't seem to be mentioned in the Ultimate thread or SVXfiles' how to.



Firstly, the Speed Sensor: In the how to by SVXfiles, he simply says "Install the SVX speed sensor."

Of course we know this is important because the SVX speed sensor has a 3 wire connector.



And the donor 4.44 from the Outback has a 2 wire connector




However, when I unscrewed the speed sensors, I found that they mate differently.






So it was not immediately apparent how the swap would work.

After reading a bit more, I have noticed some people talk about removing the small shaft the protrudes from the SVX.

And sure enough, with some pliars you can pull the dangle right out, and it should fit into the donor 4.44 allowing the 3 wire plug to connect.




OK, cool.




So secondly, the input shaft.

Basically, I tried to seat the SVX torque converter onto the 4.44 and I could not get it to go all the way on.

I even pulled the input shaft from the 4.44 box and tried to insert it into the SVX TQ with both parts loose. No go.

So I ended up pulling the input shaft from the SVX box to compare.

They are identical on the bottom half. (picture doesn't show it but the SVX shaft has the same holes)



But the tops are different.



So I put the SVX shaft into the 4.44 box, and then put the SVX TC onto it, and it seated fully in under a minute.

I assume this will be fine. But I have not seen it mentioned in the how to threads.

[scoobydrvr]

Ran into the same problem with the input shaft on my 4.44 swap. You did the right thing. I also ended up using the SVX input shaft and TQ; been running like a champ.

On the speed sensor, I think the little stub shaft came out with my speed sensor. I don't remember having to fiddle with that but it looks like you did the right thing here as well. I'll let someone else say definitively though.

[steamer99]

I had to do the same thing with the speed sensor, and it works great.

My SVX TQ fit right on the 4.44 from the Legacy GT, so I do not know about that one.

[Tapani]

You have a 1997 or up transmission - the TC and the turbine shaft are different.

See photo. It is from the technicians booklet module 302 - should be able to find it with . It's 5Mb, so can't be attached.

You may want to measure the shaft diameters right next to the O-ring. It appears the shafts may be supported differently. See the difference in the polished bearing surfaces.

You also may want to check that it is a phase 1 tranny. Does it have a screw on filter on the left side?

Tapani

[Dynamic Entry]

My 4.44 does NOT have a screw on filter on the side.

I am under the impression that means it IS compatible.

Also, the image you attached shows a vast difference in the polished surfaces, but the pictures of what I have show that the polished surfaces are as-near-as-makes-no-difference to the same.

I will check for the technitian booklet (is this the same as the FSM?)

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by Dynamic Entry

My 4.44 does NOT have a screw on filter on the side.Good!

I am under the impression that means it IS compatible.
Yep, and you verafied the trans number.
Also, the image you attached shows a vast difference in the polished surfaces, but the pictures of what I have show that the polished surfaces are as-near-as-makes-no-difference to the same.

I will check for the technitian booklet (is this the same as the FSM?)

It sounds like you are on the correct path.

[Tapani]

Originally Posted by Dynamic Entry

My 4.44 does NOT have a screw on filter on the side.

I am under the impression that means it IS compatible.

Also, the image you attached shows a vast difference in the polished surfaces, but the pictures of what I have show that the polished surfaces are as-near-as-makes-no-difference to the same.

I will check for the technitian booklet (is this the same as the FSM?)

You are correct. I only looked at the photo in the booklet - sorry.

These booklets are training material, not included in the manual.

Br,

Tapani

[Dynamic Entry]

No need to apologize, I very much appreciate the input.

Cheers