Hi all, I have 2 AWD vibes with issues and I'm hoping to combine them and end up with one good runner. Would lke your advice before I dig in next week, so here goes:
#1 2004 black AWD- blown engine at over 300k, but everything else good. Wife lost the serpentine belt on the highway and didn't notice until it overheated... cranks with zero compression. No rust on subframe, no leaks in transfer case or rear diff, used tranny with @120k. Ran and drove great until last summer.
#2 2006 red AWD- great running engine with 196k, well maintained by previous first owner with Mobil 1 synthetic. Left rear axle just rusted out and wheel is at severe angle. Right rear axle shot through with rust. Front wheel bearing needs replacement. Rear diff seal on left side leaking. Body damage on both front fenders and badly dented radiator and a/c grille from minor accidents though no leaks.
So I'm thinking an engine swap from 06 red to 04 black would be the best idea, save the 06 red for parts/tranny.
Or would it be better to replace the rear subframe and wheel bearing on 06 red?
I've watched a couple engine replacements on YouTube and looks very simple going out the top. Those are fwd, am I missing something that would make the awd a bigger challenge? Have a cherry picker on loan soon to do the job...
Please help with your sage advice, and links any other posts/Resources which would help with the particulars in the repair. Also if I pull the negine what else should I do at the same time to prolong the life of the car?