FAQ

THE KIT

The Kit includes everything you need to reverse the drive of your Subaru 4EAT transmission and install it into your bus! However, there are a few other parts you will need such as axles, and stub axles etc. so please ensure that you read 'Other Items Required' in our FAQ's as this will outline other parts and tools that you will need for your 4EAT conversion.

The parts included are:

1x Reversaru end cover plate with mount and bracket: The end cover plate is the same for T2 and T3 busses. However, the mounting brackets are different between the two vehicles. When you select ‘T2 Bay window’ or ‘T25/ T3 / Vanagon’ in the online store, you will be sent the correct mount and bracket to suit your vehicle.  

3x Helical cut gears: 1x Drive gear (top gear), 1x Transfer gear (middle gear), 1x Pinion gear (bottom gear which attaches to the diff pinion shaft)

1x Speed sensor ring: This ring also acts as the ring that the parking pawl locks into. 

4x 4mm keys:These keys lock the speed sensor ring to the Drive (top) gear.  

2x Tapered roller bearings :These 2 bearings support the transfer gear on the spigot of the transfer gear plate. 

1x M16x1.5 ‘R type’ locking nut:This locking nut retains the 2x tapered roller bearings and the transfer gear. After the locking nut is tightened, the 3x allen keys around the outside of the locking nut must be tightened. Failing to do so will result in bearing failure and gear teeth being damaged.  

1x deep groove ball bearing (part # 6008): This bearing is housed in the transfer gear plate and supports the Pinion (bottom) gear.

1x Transfer gear plate: Our Patent Pending transfer gear plate has 2 functions. The first function is to house the Diff Pinion gear (bottom gear) bearing and the second function is to support the 2x tapered roller bearings via the spigot which locates the Transfer gear (middle gear). Once the genuine, original Subarugears are removed from the transmission, the Transfer Gear Pate is installed.  

2x CV adapter flanges: The CV adapter flanges allow the standard VW CV’s to attach to the Subaru 4EAT transmission. NOTE: If your transmission is female and does not have stub axles, you will need to source a pair of Stub axles (and seals) as these are not included in the kit. The stub axles can be purchased from our Online Store.

1x Resistor: Due to the fact the AWD duty solenoid is removed, the resistor needs to be installed which tricks the ECU by regulating the current to the ‘expected’ current so that the ECU doesn’t realise that the AWD duty solenoid has been disconnected and removed. Note: This resistor is not required on TZ1B transmissions.

1x AWD duty solenoid blanking plate: The blanking plate covers the AWD duty solenoid passages. Note: This blanking plate is not required on TZ1B transmission.

Bolts: All bolts required to install the kit. 

1x Pinion gear removal tool: This tool makes easy work of removing the original Subaru diff pinion gear.

COMPATIBILITY

The Reversaru reverse drive kit will suit the Subaru 4EAT Series 2 TZ1A and TZ1B and the TV1A & TV1B model transmissions. The prefix of the number on the bell housing will start with either TZ1A or TZ1B or TV1A or TV1B. Please check the sticker on the bell housing near the starter motor.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a TV1A or TV1B transmission you must source a TZ1A or TZ1B top shaft from an auto wreckers as the top shaft from the TV1A and TV1B transmission cannot be utilised. Be sure that the top shaft you source has the thrust bearing and the main shaft bearing (bearing part number 6010) as you will need these too. The thrust bearing that you require is spoken about at the 0.55 mark in the video on our website in the 'Help Centre' which is labelled 'Top Shaft Dimensions and Information'.

Another way to identify the 4EAT series 2 transmission is by the spin on oil filter. These transmissions were common in 1999-2005 models.

NOTE: It is imperative that you watch the video on our website in the 'Help Centre' labelled 'Top Shaft Dimensions & Information'.

Reversaru have designed and manufactured mounting brackets for the 4EAT transmission to bolt straight into the T25/T3 Vanagon and the T2 Bay Window (72-79).

T25 / T3 Vanagon: When installing the Reversaru bracket into the Vanagon you utilise the 4x captive nuts that are already in your bus (in the frame) where the standard VW transmission bracket bolts in. It is as easy as removing your standard bracket and bolting ours in!

T2 Bay Window (72-79): When installing the Reversaru bracket into the T2 Bay Window you utilise the 2x threads in the centre of the torsion bar housing where the standard VW transmission bracket bolts in. It is as easy as removing your standard bracket and bolting ours in!

T2 Low Light / Early Bay (68-71): Like the late bay window, the Reversaru bracket bolts to the 2x female threads in the torsion housing. Due to the angle of the CV joints and CV shafts, there is some custom fabrication work that needs to be done in order to re-position the hubs so that the CV angle is not as great. When you get to this stage we can help with some information. Please feel free to email us when you have questions. In order to reach the optimized position for the 4EAT to fit into a low light, the transmission mounting bracket positions the engine and transmission slightly off centre by approximately 7mm. This is due to the pivot boxes (that hold the trailing arm bushes) being closer together than a late Bay window. Therefore, the engine will also be slightly off centre. There is no issue with this, but keep in mind to install the transmission bracket first and then set the position of the engine cradle / carrier.

T1 Split Window: With the Split Window kit, the Reversaru bracket is welded to the torsion housing. When the engine and tranny are up in position, the front transmission mount is the first item that needs to be installed and welded to the torsion housing. This is so the transmission sits as close to the torsion housing as possible (without touching), or the engine lid will not close. The face of the end plate needs to be close to the torsion housing (3mm away from the torsion housing) Yes, its a very tight fit. Due to the angle of the CV joints and CV shafts, there is some custom fabrication work that needs to be done in order to fit the Suby engine and transmission into a Split Bus. The rear firewall (the angled part of the rear cargo floor) needs to be cut in order to allow for the height of the 4EAT transmission. Then a custom fabricated cover plate needs to be made. The IRS kit that you purchase will need to be slightly modified too. This is to set the rear hubs towards the back of the vehciel by 19mm (3/4") so that the CV angle is not as great. When you get to this stage we can help with some information. In addition to this your spring plates will also need to be modified to the same length as the late bay window spring plates. Please feel free to email us when you have questions.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Yes! In our online store you have the option to purchase the labour for us to assemble your kit. The 'assembled kit' will arrive to you ready to be installed into your 4EAT transmission. If you wish to purchase a pre-assembled kit please purchase the product labelled 'Let Us Assemble Your kKit'.

If you are having trouble deciding whether or not to purchase a pre -assembled kit, please see information below and please watch the "Assembly Instructions" video which is located in the product listing named 'Let Us Assemble Your Kit' in our online store. Watching this video will help you understand what is involved.

The assembled kit includes: 

The 4x 4mm keys will be installed into the top gear.

The speed sensor ring will be pressed onto the top gear. 

The 6008 bearing (which is included in the kit) will be pressed onto the bottom gear and the 40mm external circlip will be installed to secure the bearing on the bottom gear. 

The bottom gear and bearing will be pressed into the transfer gear plate.     

The 2x bearing cones from the 2x tapered roller bearings will be pressed into the transfer gear.

The 2x roller bearings and transfer gear will be installed onto the spigot of transfer gear plate. The preload on the 2x tapered roller bearings will be set.

The R-type lock nut will be tightened with thread locker and the 3x grub screws on the R-type lock nut will be secured.

*Please note; If you do not purchase a 'Top Shaft' from our online store, you will need to use (and modify) the top shaft from your 4EAT transmission. If you use your own shaft (instead of purchasing one from our online store) we will not have your top shaft or top bearing with us when we assemble your kit. Therefore, in this case, the only part that cannot come pre assembled is the top shaft. That said, if you purchase the pre assembled kit, the top gear from our kit will have the 4x keys already installed, the speed sensor ring installed. Then, once the pre assemble kit arrives all you would need to do is press the top gear onto your modified top shaft.

NOTE: If you purchase the Top Shaft from our online store we will press the top gear onto the top shaft for you.

OTHER ITEMS REQUIRED

T25/T3 Vanagon CV Shafts: If you own a T25/T3 Vanagon you will need 2 x LHS Vanagon automatic CV Shafts. These are not available from our online store. However, they can be purchased from RockAuto.com

T2 Bay Window CV Shafts: For a VW T2 bay window bus / Kombi (72-79) you will need 2x CV Shafts from a manual T2 Kombi. These are not available from our online store.

Early T2 Low Light model: For an early T2 (68-71) you may need to purchase Porsche 944 Cv's. This is because the CV angle is more acute in a Low light than a late bay. if the Porsche Cv's click, there are some modifications that will need to be done to the spring plates and pivot boxes of your Kombi.

T1 Split Screen model: There are a few other parts you will need for your split bus that are not included in the kit, such as; CV shafts, bay window rear hub assemblies, and stub axles etc. With the Split Screen kombi you will need an IRS kit. If you purchase an IRS kit that is not from Reversaru you will need to cut, weld and modify it to make it work with the 4EAT transmission. Or - if you purchase the Reversaru IRS kit it will not need to be modified at all. Another modification that is required is the modification of your spring plates. The Reversaru IRS kit comes with a template so that your standard Split Screen spring plates can be modified to suit the Reversaru IRS kit.

Stub Axles: The stub axles allow the CV adapter flanges to connect to the 4EAT transmission. If you have the new style Male CV joints, you will need a set of Stub axles. However, the stub axles are not required if you have the older Female style Cv’s. Stub axles can be purchased from our online store, but please note; these are Genuine Subaru parts and we have limited stock available.

Top Shaft: If you have a TZ1A or TZ1B transmission you can use the top shaft from your transmission but you will need to have it machined / turned to the correct specifications to suit the Reversaru kit. Or alternatively, you can purchase a 'Top Shaft' from our online store that is already the exact, precise dimensions. This option is a lot easier.

If you do decide to have the Top Shaft (from your transmission) machined, please watch the video on our website in the 'Help Centre' which is labelled 'Top Shaft Dimensions and Information'.

Note: If you have a TV1A or TV1B transmission you must purcahse a Top Shaft from our online store as the Top Shaft from the TV! series transmissions cannot be used. You will also need to purchase a main shaft bearing (bearing part number: 6010) and a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing that you require is spoken about at the 0.55 mark in the video on our website in the 'Help Centre' which is labelled 'Top Shaft Dimensions and Information'. the thrust Bearing will need to be purchased from Subaru.

  • 3/8 drive Ratchet 
  • 3/8 drive 10mm socket 
  • 3/8 drive 12mm socket 
  • 3/8 drive 13mm socket
  • 2.5mm allen key socket
  • 4mm allen key socket
  • 5mm allen key socket
  • 6mm allen key socket
  • 1/2” ratchet
  • 1/2” Rattle Gun (preferred but not necessary) 
  • 1/2” drive 17mm Socket  
  • 1/2” drive 19mm Socket  
  • 1/2” drive 35mm Socket  
  • Diff pinion gear puller tool (included in kit) 
  • Soft face hammer 
  • Soldering iron
  • Solder 
  • Heat shrink
  • 6mm Ring terminal
  • Press 
  • Hammer 
  • Punch set 
  • a 0.06mm Feeler Gauge (this will need to be cut down in such a way that it can be inserted between the drive gear and the transfer gear to set the backlash).