newbi tranny install question

[lee]

My front diff is definitely toast. Looking for a good used unit.

My question is what should I do before/after the physical bolt-up of the transaxle unit (alldata just has the mechanical pull and replace details) ?

I'm not overly mechanically challenged (shamefully proud that I once rebuilt a Fiat 124 Spyder that made 3 Fla to Ca round trips before being sold), but this is my first time ever to swap out an automatic.

I've read in the archives to make sure the torque converter is full before installation. What other not so obvious stuff should be done?

Any reason not to just fill up and then drive away to a oil change place and get a flush done? I seem to remember Subaru does not recommend flushing, but I can't find it anywhere. What about the filter? Is there a routine that used to make sure ATF is internally where it's supposed to be?

You get the idea - I'm at a total loss - but can't afford to pay an expert (like there were any around here on SVX's anyway - there's not even a Subie dealer in this whole county).

tia, Lee