So I'm possibly looking at doing a rear diff swap, putting an R180 into an 02 WRX. I tried looking for info on NASIOC but couldn't find any definitive information on it. Are there any economical options for hybrid axles or would I be forced to finding a 3.9 R160? Would it be possible to make hybrid axles of my own? I want to find some information before I start buying axles and Frakensteining them.
No hybrid axles for you. I couldn't find definitive infor either, so I went ahead with it. http://mnsubaru.com/forums/showthread.php/32018-Hybrid-Axles-Fail?highlight=hybrid+axle Why do you need a 3.90? Do you have a '04-05 6mt?
It costs less to get a nice diff for the R160 compared to swapping everything to use a R180. Brakes were a big chunk that added onto the equation. Cusco RS or if you can find the extremely rare AP Surertrac for the R160. There were plenty of old Legacys that used a 3.90 rear diff. Old autos and such.
I plan on upgrading the brakes anyway, I just didn't know if I wanted to bite down on swapping the brakes this year or not. If I can't make hybrids it looks like I'm going to be a bit limited. Part of my motivation for getting the 6 speed was because of the better differentials. It will be a little disappointing to have to sit on the R180 for so long.
Those Stage 5 axles are like $1200 Cheapest bet is to go with another r160 with the same final drive.
Nuke's right, the least expensive route is to use a 3.90 R160. That's not really what I want to do, but it's my cheapest route for now.
I'd say pull the inner joint off those shafts that were in the SVX, and see if it'll go onto your WRX shaft.....it'd be worth a try. and worst case scenario, you're right back where you started.
I'ed go with with what Chux recommended. Otherwise it isnt too bad to swap over to the STi rear knuckles. That is what I did when I put the R180 in. You would need the Rear hubs/knuckles and some sort of brakes to run. Look around and I bet you can get everything you need for <$600. The most expensive part of this is doing the brakes since you have to go with either 2 pots, brembos or aftermarket.
Not including the diff, Martin is about right. $600 for axles and knuckles. I've got about $6-700 into making the WRX 2 pots work, with pads and hardware, and some used stuff. Do it all or don't do it at all. You can do SVX backing plates and redrilled rotors if you want to keep small brakes. It still costs a lot inth end, since you should do the bearings if you are taking it all apart.
