SO I've spent a bit of time researching solutions to improve the shifting on my '96 STi. Many of you already know about this information but I'm using this thread to keep track of the research I'd like to keep documented and to use as a platform to plan my solution. I can also post pix while I work on it. Here's what I'm dealing with. There's got to be more of us dealing with this. Sorta a spoon in ice cream. Like 'I hope I get 3rd this time!' I'm pretty sure my problem is in the transmission end of the shift rod linkage. This is not an exaggeration BTW this is actually how much play I have when it's in gear. I have the bent stick style shifter arm like this one and I'm pretty certain that it's this bushing that is the problem: My plan is to replace it with this one from TiC: https://turninconcepts.com/driveline/tic-5mt-linkage-update.html I'm not certain yet if I have an external return spring that is possible with the vintage of my STi. If it is I'll have to fabricate a couple tabs to accommodate the return spring. If so I may need to get a new one like this: https://www.amazon.com/Subaru-33022GA081-Spring/dp/B07284RHWX The cup looks pretty solid from the top but perhaps a new shifter stabilizer bushing would help that like this one: https://www.energysuspensionparts.com/19.1102 I'll take some pix this weekend of the underside of the car to show if I do have the external return spring. I figure while I'm in the console I will probably make modification to the turbo timer function connected to the parking brake. More to come...
I decided to shop around for a short shifter just to see what's out there for a '96 STi. I looked at Fidanza and found a couple. I can't figure out what makes this one more expensive: Than this one: Steel one is stronger?
More pieces!? Lol. I had a Fidanza...it was meh. But if you are just looking for less slop, then you should be good.
Now that I'm sure I can legally drive my car, I'm feeling comfortable getting serious with fixes/upgrades. This one is critical IMO so I ordered the parts!! Can't wait to fix it. I'll post in progress pix when the parts get here and I start working on it just in case it's interesting.
First got the shifter removed after punching out the spring pins. (I skipped pix since there's some pretty comprehensive YouTubes for this). Went pretty easily by comparison to my BMW. I didn't have to remove anything other than the console to get to the retainer plate. From underneath I had plenty of room and access to the linkage coupler. Here's what the old one looked like. You can see that the transmission side bushing is totally gone: Then I pulled out my new parts. I replaced this coupler with the TiC linkage update. I also got some poly bushings for the shifter support arm too, and a new bushing for the shifter arm. Here's the new coupler along side the old one. You can see that the new one is missing the external return spring for the earlier models: So I cut the tab off the old one and welded it onto the new one: FIXED!! SO the drive is a night/day difference from trying to wish for the gear you want. Worth every penny and worth the effort for sure. If you've got any sloppiness in your shifter do this! It's pretty easy and really improves the drive.
The shifter in the wife's Forester we got is sloppy like a hotdog down a hallway. It's awful. I bought the OEM replacement swivel thing like that as well as poly bushings and the return spring. Unfortunately I didn't get to it before it got cold so I'm really looking forward to getting it taken care of when it warms up. I did slide under once just to take a look at it and the spring is gone as well as the bushing (similar to yours).
The TiC linkage is $85. Pretty cheap (by BMW standards). I've seen them cheaper but I like the option of removing the bolt next time to replace the bushings. Maybe bypassing the roll pins if I'm lucky.
Once again, glad I found this thread. Curious how much benefit the TiC linkage update offers by itself? In other words, I bought a Kartboy short throw shifter plus their bushing combo. Wondering if the TiC is the last 20% of the equation or more like 80%. I guess if I'm still not satisfied I can dish out the $$$ for the TiC. I do wish there were cheaper options, though. Happy to spend money making the shifting better on my FXT but my Saabaru is nearing 200k and is significantly more sloppy, but significantly harder to justify putting $$$ into. Such is life.
I was in the same boat! Had a Kartboy short throw installed (with bushings) before I owned the vehicle, it was crisp with solid throws. A few years down the line, the linkage bushing disintegrated after one of those birthday drive-by's during the beginning of lockdown. Found out about the TiC linkage and WOW. It doesn't affect the actual throw at all but it got rid of, pretty much, ANY horizontal play in the shifter. Simple terms, short throw shifter made the vertical throw more tactile and precise. Linkage got rid of any play when in or out of gear, more so horizontal play.
Same problem on my 03' wayyy back in 2008 and TIC to the rescue. I picked up their KartBoy Short-Throw shifter and bushings kit. It completely transformed driving the car compared to the original OEM setup, still going strong (knock on wood). Saw you had to cut and weld... curious if that was because parts were tough to find or just wanted that brand?