Hey, my dad is ge tting me my first WRX for Xmas. its a 2003 but he said the transmission makes noise but it is cheap and I don't mind learning to work on these cars. I guess my question is what years can I look at for used replacement.2002-? I'm sure this has been asked before and a dumb question but just askn for help. Thx
2002-2004 should be direct drop-in. HOWEVER: 2003-2004 are slightly stronger as the gears are physically wider than what came in the 2002 WRX transmissions. You could also use a 2005 transmission, but will either need to get male axles for the front or transfer the axle stubs from the old transmission to the new one so you can retain female axles. 2006-2007 changed to a pull-type clutch (If I recall correctly) and also have different overall gear ratios that won't work with the rear diff.
02-05 is a pull style, I was mistaken above. I only remembered the changeover happening between 05 to 06.
So i guess it is safe to say a 2005 trans will drop in with no issues? I'm just tight on cash if I need to do a lot of swapover crap. Figure miles would be less bein a 2005.
Yes 02-05 will directly bolt up and use the same rear diff. The 06+ box went to push clutch, got a 3.7 final drive, and gained a twin cone syncro 1st gear allowing you to actually shift into first while moving :biggrin: Though as blackozone stated for the 05 box you will need to swap your front axles for male inner stub axles. Swapping your existing stubs would require dis-assembly of the gearbox as they are held in by external snap rings (inside the diff) instead of spring clips. Even if you did tear both boxes apart I don't know if the male stub diff would work with the snap ring stubs. Your other option would be to get some 04 STI stubs and seals allowing you to use your existing axles. This is the method I went with on my 06 wrx box to accept my narrow track female legacy axles.
So the next question, Who here has a 2004 trans they want to sell or who out there can recommend a certain direction on who to contact. Will need to have it shipped i think. Feel free to pm me or whatever. Thanx
there are tons of them on nasioc just do a little looking around. someone had a wts on here awhile ago idk if its still for sale or not
I was lucky enough to get my 06 box from a local member but as you know its few and far between when they show up on here (at least ones without broken gears lol). Back with my turbo legacy I did end up buying a box from some junk yard in NJ. I had them ship it freight to my work with a loading dock, this saves the $75+ lift gate fee and residential delivery fee. It cost me something around $180. The problem with buying online and having shipped is you only have the sellers word to go on. With how many of these WRX boxes have been abused it's a shot in the dark as to what condition box you're going to end up with. If you find someone selling be sure to research their selling reputation and ask as many questions as possible.
