1. OBX are ~ 400
mfactory goes for ~ 600
STI goes for ~ 1000
PPG goes for ~1100
quaife goes for ~ 1300

2. You do have to drop the transmission and tear it open. So I say take it to a transmission shop if you dont know whats involved.

3. Price of the front diff (of your choice) + 900 for labor + accessories (e.g. seals)

 

Its very easy to get to the front diff. Take the trans out. Take the transfer case off the back, and split the case in two. Lift out the two shafts and there is the diff, just lift it out.

If you are reasonably mechancially competent you can do it yourself.

I just bought an OBX. Should be here today.

Seals and bearings will probably be about another $100-150

 

Edited a few things in bold.

Its very easy to get to the front diff. Take the trans out. Take the shift linkage and transfer case off the back. lay it down on the drivers side, and split the case in two. Lift out the main shaft and there is the diff, just lift it out. Check the bearings for wear, Pull them or replace them. Put the diff in a vise and remove the ring gear, then put the bearings and ring gear on the new diff. Torque to specs and re install.

If you are reasonably mechancially competent you can do it yourself.

I just bought an OBX. Should be here today.

Seals and bearings will probably be about another $100-150

Pretty much all there is to it...... You'll want to read up on the procedure in the FSM, as there are details that need to be checked. You want to have a large clean space to work in and clean tools, torque wrench, bench vise, arbor press or transportation to a shop, paint pen, grease, etc......little things like that.

 

I have done multiple motor swaps, and all the work on my own cars. I have no fear of doing anything I just didn't know if it was something that I should be doing on my own. From the sounds of it I don't think it will be that bad. I will be able to replace my squeeky throwout bearing while I am in there anyways... 30k miles on the car and a throwout bearing squeeks...wtf?

 

You should be fine Matt. A diff swap is not a major issue. Uh... not that I've actually done one though.
Now, doing the gears!?! That I understand is a different game all together.

Hey.. if your doign your Throwout Bearing, you might want to consider upgrading to one of those sleve & bearing combo dealies. I don't know if your particular car is prone to it, but I understand the soft aluminum snout sleeve the bearing rides on, wears easy in our cars. Mine is making that teltail sound right now. Just something to consider.
http://www.hotsubarus.com/browseproducts/TranQuil-Snout-Repair-kit.HTML

 

Luckily I have saved a copy of all the FSM's (1998-2007) or something like that...

Thanks guys sounds pretty straight forward to me. I need to keep up with these damn MX-5s...

 

One more quick question. Would there be any reason not to run the stock LSD center and rear with an aftermarket LSD front?

I don't think I will do them all at once if I don't have to.

This is all on my 06 WRX...

 

I was thinking something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBX-...D_W0QQitemZ170322272333QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090417?IMSfp=TL090417152003r16674

 

I can't think of any.

 

How about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBX-JDM-Helical-Front-LSD-02-06-Subaru-Impreza-WRX_W0QQitemZ130300957365QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item130300957365&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

It's cheaper (same vendor I got mine from).

 

How much of a difference did you notice? Does the car pull the front end around a lot better?

 

Night......and......day.......

We have a Quaife front LSD in our 98RS and an OBX in my 96 Brighton. They both perform exactly the same. Quaife has a liberal lifetime warrantee where the OBX does not. Other than that.....the OBX is an awesome deal in this particular case. I do not hesitate to recommend it as one of the best bang for the buck mods you can do to the car.

 

I don't have the trans back together yet (need to get some more parts).

I was just relaying the opinion of others with the OBX and the stock VLSD rears.

 

hmm, I might want to do this at some point.

You also might want to look into suspension as well matt, this will help with traction as well as grip.

 

Yeah right now I am running some crappy Tein springs with stock 06 WRX struts. I am gonna be picking up a Whiteline RSB and endlinks and maybe do this LSD. By then my struts will be blown and I will do KYB's and some Prodrive springs or something. I am just gonna drive on this strut/spring combo until the struts go. They have 27k miles on them right now so I might as well use them until they are done.

I am excited to have a front LSD. I hate plowing hard if I try to accelerate out of a turn...

 

The OBX is helical which means that it will spin a wheel like an open diff if you lift a wheel, right?

-Kurt

 

Yes. If you're lifting a front wheel, you've got bigger issues.

I wouldn't put a helical LSD in the back.....but in front, it's excellent.

 

If you buy one and want to replace the bolts and belleville washers (which is highly recommended) let me know. I have some extras or can get you the part numbers you will need.

 

In your car they are already VLSD.

 

correct, they are but they seem weak.

 

Start a new thread or search for the info myself and FujiK have provided over the years.

 

Wouldn't a front LSD pull the steering wheel on you when you lose traction at one wheel?

 

It will, but it will not yank it out of your hands like a FWD car will. The diff is doing it's best to transfer torque to both sides, and it's centrally located, so the torquesteer effect is minimal. You can feel it though. I have gotten used to it and actually get worried if I don't feel any sort of feedback.

 

well i went from a 5spd to 6spd with front suretrack with no dccd and wow turn in is excelent! and you can really feel the front end pulling you through compared to open front! (in turns)

John