I wanted to see if it would work.
Popped out the stock bushing last night. Compared it to the GD bushing.
The flanges on the new GD bushing were significantly larger than stock.
Didn't have time to put the stock one in last night.
So today, I decided that the easiest way to see about swapping the bushing was to drop the whole shift linkage and look at it with more room.
I tell you what, the bolts for the shift linkage are a BITCH to get to with the driveshaft in place. I did get it, however, from above.
Used a pair of snap-ring pliers to pull the snap ring holding the shift lever in place. Pulled the whole main linkage assembly and dropped it from the car.
There was no way the Energy bushing was going to fit with the flange at the same diameter.
I pulled out my trusty Benchmade and carved the edge down a bit. Took off about 1mm all the way around.
I then went to the basement, and made a Press using a C-Clamp and a peice of Polycarbonate that seems to be a more useful tool than a Screwdriver.
Clamped it down and got it seated. It popped in. I was right, though, that the diameter of the center of the bushing was slightly larger for the GD than for the BC. It went in OK with some lithium grease and fit well.
Got back out to the car, slipped it on the spindle, bolted the bracket to the body again, installed the shift lever (first test fitting the stock WRX shift lever, but that was a negatory as the ball on the end of the shifter was to small in diameter).
When I went to bolt it down on the spindle, something interesting had happened. It wasn't seated properly.
I went to the garage and grabbed a washer. Slipped the washer on the bit of exposed bolt and started wrenching. That pressed the bushing and linkage all the way down and set it perfectly
Reinstalled the stock plate and the spring (not sure what it does, but hell, it came off it's goin back on).
Got everything back together and bolted up.
It's surprising what a difference it makes. In the driveway, I didn't notice anything, but once I got out on the road, it was awesome.
Most of the slop (what little slop I had) was gone. It's a solid feel but still really smooth.
Subaru shifters have a rap for being "vauge and rubbery" almost like Volkswagen shifters. I can safely say that this is no longer the case for me.
The only play I still have is on the rear bushing for the shifter. The bracket has a built in bushing, and mine is about as rubbery as the stock motormounts, it's actually breaking apart and cracking.
Once I figure out a stiffer option for that part, I'll be golden.
I also noticed a lot less grinding, which I attribute to the HORRIBLY flexy stock bushing.
I highly recomend this to EVERYONE. It's like steering rack bushings, there's no negative effects unless you like sloppy shifters.
I think my dad got it for 11 bucks on e-bay. Search for "WRX Shifter" and you should see a ton of them. Part number was 1170.
