Forester 06-09 dual range in an 02 Forester

[macc_attacc]

This might come out of left field as a really dumb question, but I'm interested in putting a dual range trans in my 2002 5MT USDM Forester. I've found ebay listings for JDM 06-09 dual range transmissions, and I'm wondering if I could make one of these work in my car?

I've tried finding info on this forum as well as others but I'm coming up kinda empty. Maybe I'm not using the right terms, but I figured I'd throw the question out there.

Here's the link to one of the listings I found:

2006-2009 Subaru Forester 5 Speed Manual Transmission Dual Range 4.11 2.5L AVLS | eBay

2006-2011 Subaru Impreza RS Outback Legacy Forester Dual Range 5 Speed Manual Transmission 2.5L SOHC EJ25 AVLS. Warranty on the transmission starts from receiving date. Electronics, seals, and accessories are NOT covered.

www.ebay.com

 

[SquiresSquire]

Preferably you want a Dual Range out of a SF Forester, they had the better low range. You can also get a 06-09 Dual range box for the stronger gears, and swap the better lowrange gearset into it for a better all rounder

 

[macc_attacc]

Preferably you want a Dual Range out of a SF Forester, they had the better low range. You can also get a 06-09 Dual range box for the stronger gears, and swap the better lowrange gearset into it for a better all rounder

Ooh interesting info, thank you. I'll see if I can find an SF gearbox but it might take some calling around to importers and quite a bit more coin. We'll see.

 

[SquiresSquire]

Option B might be better, source the 06-09 dual range box, and just import the low range gearset itself from Australia, significantly smaller then a gearbox, and every second wrecker will have them here

 

[macc_attacc]

Option B might be better, source the 06-09 dual range box, and just import the low range gearset itself from Australia, significantly smaller then a gearbox, and every second wrecker will have them here

So the 06-09 will just bolt right up to my 02?

 

[El_Freddo]

Any EJ 5spd manual will bolt in no worries. If you’ve got a gearbox with male drive shafts that plug into the gearbox this makes the swap so much easier.

If your ‘02 is a turbo you’ll need to swap the clutch too.

The low range swap is quite involved. What I’d recommend here is to contact All Drive Suparoo (in Oz) and see what they can sort you out with. They build gearboxes to your requirements - so your low range can be swapped or upgraded. It will all come down to how deep your pockets are.

Alternatively there’s a fella in the states somewhere that’s currently putting a dual range locking centre diff for the six speed through real world trials and it’s look like it’s a good thing that will go the distance. The thing I really like about this mod is that the low range is at the back of the gearbox so the drive gears aren’t copping the extra stress of the low range that multiplies the stress on the drive gears in the stock low range setup. It’s an expensive mod though, but in a market where there is no dual range from factory it would be very appealing to me, and it’s got a better low range than anything Subaru has produced! This low range is almost a 3:1 ratio!! It’s no out for public sales yet. I think there’s five units in various stages of testing. The original unit is a year old at this stage and completed a pretty full on rally too. They’re looking at working out a unit for the 5spd which will be the real game changer in the Subaru world in my mind!

You’ve got options. All will cost you a decent amount of coin which ever way you go since low range parts aren’t easily sourced locally to you.

Cheers

Bennie

Edit: I should add that you could fit the L series low range from the EA82 models (MUST be from an NA) with a bit more work. That’ll get you 1.59:1 low range and parts can be found locally for this conversion. There are write up on the net about how to do this. The crown wheel will need to be shaved to clear the low range if the diff ratio is 4.111:1 or the “ultimate” 4.44:1.

 

[macc_attacc]

@El_Freddo,

Wow thanks so much for all the info!

My trans does have the CVs with male ends. Didn't even know there was a different kind.

Honestly I'm not looking to pour endless amounts of money into my rig. It's ageing and rough around the edges, but we'll see what the future holds.

Cheers, and thanks again!

 

[El_Freddo]

No worries. I’ve played with them a bit…

I think you’ll find the standard 1.19:1 low range a bit of a game changer for you over there since you don’t have access to dual ranges in your Subarus.

Cheers

Bennie

 

[macc_attacc]

That's what I'm thinking too. Honestly just a liiiitle bit would help tremendously on the trails. I can conquer most obstacles with a deft clutch foot, but every once in a while I find myself stalled out on a rock or something haha.