Scored me a R180. Now to make it work...

[Florin1]

Ok, so i just scored a r180 w/ 33K off an 05 sti. I have done my research and there seems to be two options. 1. sti axles and hubs, (i have 05 sti hubs sitting so i would just need axles) 2. hybrid spec b axles. My plans for the car is to go rwd after the winter. My question is, is the r180 a true 3.9 FD, or does it become that with the 1.1:1 stepper gear deal. My transmission is a 3.9 so this r180 should bolt right up? But if its not a true 3.9 what are my options. Can i buy smaller/bigger tires (sidewall) in the back to make it a true 3.9 while im still awd so everything works together? Anybody got some sti/spec b axles they wanna sell?

[MikeyMeyagi]

its a true 3.90:1., go on nasioc and buy a set of sti axles. i got mine for 250 shipped.
the stepper gear center diff was used in the 06-07 sti 6mt

[Florin1]

Thanks for the input Mike! I was hoping that was the case. I tried nasioc already, and no luck on axles yet. Nobody wants to split up the swap kit. Will 04 sti axles fit my 05 hubs/diff do you know?

[MikeyMeyagi]

Yes.

[Florin1]

Hey Mike, or anyone else, how can i identify sti axles vs wrx ones. I'm going to pick a set up and i don't want to get scammed and buy wrx ones. Is there more splines on the sti's? Fatter?

Also, a guy told me that 04 sti axles wont really work on, say, an 05 sti because they're shorter. Or if i put 05+ axles on my car they might be too long since subaru changed the track width in 05. Said the axles are like .5" longer. Did you have an issue installing yours? Did you have to get control arms as well?

[MikeyMeyagi]

none of that is true. my axles are from a 07 and they were a direct bolt on. all the sti axles are the same length 04-07

the sti axles are bigger on both ends and have more spines. i didnt count mine before they were installed so i cant tell you how many.

[kleinkid]

Would these R180 to WRX hub adapter axles help you? 4th picture down.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthr ... ?t=2095551


Kind of expensive though.

[MikeyMeyagi]

those stock 06 axles would work fine for you. Since you have sti rear hubs correct?

[Florin1]

Thanks for the link John. Yes Both sets would work Since i have sti hubs as well. They are both pricey. I have found a set that are almost local for $100. Going to pick them up tomorrow. That is why i wanna find out for sure what the visual difference is between wrx/sti axles. I don't wanna get jipped.

[Florin1]

In the process of putting my hubs together. What is this and do i need it?

[MikeyMeyagi]

that bolts on with the rear caliper, i dont have them on mine, no issues.

[Florin1]

ok. And as for the axles? I googled it, and it seems the sti's are 27 spline, and wrx 25. Is that about right?

[MikeyMeyagi]

yeah that should be right.

[Florin1]

Ok Mike, I just got home with the axles. Next question, did you pull the bracket thing that the driveshaft attaches to on the diff off your 3.90 and put it on the sti one, or did you use an sti driveshaft?
I'm currently trying to pull that bracket thing but don't have a gear puller. (I got the 26 or 27mm nut off, already)

[MikeyMeyagi]

take the nut off and hit it off with a hammer. it should come right off in a few whacks. STI driveshaft is too short for our cars. make sure you tighten that nut to spec when your done, or you will have eccessive backlash in your diff gears

[Florin1]

Are you talking about hitting the flange thing, on the backside? Not the input shaft i assume. Also, what is the torque spec? Any links on how its done? I used my impact gun to take off the nut and barely did. I had to heat the nut with my torch to get it to expand. So it seams like a LOT of torque... Did you torque yours with the axles in and installed? I dont see any other way i guess...

[Florin1]

Got it off... Now how to determine the torque needed so i dont have excessive backlash...

[kimokalihi]

FSM for 91 legacy shows the torque spec on that nut to be 123-145 ft lbs. I don't think I torqued mine. I just hit it with the impact at full blast. My 3/8" torque wrench at the time didn't go up that high anyway. Now I have a 1/2" one though that goes up to 250 ft lbs.

[Florin1]

thanks kimo!