I’ve had mixed responses to this so I thought I’d ask here too.

my box has just gone bang, (3rd gear) and basically I need to sort it.

all I’m wandering, Is am I right in saying that if I keep my diffs, but just change the gears/shafts/front housing, am I safe to do that?
keeping my diffs means they’re all still paired and sat at the 4.1 ratio, so surely replacing the gears inside wouldn’t make a difference if they were from a different model? Or am I talking ***t?
thanks!
Edit: for example, my box was a 9S-TY752VBCBA but I’ve found a box with code 6C-TY752VB3FA. Would the front half of the box bolt straight onto my diff? Or given that both of them are 4.11, would it just fit and work?
thanks

 

The only thing you have to watch is the front pinion shaft is the same which you can swap out of your old box. Easy when you know how but daunting if you don't.

 

1509joe, I’m sure it’s only ever you that helps me with my scooby!! So thankyou!

Believe it or not, I am actually a mechanic so I know what I’m doing, but I work in a nice plush dealership on brand new vw group cars, so as you can imagine, Subaru’s are a massive learning curve for me and I’m loving it!
I should manage ok with that shaft, is there anything particular to check on them? Or is it obvious when I open it up?
thanks!

 

Basically remove tail case split box check bearings etc as you do. Lift the two shafts out there's locating dowels in the casing to locate the shafts if you know your front diff is different change your pinion shaft over and screw it all back together. The box splits with the N/S casing pointing towards the ground you shouldn't even have to lift your front diff out apart from to clean it. A new nut for the pinion shaft could be advisable.
You'll then need to check your backlash but if you've only changed the pinion shaft and used everything else of your own it shouldn't be far away.

 

perfectly explained, thankyou mate!
mill get on it Monday and hopefully it’ll all come to me!