Recently purchased a 99 2.5 outback with 102k km on the clock. When cold it was a bas8ard to get 2nd gear, you had to change at 4500rpm or double declutch (but never grinding gears). I contacted a WRX modifyer in Perth and was reccomended Redline Lightweight Shockproof oil as a substitute and was assured it would cure my problem. Now at $138 for 3.76l i almost **** myself.....but gave it a go anyhow..........dropped the oil and cleaned the mag plug (few fine filings only) and in went the new oil (blue!!). We then went 250 km downsouth and let it sit overnight outside to get really cold. Next day reversed out the drive and let the wife drive it down the street for the first test.........Amazing, it was as smooth as a baby's bum!!, i'd never beleived that this oil could make such a huge difference.
So if you got a similar problem give it a go....it's cheaper than a gbox rebuild and a hell of a lot easier.

ps i'm not a redline shareholder......;0)

Goodluck
Chris

Redline shock proof(gear &diff) oil is one of the best if not the best oil??
Lots of racing cars swearing by(normally use the heavyweight).
Using for more than 3yrs with around 400hp on OE box and 160000kms??

Cheers
from OZ

Looks as if i'll get a few miles out of it then ;0)

Hey up Chris!

Looks like you`ve got a lot more time on your hands now mate, spending your time on here.

You`ll have to start exporting this gearbox oil to the UK.

Hope your over the jetlag.

Hey Robbo........i'm on it ;)

I switched to Mobil1 75W90, but I believe it is just too slick and inhibits the syncros meshing. I was having a terrible time w/ 2 -> 1 shifts, this is w/ double clutching and rev matching!

I went w/ shockproof lightweight and amazingly shifting is no longer a problem. I probably will switch to superlight for winter (gets a little chilly in MT, frequently -30-40 F) duty, but am completely sold on the shockproof.

Now if I could find a cure for the dratted decel noise.

big sky

When I got my Scoob - with the standard oil gearchange was a ******* - I use the Silkolene stuff now and it is sweet as a babies bot!

Rannoch :D

Redline oil is available in the UK we use in on all our racecars. there website is red line

anyone ever used castrol RS 75w90?
is this the same as the redline ?