The purpose of this document is to help identify the nomenclature of the shifter bushings, parts, and identify some important differences in the shift levers.

Let's start off with some nomenclature. Below is a diagram of the typical 1997+ Subaru 5MT shifter assembly. For those of you with an STi 6MT the layout is very similar so we'll use it to describe all of them.

Please take a moment to look at this pic:

Here's how it breaks down:

A) We call these the shift linkage bushings. There's actually four of them in the linkage joint that our kits address, only two are labeled in the picture. To date we have kits that address the following: 04 USDM STi, 05 USDM STi, 05 USDM Legacy GT 5MT, ALL 06+ USDM 5MTs AND 6MTs. Additionally, we also have a linkage update for the 1997-2005 5MT. What this update is is the 06+ linkage, our linkage bushings, and a new bolt that will allow it all to mate up correctly.

B) This is the shift lever. The brand that we carry is the Kartboy brand. The reason we carry the Kartboy brand is for a couple of reasons. 1) It's a great product. 2) There is very very good post sales support <- this is something that is rather important to us. Kartboy has a lever for every Subaru manual tranny from 1997 forward.*

C) We call these the pivot bushings. They go in the pivot point for the shifter at the junction where the control rod meets the shift lever. There are two bushings, and one metal crush sleeve. We currently have sets to address all the Subaru 5MTs from 1997 forward, and the USDM STi 6MTs from 2004 forward.*

D) This is the front shifter stay bushing. It goes in the front of the shifter stay arm. On this one we carry the Kartboy brand. Currently there are versions to address all Subaru 5MTs from 1997 forward, and the USDM STi 6MTs from 2004 forward. Please note: the 5MT version is black in color, and the the 6MT version is gray in color and comes with a new crush sleeve.

E) This is the rear shifter stay bushing. It goes on the rear of the shifter stay arm. We carry the Kartboy brand of this one. Currently it fits all Subaru MTs from 1997 forward.

* A note about the shift lever and pivot bushings.

This applies to the guys with a 5MT setup on their Impreza. There are two versions of the levers and pivot bushings of which you need to be aware. A narrow version, and a wide version. The narrow or wide refers to the width of the pivot point tube on the actaul lever. Because of these differences you need to know which lever and pivot bushing set is appropriate for you.

First off - Both levers, narrow and wide, offer the same performance in reduction of throw.
Second off - Both 5MT pivot bushing sets, narrow or wide, offer the same improvement improvement in feel.
You are not gaining or losing anything if you have one version and your buddy has the other so there is no "mine is bigger arguement to be had over this."

Why the two versions? Subaru made some changes to the parts over the years. We're addressing this by educating you on the differences.

Further notes on the pivot bushings and the 2008 STi

Starting in late 2007, for a change into 2008 Subaru changed the STi lever. They did this by changing the width of the pivot bushing cross tube. It now matches the same dimensions as the 5MT lever. Thus there are some changes to the parts you need.

• If you are going to be using the STOCK STi 6MT lever then you will need the 5MT Wide pivot bushings
• If you are going to be using an aftermarket lever then you will need the 6MT pivot bushings. While Subaru changed the lever the aftermarket companies did not. In order to make up the gap you will need the 6MT specific bushings.

Levers:

• USDM 1997-2001 5MT Impreza owners
• USDM 2002+ 5MT Impreza owners who have the factory short shifter installed

Second is the wide version. Here's the guys that need the wide versionof the lever and the pivot bushings:

• USDM 2002+ 5MT Impreza owners who have the STOCK shifter assembly

Here's how you tell which one you have:

Narrow - The rod that makes up the lever will be a single thick wire that goes from the ball at the bottom of the lever all the way to the threads for a shift knob. The wire makes a small bend for the pivot tube that is welded on. The color of the whole lever will be GOLD from the protective plating that Subaru used.

Wide - The lever will have a ball, and short distance of rod welded to the bottom of the pivot tube. The upper half of the lever will be a thick tube filled with rubber for damping, and will be welded to the top of the pivot tube. Sticking out of the rubber filled tube will be a rod with threads for the shift knob. The color of the whole assembly will be GRAY.