1997 wagon transmission compatibility

[americangramps]

I have a 97 legacy wagon and I want to swap the auto to the manual 5 speed. I know it's easiest to find a parts car so I don't forget anything, but I live in Houston Texas and there aren't many around here. I have found a couple forresters though. Will the forrester cross members bolt into the legacy frame? I have been trying to find threads on this but I haven't been able to yet. Thanks for the help!

[r3v_v3ng3]

As long as you have an outback. The forester's have the body spacer so it will match if you have an outback. Do you have the flat roof wagon or raise roof?

[Wiscon_Mark]

I would think Legacy crossmembers would work, too, you just wouldn't have the spacers in there. Every design I've seen from '95-04ish for transmission crossmember (manual) is about the same.

I'm actually not even sure how different it is from the automatic crossmembers - I know the mount is different.

[nepbug]

Yeah, if you have an outback then it will work, If it is a legacy it won't. Same goes for the drive shaft.

I've got a 5mt crossmember here in Colorado out of an 02 Impreza that will work if you get to a point of needing one shipped.

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[meepers]

I would think Legacy crossmembers would work, too, you just wouldn't have the spacers in there. Every design I've seen from '95-04ish for transmission crossmember (manual) is about the same.

I'm actually not even sure how different it is from the automatic crossmembers - I know the mount is different.


The auto xmember is a totally different beast. You will also be able to use just about any Manual Leggy/Fozzy/Impreza MANUAL xmember if your car is an OUTBACK. If not, then you will need Legacy or Impreza NON lifted. When I did my WRX Trans in my Outback, I just fabbed up spacers and rolled. Not all your factory hardware will work even with spacers. You will need some new bolts! Also, you will need the MATCHING 2g Legacy MANUAL drive shaft. Actually, you can go Outback or non outback on the drive shaft, but it HAS to be from a manual Legacy. You can transfer your existing carrier bearing over for the correct spacing. Let me know if you have any questions on Auto to manual conversion, as I have done this several times!