I picked up a 98 Impreza and the shift bushings were gone on the aft attach point. I went to the Subaru Dealer, they did not have the $18 each bushings in stock, but did have the complete u-joint for $65.

 

This car had the step bolt with bushings not the seperate steel bushing with a straight bolt and plastic bushings.

 

I got it but then I stopped at Ace Hardware on the way home.

 

I picked up:

2) bronze bushings with a top lip ID 3/8", OD 1/2", 1" long

1) Step Bolt 3/8" x 2" long and a lock nut

 

Steps to replace the worn componets.

 

Jack and support the car on jack stands

Remove the exhaust heat sheild attached to the transmission rear support

Remove the rear trans support, this gives you more access to work

Remove the 12mm nut from the lower shift linkage support arm

Remove the 12mm nut and bolt from the shift linkage arm

You know know if you have the stepped bolt linkage or the one with the additional steel bushing.

 

If you want to, you can remove the u-joint by driving out the two roll pins at the front of the u-joint, I did but the shift u-joint to trans input shaft was so rusted (not a CO Car that's for sure) I could not get it off.

 

Using a pipe cutter, cut one of the bronze shift linkage bushings down to 1/2 Long and debur

Remove any of the old Plastic bushings and then insert the new bushings

Attach the linkage using the new 3/8 stepped bolt and lock nut. I also put locktite on the nut as there was only about 1/4 of threads showing.

 

Put it all back together. I'm sure this will be a life time fix for way less than the Subaru Plastic bushings. It shifts great.

Way to go, Larry! Not the easiest place to work under there, is it?!!

 

Bronze bushings should be pretty durable. Any change in the feel of the shifter--noise, vibration, harshness (NVH)?

Nope, shift fine.

 

There is a little buzz but that was there before.

Nice post Larry thank you.