Just been reading an old thread on this, as i'm about to do so on the 83 wagon. It mentions that you need an '82-'84 4spd gearbox, what is the difference between the '81 & '82 4 speeds? Is it possible to use the '81 g'box?

It is generally preferred as the gear ratios are more aggressive for off road driving. here is a resource for you:

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2666&highlight=gear+ratio

you can use the EA81 d/r 4-speed from '80-'89? if you want a 4-speed which aren't good for highway use from what I've gathered. A lot of people have put the EA82 5-speed into their EA81 cars due to the gearing.

I have the five speed box in my car and it took a tiny amount of grinding to make it clear. I also had to buy the conversion kit from Jerry, bratsrus, to get it to fit. If you don't want to deal with this, just go with the 4 speed.

If I could do it all over again, I would go with the 4spd I liked the gearing in my old hatchback more then the gearing in my wagon with the 5spd anyway.

I would also go with the 4 speed first, but I really, really, really enjoy having the 5 speed so if you end up not enjoying the car with the 4 speed, by all means put in the five-er!

Thanks all, I think i will go with the 81 4spd for the moment, seeing as i already have one. Might just have to fix a few leaks in it first!