I have a viscous coupler going bad on our '99 Forester (5MT, not automatic). A new viscous unit is around $300 (my guess, I haven't called on it yet) plus the labor to install it. I'm thinking of searching around the wrecking yards until I find a similar transmission and pulling just the rear section and installing it on my transmission. What years of Subaru transmissions use the same viscous unit? Does the automatic have the same unit? Is it something that a junkyard dog like me can pull?

I can't answer all your questions, but I can answer a part of them:

 

The automatic uses completely different AWD technology and no part of the transmission will interchange!

 

Good luck,

Nathan

99 - 07 5mt Forester is the same viscous coupling. You can use the rear section of any of these tranny's. Subaru shows they stock this section as a complete assy. It retails for about $550. So the price they gave for parts only in VERY GOOD. Also the tranny does not have to come out for this. Yes it is easier on a removed transmission but I know a guy who has done 2 of these by removing the tranny tailshaft in the car. He also does tranny work for a living and is currently out for shoulder surgury ( maybe he does too much ? )

 

If you are thinking it's time to do your clutch, have it pulled and get them both done.

seems like this would also interchange with some legacy's, OBW, imprezas?

You need to be able to remopve the top plate at eh rear, and unbot the arm that holds the Reverse lockout mechanism. Could be difficult with the trans in the car, althoug if you tilt it back far enough it amy work.