Alex, when was the last time you bought a known-good '06 WRX transmission (or rebuilt one completely) and paid for professional installation?

Just checking. WRX 5MT's for the new cars with the new gearsets don't go for those kinds of prices. Go into any reputable shop (IE, one that doesn't leave linkages fingertight and require a dealership visit) and tell me what they quote you.

I know the early Impreza parts are cheap, I've owned 6 Subarus, lol. Fixing the new ones correctly costs more if you don't have the means to do it yourself.

Clippersfan, I'm not saying you're a bum for being unemployed. I'm just saying ou have more time now than you will when you have a job. Plus, it's easier to take a day or 2 off from job hunting than it is to take time off from a job, especially a new job

Like I said. The first chance I get a garage,money and help i'll happily do it. Not a case of disregarding advice, more a case of not having the means currently.

Yea Rob I was teasing you. I agree now is definitely the best time. If I can find a garage and reliable people to help by next week I'll do it. Especially if I indeed only need a $45 plate. I'll keep doing my research.

I'll tell you right now Sybir it's not 3k. I just got a quote for 1500 for a used one and that was only the first place I called. I guarantee you one can be had for 1500 SHIPPED. Still not cheap but very far from 3 thousand. I still of course would prefer to fix it when it's a 50 dollar fix though like everyone is suggesting. If I absolutely have to I'll open a credit card with Arrow transmission or something and pay for a new tranny.

Sell some crap on craigslist to get the $45.

That's the plan I think. I have a few real popular 360 games and stuff.

I don't know anything about Subarus, I've just worked with 3 different Subie shops. You don't know me, so that's fine. I'm glad you're able to source a yard transmission for that. I mentioned "known good", and you'll note that even yards with a warranty can't do anything about labor if you need a shop to R&R a yard tranny that's blown up from an impact locking the motor or output shaft. 1500 plus 500 plus anything else you need adds up quick; add a replacement in there (it happens ALL THE TIME with yard parts) and you're damn near 3k even at your quoted price. Do it yourself and do it right, and save money. Do it wrong, and it's another gamble.

I'm just echoing the other guys here, who work with this stuff on a daily basis or have dealt with multiple Subaru drivelines, that fixing it ASAP, however you have to do it, is going to save you a lot of money in the long run. Take that for what it's worth.......a gearbox that fails completely and strands you can lose you the wrong job if you're just starting out too. Good luck getting it taken care of (no sarcasm), and I hope it's a simple fix. I've been there, dropping big coin on a Subaru when I had other bills to pay.

Mike, if you can't get it done in the next 2 weeks or so, by then I can probably offer you a place to do it and an extra set of hands, though I've never worked on gearbox internals. You'd need to find someone else who can at least coach you through it.

Ok Kevin thank you. I'm talking to Will he says he should be free to work on it with me. Kevin I learned my lesson last time not to force/rush these things when i'm short handed. I'll wait 2 weeks if it means having a garage an an extra set of hands.

Thanks Sybir. Yea man sorry if I was coming off as an arrogant douche or something. When it comes to Subaru's i'll be the first to admit I probably know the least on this entire forum. This is my first Subaru and i've only had it 6 months doing very little of my own work. I trust what you guys are saying which is why i'm going to try my hardest to fix this now before it becomes the serious issue you guys are talking about. Hopefully this time people with experience actually have time to tell me what to do or lend a hand.