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Old 12-09-2011, 02:42 AM   #1
wrxkid157
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Default STi steering rack over wrx?

I have heard that the STi steering rack has a "better feel" and that its better handling over the wrx does anyone know if this is true or worth it at all?
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Old 12-09-2011, 04:49 AM   #2
Arnie
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Its a quicker rack. I enjoyed the swap (plus STi steering wheel) in my bugeye. I can't say it has more feel over a standard WRX rack, its just quicker.
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Old 12-09-2011, 10:02 AM   #3
wrxkid157
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the one i was going to get doesnt have the STi stearing wheel but that doesnt bother me because i dont mind mine and i was planning on getting a new one in the future. how hard was the install?

Last edited by wrxkid157; 12-09-2011 at 12:23 PM.
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Old 12-09-2011, 12:53 PM   #4
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In principal its not too bad. Mine was a bit more involved as I did an 07 STi rack, sub-frame and steering wheel. If you get an 04 STi rack its plug and play. The 05+ STi's all use a different subframe mount. So theoretically you need to get an 05+ STi subframe too if you want to mount the rack properly. However I've seen a few threads were people have mounted an 05+ STi rack using the standard 2 bolt on the driver's side. You'll have to search for what they did. While in there I suggest doing uprated steering rack bushings for whatever rack you get. With the 07 STi subframe/rack into my 02 I had to bend the hard power steering lines a wee bit to get them to line up. A bit finicky but not a problem. Also get some new o-ring seals. I wish I had done that but I was in a rush to get it done. One of my lines weeps a wee bit.
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Old 12-09-2011, 01:49 PM   #5
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The 05+ Saabs and 06+ WRXs have the same rack as the STi ratio wise.

Another area of difference is that the STI has a solid linkage joint between the column and the rack. Other models have a rubber isolated one which feels numb.
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Old 12-10-2011, 10:15 AM   #6
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The newer 05-07 WRX and STI racks will fit, without swapping subframes.
They use the same mounting holes but fewer mounting points.
Swapping the subframe will give you the additional mounting points and theoretically, added rigidity. Though many have been running this way for years with no issue.
I swapped in a newer rack, solid steering linkage and STI wheel.

Money well spent in my opinion.

If you're needing a new rack, its a no brainer, do the newer rack.
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Old 12-10-2011, 11:05 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kpluiten View Post
The 05+ Saabs and 06+ WRXs have the same rack as the STi ratio wise.

Another area of difference is that the STI has a solid linkage joint between the column and the rack. Other models have a rubber isolated one which feels numb.
I never knew about the 06+ WRX using the same rack ratio as the STi. Will those swap in directly to an earlier WRX subframe, or is it the same deal as the 05+ STi (fits, but not "correct")?
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Old 12-11-2011, 01:57 AM   #8
pocketdrummer
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Will any STI steering rack fit on an '02 WRX Wagon?
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Old 12-11-2011, 11:33 AM   #9
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no, just 04 sti
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Old 12-11-2011, 03:04 PM   #10
azscooby
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A 04, 05, 06, 07 WRX/STI steering rack with "fit" in an 02 Wagon (and any 02-07 WRX/STI for that matter.)

An '04 STI rack will be a direct fit, an 05-07 will still work, (and has been proven to work, even long term) it will simply use fewer mounting locations.

There are MANY people, including myself, that have been running the newer 05-07 STI racks in 02-04 WRX's without any problems.

Seems to be a lot of people saying that it will not work. I have done it, it does work.

Others have ten's of thousands of miles with the swap with no problems.

The '05-'07 WRX/STI rack has more mounting points than the 02-04.

If you swap an 05-07 WRX/STI rack into an 02-04 WRX you will use four locations to mount the rack, just like the original rack.
The 05-07 WRX/STI uses additional mounting points for added rigidity and a different crossmember.
When you do the swap, you simply use the original mounting points, four of them. Same fitment as the original.
If you swap the crossmember you will get the additional mounting points. Some go this route, not a bad idea, but not entirely necessary.

Hope this clears it up.
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Old 12-11-2011, 04:39 PM   #11
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I have an 05 STi rack in my bugeye wagon.. it fits..
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Old 12-11-2011, 08:06 PM   #12
03SubyWRX
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I installed an 04 STi rack into my bigeye over the summer. I have really enjoyed the quicker ratio, it definitely made a positive difference. Just make sure that you use new orings on the lines when you do the swap.
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Old 12-12-2011, 02:52 AM   #13
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So basically there are 4 mounting whole for the 02-04 wrx and so does the the 04 STi but the 05-07 STi have (lets say 6 mounting whole since i dont know the number) you will use 4 of the 6 if you swap 05-07 STi and you will use "all" 4 from the 04 so unless you swap crossmember you will use 4 mounting bolts no matter what year right?
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Old 02-01-2012, 06:13 PM   #14
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just ordered my 05 STi rack for my 05 WRX today from what i understand everything is a perfect swap over. i might even weld in my own brackets for the extra 2 that the 05+ rack has.
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Old 02-03-2012, 02:26 PM   #15
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I just did the whiteline steering bushings and changed over to an STi solid steering linkage. It was just $32 for the bushings and $50 for a used linkage and what a difference! Feels like a new rack or a new car. Sorry a little off thread but another option.
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Old 02-20-2013, 12:17 AM   #16
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I'm guessing that when you do the 05+ crossmember / rack swap you also need the 05+ column? Can anyone confirm this?
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Old 02-20-2013, 08:10 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azscooby View Post
The newer 05-07 WRX and STI racks will fit, without swapping subframes.....I swapped in a newer rack, solid steering linkage and STI wheel.
Quote:
Originally Posted by luftpirate View Post
I'm guessing that when you do the 05+ crossmember / rack swap you also need the 05+ column? Can anyone confirm this?
No need for the 05+ cross member. No need for a new column. Get the two longer bolts needed for one side of the 05+ rack (your existing ones will be too short). Reuse the two shorter bolts and steel bracket on the other side. Install a WL steering rack bushing kit while you are in there. Also find a used (or new) STI solid steering link. Install, use new fluid, bleed air out completely, and re-align front end.

Last edited by JarHarms; 12-14-2013 at 02:36 PM.
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Old 04-11-2017, 03:31 PM   #18
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Subscribed for future reference.
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Old 04-15-2017, 08:22 PM   #19
Genis17
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I know this thread is old. Also a little off topic. I'm having trouble understanding witch engine crossmember will fit a 04 wrx sedan. My is badly rusted. Most claim the enything from 02-07 will fit but can only find STI crossmember.
I know 02-04 are the same but different than 05 and 06-07 different than the previous years. Can someone help me out on this.
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Old 04-15-2021, 05:41 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kpluiten View Post
The 05+ Saabs and 06+ WRXs have the same rack as the STi ratio wise.

Another area of difference is that the STI has a solid linkage joint between the column and the rack. Other models have a rubber isolated one which feels numb.

does the 06+ wrx have the solid linkage also ? edit: the non-sti WRX has the rubber core linkage - not the solid STI one

Last edited by sebastian323; 05-05-2021 at 05:53 PM.
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Old 04-15-2021, 06:22 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sebastian323 View Post
does the 06+ wrx have the solid linkage also ?


Read the dates of the posts before you reply
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