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I need to replace the rear diff on our 2000 5sp 2lt Forester. To pick up a used unit I need to work out what sorts will fit.

Is it only Forester units that work or will Imprezza, Outback diffs work as well ?

Is there a difference between rear diffs on vehicles with auto or manual front drive units ?

Would all 2000's have the same ratio ?

Figured I had better become diff aware before buying a used unit.

Thanks

A diff out of any Outback, Forester or Impreza of similar age should fit, providing the diff ratio is the same.

Find out your ratio, and then find a diff with the same ratio.

I had a look under the vehicle to see what the Diff ratio is, however there is no sticker on the diff where there usually is one (on my past L series wagons). Without the sticker, how does one work out or find the ratio ?

There is a set of white numbers/letters stamped on the diff housing, usually on drivers side and or top of diff.
Diff needs to be clean to see them, they are about 20mm high.
This may help.
CD --- 4.444 --- Viscous
CF --- 4.444 --- Viscous
EW --- 3.900 --- Viscous
HY --- 3.545 --- Torsen
JE --- 4.111 --- Viscous
T1 --- 3.900 --- None
T2 --- 4.111 --- None
TP --- 4.444 --- None
XJ --- 4.111 --- None
XU --- 3.272 --- Viscous
XZ --- 3.083 --- Viscous

Thanks - will explore some more & take a small mirror to check out the top of the diff as well

What does the Viscous, Torsen, None etc signify after the ratio ?

The type of clutch in the diff centre.
They are different versions of Limited Slip Differential.
None means a normal standard diff.
The diffs I have seen so far match that list, nothing to say its perfect, as it was downloaded from another site.

A manual n/a SF Forester should have an open diff with 4.111 ratio

Thanks.

One thing I have just remembered, the model of my Forester is a "Limited" (has the lettering on the rear hatch, nowhere else). I gather that would be based on other features like interior, etc, could it also indicate a "limited slip diff" ???

Limited is usually " limited" to how many they can make.

Try to get a viscous diff out of any WRX, makes a fairly big difference in the dirt but you'll need the correct matching axle set up.

All good, I got a used unit off eBay, it went in OK.

I am getting to know the back end of my Forester very well. It is the 9th Subie and I never had to do a diff before.