Which subarus have r160 diff?
The R160 differential is a relatively rare Subaru rear differential code and does not appear across the entire lineup. If you see “R160” on a Subaru, it typically points to a specific older AWD configuration rather than a universal or current Subaru standard.
What is the R160 differential?
The R160 designation refers to a particular rear differential assembly used in some vehicles, identified by its housing and gearset configuration. In the Subaru ecosystem, this code is not assigned to every model and can vary by year and market. Understanding whether a given Subaru uses an R160 often requires checking the differential tag, consulting the factory service manual, or cross‑checking the Parts Catalog for that vehicle’s VIN.
Technical background
Within automotive differential nomenclature, the R160 label helps service technicians distinguish a specific gearset and ratio combination. It is less common in the modern Subaru lineup, where other rear differential configurations and LSD options have become more prevalent. Owners and mechanics frequently rely on the housing stamp, part numbers in the service manual, and VIN-based documentation to confirm the exact rear differential model.
Which Subarus are known to have R160?
Public reference materials do not publish a simple, model-by-model, year-by-year list of every Subaru that used the R160. Availability can depend on market, year, transmission type (manual vs. CVT), and the configuration of the center differential in all-wheel drive. What follows is a general understanding of contexts where the R160 has appeared, rather than an exhaustive registry of models.
- In practice, the R160 designation has shown up in a subset of older Subaru models that combined a manual transmission with a particular AWD rear-differential setup. It is not the standard rear diff across modern Subarus.
- It is less common in newer generations and in CVT-equipped models, where different diff configurations are used and documented differently.
- Market variations mean that some regions may have different rear-differential part coding for the same model year, so R160 may appear in one market’s documentation but not in another’s.
To know for sure whether a specific Subaru has an R160, you must verify with the vehicle’s documentation or physical markings.
How to verify and what to do if you need an R160
Because the R160 is a specialized code, the most reliable approach is to confirm via the vehicle’s diff housing markings and official parts catalog. The steps below help you identify the correct differential for maintenance, replacement, or compatibility checks.
- Inspect the differential housing for stamping or a tag that includes the R160 code or related part numbers.
- Check the vehicle’s VIN with a Subaru dealer or access the official Parts Catalog for that VIN to confirm the differential model and final drive specifics.
- Consult the service manual for your model year to see which rear differential is specified and what LSD options were offered.
- If you’re considering replacement or upgrading, verify compatibility with the transmission, center diff, and wheel-axle assemblies for your exact model and market.
When in doubt, contact a Subaru dealership or a certified independent shop with your VIN. They can confirm whether the R160 is the correct designation for your car and can source the proper parts based on official documentation.
Summary
The R160 differential is not a universal Subaru feature and does not appear across the entire modern lineup. Its use is limited to a subset of older AWD configurations and varies by market and year. For anyone trying to confirm whether their Subaru uses an R160, the most reliable method is to inspect the differential housing tag and cross-check with the vehicle’s VIN in the official parts catalog or service manual. If you want, I can help look up a specific model/year you provide to confirm whether it uses the R160.
How many differentials does a Subaru Outback have?
All-wheel drive Subarus have both front and rear differentials. The fluid in the differential system breaks down over time and will eventually need to be replaced.
Does the Subaru WRX have a limited slip differential?
No, the standard Subaru WRX (since 2015, for example) does not come with a mechanical limited slip differential (LSD) from the factory; instead, it uses an electronic system to simulate an LSD effect. However, older WRX models did have a rear viscous LSD, and the high-performance STI version has mechanical LSDs in both the front and rear. It is possible to add an aftermarket mechanical LSD to a standard WRX.
Standard WRX
- No mechanical LSD: Newer standard WRX models typically lack a mechanical LSD, using an electronic torque-vectoring system that applies the brakes to simulate the effect of an LSD.
- Aftermarket upgrade: You can install an aftermarket mechanical LSD, which can be a popular modification for improved traction and handling, especially in performance driving or autocross situations.
WRX STI
- Mechanical LSDs: The WRX STI comes equipped with a mechanical all-wheel-drive system that includes both front and rear mechanical LSDs.
- Driver-adjustable: The STI features a Driver-Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) that allows drivers to adjust the torque split for different conditions.
How much power can an r160 handle?
Wesley Cook as long as you're not abusing (launches and clutch drops) them the r160 diff and axles should be able to handle around 400whp.
What differentials do subarus have?
Automatic we do have a center differential which has a planetary gear set as well as this all-wheel drive clutch will will allow you to lock up the rear.
