i've done some looking around the forums and really would stick with the Extra S gear oil, but I wanted to inquire about Amsoil (severe gear?) since my uncle can get a pretty good deal on Amsoil fluids.
I recently changed my transmission fluid on my 08 wrx with "Amsoil Severe Gear 75w-90" from NAPA. I have about 3,000 mi on the change and there have been no major issues so far. At the time, I was in a pinch one weekend and needed fluid so I could get to work on Monday, but unfortunately the Subaru dealership was not open. If I were you, just go the safe route and buy Extra S. It could just be me, but the car seems to not shift as smoothly from time to time with Amsoil. Wish I could have waited to buy Extra-S.
I also recently changed transmission oil in my 09 WRX Sedan.
I noticed. subtle changes but for the better. Easy shift into reverse...downshift to first at low speeds is quite smooth and generally the gear shifting feels a bit smoother.
Of course, I used Subaru Extra S 75W90. I got it from fredbeansparts because even my local stupidaru dealership claimed and I quote "Subaru extra s....hmmm..ive never heard of it before...we just use Mobil 1". I hung up the phone after this statement and lost all confidence in Subaru. No product knowledge and not an ounce of product pride. Not to mention, they wanted $200 for a tranny and rear diff fluid change. I just did it myself. I think I paid $12/quart for the oil. I also had to invest $14 into a T70 Torx socket. You WILL need it. Don't try to use a T55 or even a T60 as has been suggested before in another thread. Sure...it may work...but that off chance that you strip the bolt ridges..and you have a whole other problem on your hands. Get the T70...have an air compressor handy(I LOVE air wratchets)...ramps...floor creeper...and away you go.
Right on buddy. Do it yourself saves a bundle. You can put your savings towards your sway bars!
I still can't belie that dealer didn't know what fluid, yikes.
Makes me even more glad to have a friend at the dealer, that knows what he's doing.
Ok. My fluid level is on the "L" . It's better to be full with something rather than have it be low, yes? So should I grab any old 75w90 and top it off? I will be changing it within a few weeks...