RGB's - SUBARU 5EAT 5 Speed Automatic - T3 VANAGON 2WD

To see the RGB's in action on a 5EAT in a T3 Vanagon, please see the video which is the last image in this listing. 

This kit converts the Subaru 5EAT/ 5 speed automatic transmission from AWD to 2WD and reverses the drive. The kit also comes with brackets to install the transmission into a T3 Vanagon. 

Kit includes: 

• All brackets and bolts for the RGB's to be bolted to the transmission
• All brackets and bolts for the transmission to bolt into the vehicle  
• Shortened axles *The axles may need to be cut / shortened which is an easy job
• CV adapter flanges so the stock VW Cv's bolt to the RGB's
• Reversaru stub axles (that are inserted into the transmission and transmit drive to the input shaft of the RGB)
  

NOTES: 

• We also sell an 'Electric shift kit' for the 4EAT that connects to the shift lever of the transmission so you can select gears with the push of a button. The electric shift kit is sold separately and can be found in our online store. 
• The top shaft of the 5EAT requires welding and also requires machining on a lathe. It is a fairly easy job and we offer video instructions so a local fabricator and/or machine shop could do this. However, we do offer a service where we can send you an exchange top shaft that is already welded and turned down on the lathe. If you would like us to send you a pre-prepared top shaft for a 5EAT please reach out and we will let you know the price and the steps to make this happen. 

Complete your Subaru conversion with a Suabru 5 Speed Auto! Our Reverse Drive Reduction Gearboxes (RGB's) have brackets that are purpose-built that bolt the RGB's directly to the Subaru 5EAT 5-speed automatic transmission and bolt straight into your T3 Vanagon!

Why Run a Subaru 5EAT in Your VW Bus?

Pairing a Subaru engine with a Subaru transmission just makes sense and the 5EAT is super strong and durable as they were Subaru's choice of transmission to pair with the more powerful engines such as the Turbo Liberty / Legacy and the H6 engines. 

From the factory, the Subaru engine and 5EAT gearbox were engineered to work together perfectly — torque curves, shift points, load characteristics, and internal ratios are all matched. That means:

• ✔️ Smoother power delivery
• ✔️ Correct shift timing under load
• ✔️ Improved reliability
• ✔️ No mismatched gearing compromises
• ✔️ Factory-engineered driveline harmony

Instead of adapting an engine to a gearbox it was never designed for, you’re keeping the drivetrain matched exactly as Subaru intended — just configured for your application.

Designed for strength, durability and real-world usability, the REVERSARU RGB's bolt directly onto the side of the 5EAT with minimal effort and minimal labour. No complicated fabrication. No unnecessary downtime. They are very simple to install. Even a capable novice can complete the install with confidence.

Advantages of the 5EAT Automatic:

Choosing the 5EAT automatic offers major real-world benefits:

• Effortless driving — no clutch fatigue in traffic or off-road
• Perfect for touring and long-distance cruising
• Better control at low speeds when crawling or manoeuvring
• Handles torque well in heavy vehicles
• No clutch replacements or pedal conversions

For many owners, especially those building touring or adventure vans, an automatic simply makes the vehicle more enjoyable to drive.

Designed for Practical Install:

Our Reverse Drive Reduction Gearboxes are:

• Precision engineered from billet aluminium and premium gear material
• Strong and reliable
• Straight bolt-on to the 5EAT
• Minimal labour time for installing the RGB's
• Clean, simple installation

No complex internal gearbox modifications. No re-engineering the transmission. Just bolt on and go. 

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

• The 5EAT is too long to fit into a T1 Split and the T2 Bay.
• The transmission you need to purchase is a TG5C (5EAT 5 Speed Auto), but it must be the type with the 2 piece split extension housing. See information and photos below. 
• The 5EAT came out in Canbus vehicles. If you need help sorting the wiring harness please feel free to reach out. 
• The first 5EAT conversion into a T3 Vanagon we ever did was a EJ251 Gen 3 (non Canbus engine and cable throttle), but was bolted up to the 5EAT (Canbus transmission) and it drove beautifully! If you want to head down this route please reach out and we can point you in the right direction of how to sort the wiring.
• You need a 5EAT with a 2 piece housing. See video in this listing for explanation.    

The Transmission codes below are 2 piece (the correct type that you need): 

TG5C7CVAAA (2003 - 2008 Liberty / Legacy H6 - EZ30)

TG5C7CWAAA (2003 -2006 EJ20 Turbo Liberty / Legacy)

TG5C7CWABA  (USDM 2005 Turbo Legacy) 

TG5C7CXCAA (2005 - 2006 Liberty / Legacy EJ20 Turbo)

There may be other codes that are a 2 piece housing but the above codes are the ones we have come across in our study and research. 

The codes below are 1 piece housings (the WRONG type):

TG5C7CVDAA (EZ30 Liberty / Legacy)

TG5C7CEDAA Liberty (2006 - 2009 Liberty / Legacy)

TG5C7CVDBA (2003 --2009 Liberty / Legacy H6 EZ30) 

TG5C7CVCBA (2003 - 2009 Outback H6)

TG5C7CEDBA (2006 - 2009 GT Liberty / Legacy Turbo)

Ratios explained:

The RGB's are available in 1:1 ratio or 1.19 reduction. Eg: If you are happy with the final drive of your transmission and you do not wish to change it, then you would purchase the 1:1 ratio RGB's. However, as an example, if you had a 4.11 final drive ratio and wanted to take it to 4.89 then you would purchase the the 1.19 reduction RGB's. 

Please see chart below for further explanation.