I've tried to get some info on performance on '05 in the reviews and it's just not there.
Post from 11/24 described the PITA for install, and noted a marked improvement, but I want some other opinions.

I know the '05 WRX steering rack is much improved over the '04. However, for a daily driver with occ. "spirited backroads driving", it's been suggested that the Whiteline rack bushings aren't really needed for the '05. (whereas many threads describe them as a "must do" for the '04)

Did the rack bushings truly change the steering feel on an '05 or is it one of those "maybe, kinda, I think I feel a difference" sort of mods???

(like strut bars or grounding system or K&N airfilter...those "couldn't hurt, but probably don't really do that much" kind of mods. OK, strut bars DO make a difference if your pushing the limits of the suspension. But I'm talking "daily driver" and twisties on the weekend.)

thanks,
DrNorm

 

In short, even for my05, they do make a difference.

 

I swapped mine the first month I had the car. They are a pita just because of space limitations. Just grease them up good and slide them around the rack. I did mine in the garage in about 2 hours.

The reviews I read about steering feel and feedback with these bushings prompted me to swap them, for 30 bucks and 2 hours why not. Of course I only drove around with the stock bushings for 1 month so I can't give you a good review of the stock bushing feel. Hope this helps.

 

I went ahead and had the steering bushings installed on my '05 last week.
There is certainly not a dramatic difference, but the steering does feel like there is a little less play. I haven't really done any serious, hard driving, yet.

For the relatively small price, I'd say it was a reasonable thing to do. It just seems a little "tighter" and solid. I definately like the way it feels, now, whether it is different than before or not. I would say that is the most important piece of info. I can't for sure say it made it better, but it did NOT make it worse and I like the way it now feels.

 

I have them in my '05 wagon. I wouldn't say they're "must-have". I'd say the difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

For the handling related mods I have, I'd say:

New sway bars = huge difference
New wheels/tires = huge difference
Springs/struts = big difference
strut bars = small/moderate difference
steering rack bushings = small difference

There are two bushings - the passenger side is circular and goes on easy. The driver's side is square and is the PITA, because there's enough other stuff nearby that it's tough to get room to work.

 

Are there 05 Specific rack bushings, or the Whitelines for <05's.