How to know a "good" 6-speed
 

It is common knowledge that sometime Mazda started welding gears together that would / could separate on earlier versions of the 6-speed.

Apparently, the 2003 had welded gears, but have not heard of a VIN number cross, so did 2002 have them? 2001?

Also, XMSN's from UK or other countries. Do they have same VIN numbering as USDM? In other words, would there be a way to know if imported units have the stronger construction; once we determine a US VIN cut-in number?

DNM

Do we think the welded gear set changed at the same time the shifter did? Mid 2001 @ VIN 220739?

This is just hearsay, so YMMV, but I was told that it did not change at the same time the shifter did -- that would make it too easy.