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is permanent 4wd suitaable?
Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 6:45 pm
by Learner
hi, i would like to know if permanent 4wd (l series) would be suitable for offroading.
cheers
Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 7:02 pm
by Fang
Permanant or "Full Time" 4WD L Series gearboxes are okay for offroading. Locking the centre diff on one makes it drive like a regular L Series with standard 4WD.
However, the low range on the Full Time 4WD boxes is not as good for 4WDing as a stardard L. A Full Time box has a low of 1.196 and a Standard L Box has 1.592. You can swap the lows if you have the bucks or the know how.
Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 12:53 pm
by Gremlins
The most common full time box seen in this country at least was only a single range. If you don't have the dual-range it will definitely limit your ability when offroading.
Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 1:04 pm
by El_Freddo
Hey Learner,
Liberty and other AWD boxes after the L series AWD don't come with the centre diff lock, rather they rely on a centre limited slip diff when off roading - apparently the load rating of these change from the standard bottom line subaru (weak loading) upto the STI (strongest)...
If you've got an L series the hi/lo 4wd will be sufficient, but don't drive around on hard surfaces in 4wd all the time (this includes hard dirt roads that give no slip) - this will cause binding in the drivetrain leading to something breaking. When 4wding it is normal to feel some binding happening, but once you lift a wheel off the ground or reach a gravelly/slippery area it will take care of itself.
Hope this is of some use.
Cheers
Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 1:15 pm
by Fang
Gremlins wrote:The most common full time box seen in this country at least was only a single range. If you don't have the dual-range it will definitely limit your ability when offroading.
Agreed - having no low range would be woeful
Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 11:36 pm
by Learner
thx u all.. still looking at vehicules avaiable around... found a l series 1994 very good condition but got sold by the time i could go test it. now i'm on a liberty 1991. what prices am i looking at?
Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 4:25 pm
by Phizinza
On a standard gen 1 liberty... $600 to $5000 depending on what condition it's in and how far it's been...
I've seen a L series with a EJ20t and a Forester D/R box (AWD, VLSD centre diff.) Looked fun, but not my style of offroading.