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So my friend the subaru mechanic told me about an idea he had that got me interested and im wondering if anyone has done this.He said that hypothetically the gearbox countershaft/pinion shaft from an outback could be modified to fit a dual range box allowing 4.11 in the d/r trans since the carrier and all will fit,and then just need to put in the matching rear diff.Perhaps you guys in australia already have sweet stuff like this from the factory im not sure but over here in the u.s. it would be more than likely a first,anyone done this?

Yep I am running a 4.11 AWD D/Range with the 1.59 'L' series low range....

I'm running a 4.111 ratio dual range gearbox which came standard in a 1999 Outback. Unfortunately this gearbox is still standard and running the standard "not-so-low" range gearing. Being a "late model" gearbox I apparently can't run the L series low range

going off the specs in the 1992 subaru manual i downloaded from here, the d/r gearbox out of an 1800 has both 4.11 diff ratio and 1.592 low range. I am led to believe that the 2.0L forester also has 4.11 but a 1.44 low.

You might as well install L series 1.59:1 in Liberty or outback box.
Cheers
AP

My manual 1999 Outback (EJ25) came stock with 4.111 ratios. I've since had that changed to 4.444, and also had the Scorpion low range reduction gearset fitted. End result works very well.
http://scorpionsubaru.com/low.htm

Jack

AlpineRaven wrote:You might as well install L series 1.59:1 in Liberty or outback box.
Cheers
AP

umm...why? what is wrong with a forester or say an impreza box?

Point wrote:umm...why? what is wrong with a forester or say an impreza box?

Its even lower range! good for creeping along!!
Factory Liberty with 3.7 & 3.9 D/R boxes are 1.19:1
Cheers
AP

but if we can confirm the EJ18 impreza ratios....supposed to be 1.59 low and 4.11 diffs . so is lower than the converted lib without opening the box. sounds better to me. so long as the box is the same strength.

Jack wrote:I've since had that changed to 4.444

How?????

Apparently this message is too short

Point wrote:but if we can confirm the EJ18 impreza ratios....supposed to be 1.59 low and 4.11 diffs . so is lower than the converted lib without opening the box. sounds better to me. so long as the box is the same strength.

It does, but where would you find an impreza box!? They're harder to find than Liberty box & on top of that - history of the box!.
Cheers
AP

Hmm..as i suspected.Over here in the states the last year for any dual range was 89,since then there is nothing but awd single range and all d/r's that did come here were 3.90.

pretty sure 4.11 and 4.44 pinions will bolt in to a liberty dual range box no mods
dont know about the late model boxes haven't had one apart

if anybody has done this is the front diff different if it is you may have to change the diff bearing cups and reset the backlash for the front diff with the big nut things in each case where the cvs connect

mattl200 wrote:pretty sure 4.11 and 4.44 pinions will bolt in to a liberty dual range box no mods
dont know about the late model boxes haven't had one apart

if anybody has done this is the front diff different if it is you may have to change the diff bearing cups and reset the backlash for the front diff with the big nut things in each case where the cvs connect

On my 1999 Outback, when the front 4.444 crown wheel was swapped into the dual range gearbox, it needed some machining on a lathe to make it fit into the available space. I can't remember the technical name of the face that requires machining, or how much metal was removed (yes, I know that I'm mechanically challenged ) , but Brett or Dave should be able to explain the process to you if you want to know how it's done.

Jack

Ok,so basically what i'm thinking now is that i should see about getting my hands on an aussie or jdm maybe countershaft/pinion and putting it in my box with an outback front diff.Our outbacks are all 4:11 so that would be easy,but i would love the 4.44 diff and pinion!!!!

If anyone has any of this stuff around,which is apparently common for you guys let me know,i'd be willing to pay the rediculous shipping for this stuff.

Jack wrote:On my 1999 Outback, when the front 4.444 crown wheel was swapped into the dual range gearbox, it needed some machining on a lathe to make it fit into the available space. I can't remember the technical name of the face that requires machining, or how much metal was removed (yes, I know that I'm mechanically challenged ) , but Brett or Dave should be able to explain the process to you if you want to know how it's done.

Jack

Where did the crown wheel come from and does it adversely affect highway running much?

do the maths. 4.44 compared to 4.11 diffs is about a 7.5% increase in RPM for the same speed.

My 4.11 auto box converted to 4.44 now does 2700rpm @ 100kph, used to be 2500RPM

That's not so bad. I've currently got a 3.7 box with 15" wheels that does 130kph in 5th at 3000rpm.

You can buy brand new 4.444 crown and pinions from Subaru. Mine were sourced from donor secondhand Subaru's that came with 4.444 as OEM parts.

As mentioned above, rev difference is only 200 rpm and my observation is that fuel economy hasn't noticeably changed. From a driving perspective, my Outback now has improved low rpm response, a lower low range, and holds 5th gear in hilly country more comfortably.

There are quite a few different combinations you can run in a Subaru DR box but to fit a lower low range into a Liberty box or a lower diff ratio there needs to be machining done to both the internal components and the casing. If you are not mechaincally apt you can get out of your depth pretty quick. I dont know where you are from Boobaru but if your in SE Qld we can help you out in person.