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Early this year I posted a few queries regarding converting a FWD L sedan to 4WD. Well now its done, and I found a lift kit at pick-a-part that the attendent thought were just scrap bits of steel and ended up gettin it for free. I have also thrown some 195/75/R14 retreads on it

I started off not knowing a heap about subarus and bought myself an MY wreck thinking I could just use the running gear out of that - gee was I wrong. First I put the box in thinking it was a 5 speed - ah no - it was a 4 speed. Ended up using basically nothing except the rear diff - they seem to be the same for L's - and the sunraysias.

Probably spent a bit more coin than I would have liked - but the free lift was a bonus.

Kept worrynig that the rear was a heap higher than the front, and after experimenting with heaps of different struts and springs etc, I eventually got it right. I now have adjustable front and rear struts.

My old man kept badgering me to make sure it was roadworthy - so I have just had it inspected and certified by a VASS engineer - In victoria you have to do this for just about anything you do to a vehicle - wouldn't be suprised if bleeding the brakes requires certification these days..!

Was worried that the centre bearing mount I made was dubious (see pic) - copied that design off baron - thanks mate, but the engineer said it was fine.

Gee its amazing how this modification bug takes hold!!! I would have sworn black and blue six months ago that the 4WD mod was enough but I called some wreckers today regarding used EJ20Ts..... I am seriously thinking about embarking on a conversion now... Learnt a lot from the last mod project though, and now know not to jump into these things too quickly.

Finished product


Under seat


Note Centre Bearing Mount


Lift kit is prob pretty shit - SHS with a piece of CHS as sleeve on bolt shank - engineer didn't seem to care, so Im happy

a while ago were you in pt lonsdale victoria..... parked in Jacqulin crt near the footy oval?
i swear i saw that lifted soob there!
nice ride

All together, how much did you end up spending getting -

4WD gearbox,
Fuel tank,
Drive Train,
rear diff
and rear struts?

How long did the project take you?

I've always dreamt doing that kind of project converting an FWD sedan to 4WD.

Isn't that one... that i saw in Brunswick or around that area a while ago?
Cheers
AP

a while ago were you in pt lonsdale victoria..... parked in Jacqulin crt near the footy oval?
i swear i saw that lifted soob there!

Sure were dude!! My folks have got a place in Jacqueline Crt. That was were I first tried out the 4WD. The marshy land on swan bay at the back of the Lonsdale Lakes complex is fun for a bit of a muck around - they have blocked off the entrance I used to use now - do you known any good spots around there.

Isn't that one... that i saw in Brunswick or around that area a while ago?

Hell Yeah!! I live in Nth Carlton so I don't reckon thered been too many other lifted sedans with stripes. You should leave a note on my window next time or something. Where abouts are you alpine_raven?

As for cost - I bought the MY for $250 which was pretty much an expensive second hand rear diff in the end - thats all I used out of that vehicle.

Other than that, I did everything on the super cheap - pick-a-part is where its at. Its amazing how much stuff you can hide in a stanley tool box!!

4WD gearbox $150 - was pretty sceptical about its quality but It has been great so far

Fuel tank, - FWD sedans are set up for 4WD so the tank already has the 'scallop' that houses the rear diff. Didn't need a new one

Prop Shaft, Rear suspension sub-frame, rear trailing arms, rear and front struts, rear diff yolk - $300-400 I guess.

If I had my time again Im sure I could do it heaps cheaper - but I guess everyone says that .... The biggest waste of cash was my preoccupation that the rear was a heap higher than the front. I bought a few different sets of rear struts, swapping FWD springs into 4WD struts and all sorts of things..... It became a bit of an unfounded hang-up I guess, as all the L's are slightly higher at the back. What finally made me content was when I put 4WD adjustable fronts in and cranked them as high as they would go. Now its fine - Wheel camber is a little exagerated though..

Hell Yeah!! I live in Nth Carlton so I don't reckon thered been too many other lifted sedans with stripes. You should leave a note on my window next time or something. Where abouts are you alpine_raven?

Ah!!!! that is your car!!! I quickly drove past on other day but was in a hurry, saw a lifted leone and desperatly wanna have a look at it but had a mate in my car (who really hates me "looking at cars"), but didn't really pay attention as i was in hurry, if I came back another day there would've been a low chance it wouldn't be there again... I am from Braybrook but regularly drives thru Brunswick/Carlton Nth/Carlton as I have friends in that area....

But mate, I would love to have another look at it some day If I see it again even have a look under it.

I knew I could do that kind of project for below $700 with 15" pug rims, 4WD gear etc... I've been looking around for a cheap leone sedan for a while, missed out a couple or left behind others due BAD BAD RUST! so trying to locate a fair good one.

Pick-a-part is fablous place to source cheap parts, even dual range gearbox & Rear diff!! I know you could get a rear diff from P-A-P for $80 as I got one recently. - Famous thing (been there done that and still do it!)... plenty of room in your tool box, but hide small bits at the bottom with tools on the top of it heh
Cheers
AP[/quote]

pop around anytime mate - ill send you my addy and Ph no. in a PM - id be interested in seeing yours too. I was chatting to xaymaca and we reckon it time to give the vic contingent a bit of off-road representation. We should go somewhere one weekend sometime.

Have you guys got recovery gear? What you upto next weekend? I call a trip to Bunyip is in order!

I need other people to go with, and I have no recovery - the only 2 thing stopping me!

Let's do it! Give's you an excuse to properly test out your 4WD mate!

yeah ill be in that

should be able to russle up some gear

Subarooted - Were the rear diff mount hanger thingies in the 2WD car already, or did you have to add these too? (I've heard differing stories).