The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Ok so you're probably thinking wtf is that and why would u wanna do it, so let me explain the idea first.
On an L series the handbrake hooks up to the front wheels- a cable from each comes out just below the handbrake. When offroading and u manage to get stuck with opposite wheels in the air or with no traction(aka open diff style), youre usually you're buggered and need a pull out because all the drive is going to the free spinning wheels.
But with a separate handbrake for the front wheels, if you lock up the wheel with no traction- by pulling the correct handbrake- then the power will be transferred to the other wheel which does have traction and it should help you out a bit.
Anyway andrewt gave me the idea so i tried it out- it was easy to do. Below are some pretty self explanatory pics on how to do it. Ive hardly tested it out offroad yet so more testing necessary but the concept does work as i can spin whichever front wheel i want. but this is sorta compromised as i coincidently got my diff welded in the same week. it might help in 3wd situations tho.
And also how ive got it atm it is totally reversible so if it doesnt prove very successfull/practical then i can remove it. But if it does help a bit then its a worthwhile mod for <$25. ill keep ya posted on how it goes


ok not the best example but imagine similar situation but not as bogged. my fav photo tho subarino has the perfect example in his video collection (post pls?)

If the braking force applied to the wheel in the air exceeds the force of the wheel still on the ground, then yeah it should work.

However I think you're going to find that it won't help too much. Theoretically its better than not having it, although practically I don't think it will offer much at all. The braking force of the Subaru handbrakes isn't a huge amount.

My 2c anyway.

i think you should carry a whole bunch of midgets in your boot to help recover you...(or subarino, cheap shot i know!)

alex

i have done the twin handbrake thingy, but the way i did it i lost some of the mechanical advantage over the cable and its currently too hard to pull on...

but i have been in the situation where its been majorly on 3 wheels and i got the handbrake on hard enough and it kept driving right through

its not very often you get to use it, but the odd occasion it does work!!


can you post pics up of how you did yours

cheers

aww i thought i was the only one lol.
nice to know it does help tho.
yeh i forgot to post pics on how i did it before so....

Due to the other mods u did in the same week (welded rear diff) i don't think this will ever help u get out of something. If you get stuck with your welded diff then your gonna need a snatch. I am willing to be proven wrong though. By therory u should be able to get further than my hatch now.

I forgot to add.. that without the welded diff then this idea might work... depends on your hand break force like Tim said.

Dave

yeh i already said about the welded it wont work as well. and yeh my handbrakes are still fully adjustable to i can get a fairly tight clamp on a wheel.

Well done on having a go at something like this, hope that it gives you some improvement.

Mike.

I agree with Mike.. anything that makes your L different from the rest is a GREAT mod. Even a gold bash plate... Alex... LOL

Dave

Sorry dave I have to dissagree about the gold bash plate .lol.

Mike.

ahaha yeh but i shouldnt talk my bash plate is shinier than that gold one ever was- tho this is galv steel silver lol

Interesting idea. Very similar theory about how the modern 4WDs work it with their hill climb & descent systems.
With these electronics, you can get away with having 3 fully open diffs, but you need an ABS system that can apply fluid pressure to a brake line, instead of releasing it (not quite as simple).

i had the same setup on my baja work ok got me out trouble . hehe didnt know handbrake was on from wheels .im new here lmao

I have just made this same mod to my car yet to take it out and see how well it
will work but soon enough we will no

lets see a pic mate

pics as asked

Them pics look like they were taken with the same camera that all the Loch Ness Monster and Big Foot photos were taken with. Very fuzzy... could actually be looking at anything... but with a little imagination you can sorta see it.

Dave

yer i think i shoud get a camera insted of using my fone all the time

I think I see a boogey man.

Jordan.

its done in such a way that i can remove it if i get a yellow sticker
thats my excuse