drive in low range all the time

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:46 am

1999 Outback 5spd AWD dual range gearbox.
The dual range is the pretty poor 1.1:1 ratio one.

I've found with the big tyres I've got on the wagon now, the gearing is just too tall on the car. Even on the tarmac it's noticable that the revs are just too low driving along so it's fairly sluggish. I can comfortable just sit in 4th gear on the freeway.

I found a simple solution - just drive in low range all the time. Now it feels normal to drive again.

Just wondering is prolonged use of low range going to cause an issue?

*it's clear that I'm really going to have to do this transfer case conversion now, I really need low range offroad!

Matatak · Post by **Matatak** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:59 am

what Rpm are you at on 100?

mine use to be about 2400 at 100 in 5th and drove fine no need for 4th.

even at 70ks i culd use 5th easily (around 1700rpm)

Fang · Post by **Fang** » Sat Jan 31, 2009 4:44 pm

AndrewT wrote:I found a simple solution - just drive in low range all the time. Now it feels normal to drive again.

Thats what I do with my Full Time 4WD box - its got a 1.5 low and its a bit gearly - but is way better than in high range.

Only use high range on the highway.

Phizinza · Post by **Phizinza** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:20 am

I can't see any reason it would cause an issue. If it was a 1.59 however, then I can see maybe a problem if you drive hard and have a turbo motor on tarmac because of the extra torque the other gears have to put up with. But with just a N/A EJ and a 1.19:1 low range it shouldn't cause a problem

BrennyV · Post by **BrennyV** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:31 am

I run 29's on Leone with the ftawd box and shes fine. Tho I find the pissy low range (1.19:1) makes for easy putting around.

FROG · Post by **FROG** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 11:31 am

put 30000 klms on my old lib doing that used it like a six speed just drop high when the goings good had no probs and the dude that bought it still does the same and he hasnt come to see me for parts yet!

Suby Wan Kenobi · Post by **Suby Wan Kenobi** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 5:04 pm

The low range gearset is mounted on a double needle roller bearing so prolonged use shouldnt be an issue. I drove my Liberty around in low range only prior to turboing it.