Final questions for a 2wd to 4x4 conversion
- Lapsed
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Final questions for a 2wd to 4x4 conversion
I have heard that the clutch and the front drive shafts in a 4x4 are different to the 2wd version. is that true? also any tips/tricks with the conversion that any one knows about? when done i will hopefully do a write up to help others.
cheers chris
cheers chris
- Suby Wan Kenobi
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- tim_81coupe
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I think the driveshafts are the same in the L series, they are different in the MY's. The difference is internal in these, they still have 23 splines on the cup and slide into the same hubs.
There is a difference between the carby models and the MPFI / Turbo models, the inner cup goes to a larger 25 splines. If you have a carby model, use a 4x4 box from a carby model and it should be OK. Likewise if you have a turbo or MPFI, use a box from one of these. All said and done though its not that hard to change shafts, but it is more money and mucking around.
Didn't know there were several clutches, I thought the R397n was the only one, but I'm not certain on this.
There is a difference between the carby models and the MPFI / Turbo models, the inner cup goes to a larger 25 splines. If you have a carby model, use a 4x4 box from a carby model and it should be OK. Likewise if you have a turbo or MPFI, use a box from one of these. All said and done though its not that hard to change shafts, but it is more money and mucking around.
Didn't know there were several clutches, I thought the R397n was the only one, but I'm not certain on this.
82 MY Wagon, EJ20G
87 RX, EJ20G
89 Brumby, EA81
12 BRZ, FA20
87 RX, EJ20G
89 Brumby, EA81
12 BRZ, FA20
I have only done 4wd conversions several times with the MY models... im not sure if the same rules apply for the L series.
Front CV's were a different spline count so we changed all them and also changed the front brake rotors to suit the 4wd spline.
Tail shaft from the 4wd wagon fit the sedan. We had to swap the fuel tank also.... and the center console in the car. Back end bolted directly in with some minor modifications to add a bolt in point for the diff hanger on the passanger side i think it was.
And there was a difference in the clutches and we had to change them also with the flywheel.
Remember this was for an MY... not sure what applies to an L.
If your in Perth Lapsed there are a lot of people around here that would be willing to drop around and have a look and a chat with ya.
Dave
Front CV's were a different spline count so we changed all them and also changed the front brake rotors to suit the 4wd spline.
Tail shaft from the 4wd wagon fit the sedan. We had to swap the fuel tank also.... and the center console in the car. Back end bolted directly in with some minor modifications to add a bolt in point for the diff hanger on the passanger side i think it was.
And there was a difference in the clutches and we had to change them also with the flywheel.
Remember this was for an MY... not sure what applies to an L.
If your in Perth Lapsed there are a lot of people around here that would be willing to drop around and have a look and a chat with ya.
Dave
EJ conversion wiring harness cut downs available. Please PM or email ([email protected]) for details.
- Chris_Rogers
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- Chris_Rogers
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Well there are at least two types of clutches for the L-series gearboxes. I'm not sure if the diffenence is 4WD/2WD or turbo/non-turbo - however, if you've got a 3.9:1 gearbox I know it uses the same clutch as the turbo model 3.7:1 gearbox.
Monster Subaru sold to a good home!! Still a Subaru owner. Will try stay in the Ausubaru loop. Sorry 

- Chris_Rogers
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- tim_81coupe
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Its kind of hinted at, but not made clear & can be a bitch to do, but the fwd shell doesn't have the mounts for the centre bearing of the tailshaft welded in.
Cut the part of the trans tunnel where these mounts are and grind the floor off the mounts.
After the rest of the 4wd gear is fitted, bolt these mounts to the tailshaft.
Bolt the tailshaft into the car so you can line up the mounts to the underneath of the tunnel.
Put a couple of spot welds on them to temporarily hold them in place, then unbolt the tailshaft & remove it so you can do proper welds. Subaru puts them on with spots welds, but when I did mine, I had them fillet welded around the sides completely.
Don't forget to remove the front seats, centre console & lift the carpet up or you'll burn it with the welding.
Or you could just get a one piece tailshaft made up.
Cut the part of the trans tunnel where these mounts are and grind the floor off the mounts.
After the rest of the 4wd gear is fitted, bolt these mounts to the tailshaft.
Bolt the tailshaft into the car so you can line up the mounts to the underneath of the tunnel.
Put a couple of spot welds on them to temporarily hold them in place, then unbolt the tailshaft & remove it so you can do proper welds. Subaru puts them on with spots welds, but when I did mine, I had them fillet welded around the sides completely.
Don't forget to remove the front seats, centre console & lift the carpet up or you'll burn it with the welding.
Or you could just get a one piece tailshaft made up.
Current rides:
JDM GTII Touring wagon
88 RX Turbo Full-time 4wd touring wagon project - 97 Toyota Caldina GTT (turbo 4wd WRX eater:twisted:) - Hyundai Excel Rally Car
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Previous rides:
93 Legacy GT wagon - 85 RX Turbo Full time 4wd Touring Wagon - 85 GL AWD sedan
96 Toyota Caldina wagon
JDM GTII Touring wagon
88 RX Turbo Full-time 4wd touring wagon project - 97 Toyota Caldina GTT (turbo 4wd WRX eater:twisted:) - Hyundai Excel Rally Car

Previous rides:
93 Legacy GT wagon - 85 RX Turbo Full time 4wd Touring Wagon - 85 GL AWD sedan
96 Toyota Caldina wagon