Who runs a Leone S2 full-time 4x4 G'Box ?

henpecked · Post by **henpecked** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 7:58 pm

Hi , I'm wanting to get a first hand review of the benefits of running one of these boxes behind an EJ engine.

Who (if anyone) on this forum is running ( or has run ) this in a brumby or "L" wagon , and presumably behind a EJ ?

How does it perform for you on the road and in the bush ?

thanks

for those who don't know the low range and diff lock selectors look like this

henpecked · Post by **henpecked** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:08 pm

out of general interest here is apparently the gospel on the various transmissions subaru put behind this model, I'm looking for first-hand user info on the one in blue - which was available JDM and US markets I believe - although the one in green is really interesting - I'd never even read about it.

"The Leone III was available with NINE (!) different gearbox-versions all over the world ;D :

* 5 speed manual FWD
* 5 speed manual FWD with push-button-4WD (red button on the lever gets you in 4WD; not available in the estate versions)
* 5 speed manual FWD with low range (an extra lever get´s you into 4WD HI and 4WD LO; only estate versions)
* 5 speed manual AWD with central-difflock (permanent AWD, only Turbo in 1988 and 1989)
* 3 speed automatic FWD
* 3 speed automatic FWD with push-button-4WD (button on the lever; no estate versions)
* 3 speed automatic FWD with low range (extra lever for HI and LO; only estate versions)
* 4 speed automatic AWD with central-difflock (Turbo, except estate, only 1988 and 1989)
* 4 speed automatic AWD with central-difflock AND low range (only turbo-estate 1988 and 1989)

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:11 pm

One of the best boxes subaru ever made.
i've been running them for over 10 years, in L's, with EA's and EJ.
They solve the problem of the viscous coupling slipping when hard 4wdriving and give you reasonable constant 4wd while on the tar.
Main problems are the middle diff will wear out if not looked after (so be carefull when buying a box) and the diff ratio is 3.7, but this can be modified.

taza · Post by **taza** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 10:04 pm

I wish I had one, instead I'll be running a 20kg centre diff over the standard 4kg vlsd centee.

Post by **TOONGA** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 6:49 pm

henpecked wrote: * 5 speed manual AWD with central-difflock (permanent AWD, only Turbo in 1988 and 1989)

I have this one in my Vortex It is awsome

It is wrapped in an EJ case so it mates to my EJ22 very nicely, sadly it is only a single range box. I have heard there is a version that the USA got that was Dual range but if that is true I don't know.

TOONGA

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 7:01 pm

You can fit its gears into a dual range housing, all mine are.
Yes there were OEM dual range versions.

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:25 am

I'd higly recommend putting a front LSD in. I've got one in mine and there are times that if I didn't have the front LSD I'd be spinning one front wheel through tight corners. With the LSD it just powers on through.

Onroad I love it, offroad I'm the same - a true 4wd box like the stock pt4wd box.

Offroad, I must say that I've not used the stock diff ratio so running large tyres with this box would be about the same as the pt4wd box except for the drive ratios as they're different due to the turbo application of the box

Jules you can take that single range box, use the diff/pinion and the locking centre diff in any dual range EJ AWD gearbox to convert it to dual range

Cheers

Bennie

Post by **TOONGA** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 1:08 pm

Yeah Bennie I know but then I wouldn't have my turbo gearing

I love sitting at the lights next to V8's, and taking them by suprise when the light goes green. I always stop at the speed limit but they don't like being beaten off the mark at all.

As well I have yet to bog Jetcar Ive tried at a new test track full of canyonaro ruts and even with full tyre pressure I still made it through the track. This summer I'm hoping to run her up and down the beach (18psi in the tyres)

TOONGA

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 3:35 pm

TOONGA wrote:Yeah Bennie I know but then I wouldn't have my turbo gearing

I dont like the turbo gearing in mine - too bigger gap between 1st, 2nd and 3rd. 1st and 2nd is most noticable.

The turbo gearing would go awesome with 4.44 diffs I reckon, but I don't have a set of those and this gearset seems to be getting tired - first gear now whines when off throttle!

Cheers

Bennie

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Sat Jul 26, 2014 9:13 am

I have the Dual Range AWD with Centre Diff Lock in my RXII Coupe

I'm really pleased at how good the box works at high RPM.