nipper

Ah ok, i didn't quite understand the parking brake relationship that you were speaking of. The gearing is different, I thought the AWD was different too, my mistake

How many miles? I would start with a good old fashioned full tuneup including the PCV valve. Throw a vacum gauge on it and see if the exhaust system is clogged. Check the operation of the engine coolant temp sensor. Also reset the engine map to stock and see what happens. How old is your timing belt?

I the son of the devil still in business? they have all closed in my area. Chain muffler shops are going that way too (thank goodness).

They can be as easy or difficult as you want, but I would say generally on a scale of 1-5 mostly a 2, 3 if you want to go and play in that area. No pressure, generally just a good day out. However, do bring a tow strap, a shovel, lunch, water, muncies and a change of shoes. If it is muddy this is some impressivly sticky mud, you will want another pair of shoes for the end of the day. http://www.flickr.com/photos/nipperdawg/sets/72157616150492945/

But 2wd would have made it just a FWD car dragging around a rear LSD diff. SVX also (if unmolested) had a differently calibrated AWD program then the other cars

DIsconnect the battery for 15 minutes and you would be good to go

The manual w/o variable control, acts just like an opn diff until it detects slip, then the vscous coupling hooks up to deliver power where it has to go. On dry ground there will be 50/50 split with a plain ol diff. The VLS retursn the power split to 50/50 but there will be some slippage untill it hooks up as this is a mechanical system. An automatic uses the computer to pulse the solenoid on and off. There is also a spool valve to control the amount of pressure to the clutch. the clutches are designed to tolerate some slippage, where as a normal clutch pack can not tolerate any slippage. The combination of all three with inputs from a yaw sensor, throttle, VSS's, and inhibitor switch will instantly manage any slippage. I think the yaw sensor makes it more proactive then other systems. I will look and see if I can find it, but someplace I saw the output signal for the C, its a square wave. Ideally, leave it be and its fine. I think the best way to deal with it is like other mfg's do with lockable center diff. They read the pulses for the spedo and when the speed gets to X for the car, the center diff automatically unlocks. This would be ideal to keep one from accidently keeping the clutchpack locked and then making a 500-900.00 mistake.

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/136753-nj-pine-barrens/?hl=%2Bpine+%2Bbarrens

Give us a year so we can help ya, it sounds like an easy fix

I found this, I found it informative. on how the vairable center diffs in the manuals work http://www.igotasti.com/vBforum/showthread.php?263-DCCD-info-and-FAQs

dropping the blower motor, you only have to clean out one side

Hrmmm Philadelphia... We have a gathering/run/mud slinging event coming up in April in the NJ pine barrens.... Welcome.

I don't hate you cause I can only fall out of the car to get out of it Pretty

Do you have a volt meter? I had to finally surrender on Blu where I just got a used one from a yard after three bad rebuilt ones in a row

AH ok i was doing research for the Offroad board and never quite found a complete listing before. I thought it was lost here when the site went poof. They are having a little hessitation as they are wondering if the stuff is legally free or not. Must be more of an issue in Ox then here.

End Wrench is gone but not forgotten. I found the most complete list of endwrench yet http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/--Articles--/--Endwrench--/

Are we talking about the seperation tank in the back of the car/ "bedside" is really throwing me off

Don't worry about asking questions that have been asked before as sometimes the search function can turn up so many hits it can be overwhelming. I am all for a 5sp upgrade for this car

Rut roh ... foaming is bad, very bad. Time for a compression test.

Yup sounds like you have a tired AWD unit. No need to have someone drive it. You are feeling a working Duty C solenoid with a clutch pack that is on its last legs.

What do you feel when making tight turns with moderate throttle? How many miles are on this car? it is sounding like the clutches may be tired.

But if the car is in sweet shape, would be a crime to cut it up

Is there room under the dash for a universal DIN mounting kit?

the very first thing to do would be the cheapest, flush the fluid, but I am going to lean towards a tired clutch pack.

I want the ability to turn it on and off. The ABS has a time and a place, but off roading and snow is not one of them.