Since my 86 Brat does not have an owner's manual and I have not previously owned a shift-on-the-fly 4wd with manual transmission, I have a couple very basic questions:

1) When I shift into 4wd in my Brat, is there a top speed at which I can safely shift?

 

2) Should the clutch be depressed?

 

3) After disengaging, I needed to move a few feet in reverse in my Toyota 4Runner (manually locking hubs and automatic transmission). Is this necessary with the Brat?

 

4) Does anyone have an extra 86 owner's manual they'd like to sell?

 

Thanks for answering my noob questions. Merry Christmas all!

1) I don't think there is a top speed for 4wd high.

2) As a general rule, I just unload the drivetrain so that I know I don't have any wheels go faster than others.

3) Not necessary. There are no engaging/disengaging hubs. It is all done in the transmission.

4) I have none.

 

Based on what I know of the system, I would say that the linkage might need adjustment on the trans. I can't see anyway for binding to happen, as long as the lever is going down into the 2wd mode.

Edited December 20, 200916 yr by Qman

My '83 has problems sometimes going back into 2wd. I wonder if its because the axles are binding(from slight turning) or something like that.

If your tires are mismatched or improperly inflated (big differences) you will have problems getting out of 4WD on dry surfaces.

 

 

You only need the clutch when going in/out of Low range. High range just engages or disengages the rear output - since the rear wheels are spinning at the same speed as the front it will go in/out without issue at any speed - no clutch required. Just don't do it while turning on a hard surface or you will bind immediately.

 

GD

Edited December 20, 200916 yr by Qman

You can go into 4WDHI at any speed. However, you should not go into 4WDlo above 30mph. (It will drive faster than 30 just don't go into it above 30)

 

The clutch should be used when you shift into 4WD. Less pressure put on the drivetrain that way. And recommended by Subaru.

 

As already stated, different sized tires or pressures will cause binding. Also, make sure the wheels are all going straight. As turning can cause the system to not engage. Usually, if having trouble getting out of 4WD backing up will rid the bind.

 

Do not adjust the linkage unless you have a transmission manual. You should never have to adjust the linkage unless someone has already mis-adjusted the linkage.

 

I may have an '86 manual. I'll check and let you know.

Edited December 20, 200916 yr by Qman

1) When I shift into 4wd in my Brat, is there a top speed at which I can safely shift?

No faster than 80mph

 

 

2) Should the clutch be depressed?

Yes

 

3) After disengaging, I needed to move a few feet in reverse in my Toyota 4Runner (manually locking hubs and automatic transmission). Is this necessary with the Brat?

Subarus Do not have locking hubs... so, No

 

4) Does anyone have an extra 86 owner's manual they'd like to sell?

sorry, No.

 

Thanks for answering my noob questions. Merry Christmas all!

 

And as a general rule of thumb, you should never use 4WD on pavement. And especially if you have mis-matched tires.