I have a 88' DL Wagon ( Loyale ?? ) and I know nothing about Soobs, but want to learn as I love driving the little guy. I have some trouble powering out on a hill I climb to go hunting, and have been wondering about Low Range in Subarus. Is it built into the Transmission itself or the Transfer-Case or are they one and the same ?????

It's built into the transmission, so if you have a car with no low range, you would have to swap in a dual range tranny. It's definitely worth it!

The low range (which you car would have if it were a GL) is a two speed (under and direct) unit on the main drive gear (input shaft) of the transaxle that has them. Subaru's version of a transfer case is in the rear of the transaxle and is front wheel drive until you engage the rear. A transaxle swap to a dual range from a GL will get you the low range (1.59 to 1 reduction)

The low range (which you car would have if it were a GL) is a two speed (under and direct) unit on the main drive gear (input shaft) of the transaxle that has them. Subaru's version of a transfer case is in the rear of the transaxle and is front wheel drive until you engage the rear. A transaxle swap to a dual range from a GL will get you the low range (1.59 to 1 reduction)

 

Here's a pic to follow on from what capn r said:

 

 

Gearset in order of appearance: 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, reverse, 1st, diff and low range gearing above the diff on the input shaft.

 

As mentioned, you can see the low range gearing on the input shaft. Out the back on the opposite end of the pinion shaft from the diff is the gear that is part of the rear drive, the locking mechanism isn't in this photo as it's all in the rear housing - and very complicated too.

 

If you don't have dual range, definitely drop it in, even an old EA82 will feel like its pulling like a tractor when in low range compared to high range

 

Cheers

 

Bennie

Edited July 4, 201114 yr by el_freddo