1989 GL wagon 4x4 5-speed. I assumed the front diff was just an open diff, but I notice when backing out of the driveway, for example, the car slows down much quicker than expected once I cut the wheel. And when turning on a wet surface, I can hear the tire screeching. It's like driving with 4wd on, but much less severe. My fuel economy and brakes are fine, so I don't think it's a stuck caliper or bearing issue. Is there a chance that I have a locking diff or LSD and not know?

Is there a chance that I have a locking diff or LSD and not know?

 

In the front? Absolutely not unless it was put in by a previous owner. A Front LSD was not available from subaru until the mid-90s in Japan, and 2004 STi in the US.

 

 

That said, any front diff designed for a subaru 5-speed would be a direct fit. I'm putting a Carbonetic front LSD, that's advertised for a 2002-2007 WRX, in an '80s trans. But, it's not cheap, and not a small project.....so highly unlikely.

Hmm, I doubt it. It hasn't been modified in any other way, so I doubt that was done to it. Any other ideas as to what could be causing this?