Sharing a couple pics here because i think you chaps might enjoy them.  I managed to get my brumby together in time for the Cannonball Run here in NZ.  I had a few small issues i might mention in case anyone wants to chime in with some advice.

 

1) RHF Outer CV joint started to seize and run super hot.  Massive shuddering in the steering and dangerous handling ensued.  I was a few hundred miles from home so cut the CV boot off and doused it with CRC/WD40.  With repeated applications, it came smooth and would run quietly for about 50km between re-lubes.  Covered another 600km since that fix and now im home safe so its time to fix it.  Had never seen one seize before!

 

2) To take the load off the front axles, i used 4WD for short stints on the highway.  I discovered the rear diff is whisper quiet in 2WD but howls like a woman scorned in 4WD.  I wonder whats broken in there.

 

3) Oil pressure was iffy at best.  I dont trust my save-barn gauges much since their tachometer is a blatant liar, but it indicates about 10-15psi hot idle with 30psi highway running.  Getting a maximum of 45psi when warming up on the way to work.

 

Enough text, PICTURES!

 

Oh yeah, and what it looked like back in October...

It's going to whine/howl in 4wd on pavement since the transmission and the rear differential are traveling at different speeds causing torque bind. Which will cause major damage to the transmission, rear differential, and will wear out your tires a lot faster.

Oh and who doesnt love a bit of video, this was the last part of the event

 

Also i dont buy the torque bind theory since the howl was dependant on throttle and speed.  My Legacy is quiet even with the center diff locked up lapping roundabouts in the dry.

_{You did check to make sure you had oil in the rear end!  If that is okay it my be your universal joints. On my 87 even though they were turning all the time it was fairly quiet until I would lock it in 4 wheel drive. Looks like you had a blast!!}

Is that standard suspension? She looks real low in the back in that last pic befor it was painted?

One of the previous owners clocked the torsion bars.  I've raised it since then as it was sat on the bump stops.

Edited February 17, 201412 yr by keltik

It's going to whine/howl in 4wd on pavement since the transmission and the rear differential are traveling at different speeds causing torque bind. Which will cause major damage to the transmission, rear differential, and will wear out your tires a lot faster.

That's ASSUMING his front and rear tires are different sizes. I used to drive my d/r EA82 GL on the interstate in 4wd all the time, never hurt it. Even after miles and miles it would slip right out of 4wd hi without having to force it. If it was binding it wouldn't have let go so easy.

That looks like a blast! i want to do join something like that, cant find anything around here though!