i have a 1980 gl hatchback (ea71 4x4 4 speed and all that good stuff) and in my manual it doesnt give me any speed limit, and or shifting limit for the four wheel drive. what speed can i safely(mechanically) drive it in. i know not to when turning, or to use different sized tires. but i wanna go on dirt trails pretty fast. so help me out brothas. thanx.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

subarus ROCK!!!!

as for doin is safely no more than 45 is what the factory booklet says..

 

although i drove mine in 4low 60-65mph 300 miles on dry pavement, no ill effects i noticed..

you can apparently shift into 4x4 at any speed, just use the clutch. really doubt you'll have problems using 4x4 at any speed you can attain in the dirt. Just be easy on it on the pavement. You will have to try reversing and turning, or break traction to unbind 4wd and allow it to switch if you have been driving on pavement.

The speed isn't the limitation. The problem is turning on pavement or high traction surfaces with the 4WD engaged. The binding can be inconvenent at best and destroy an axle or worse if you are unlucky. As long as you are using the 4WD off road OR on snowy roads (or other low traction surfaces) you are fine.

drive as fast as you want. i go 65 in 4x4, on county roads, and out in the field!

 

we had the rx up to 75 in lo, but the rx has a taller lo gear.

 

the book says no more than 45 because of fuel economy in mind.

 

just be sure to "stick to the rules" about using 4x on dry pavement..etc.....

heh, ohh yeah i got 26mpg in 4low on that 300 mile drive..

i used to hit this dirt road almost every day, and it was pretty squirley at 70 and up in 2wd, so... i used to drive in 4hi at 70+ with no problems.

ok thanx guys , ill keep all that in mind, i dont want to drive her on the road any way, so thats not the problem. i just want to go fast enough in the dirt to be dangerous. heh heh heh.

 

now im gonna go subaWOOHOOin.

what about the justy, i have a '88 justy that when its in 4wd, it whines, and doesnt seem to like it very much, do the same "rules" and limitations apply to her? thanx again