91 Legacy AWD troubleshooting

[FrozenNorthLGT]

So since I bought my 91 SS I have been skeptical about the rear wheels actually being driven. Its had a tranny and rear diff swap in its past, and I couldnt get the rear end to step out in the snow at all. Not a scientific way to tell I know, but I was mostly just playing around after I bought it. So tonight I did a rear diff fluid change because I have no idea when it was last done, and while I had it up in the air I did a test. My question is how much force should it take to stop the rear wheels spinning when the car is in the air, in drive? I could stop them with my foot, but it seemed to take a fair amount of force. Less than it took to stop the fronts in the same manner though.

[Legacy Wagon]

Shoot man...I'm lucky if I have my rear wheels moving in drive when it's up in the air. I think I have an e-brake issue that I've taken apart and cleaned an still returns, but yeah...your rear diff works and it seems to be ok. How was the diff fluid?

[FrozenNorthLGT]

Stinky, but no worse than normal used 80w-90...I forgot to try putting the FWD fuse in while it was up in the air. It was late and I was tired...lol. Im assuming that would cut ALL power to the rear wheels and make them not even spin when put in gear.

[Legacy Wagon]

Yeah, that's about right haha

 

It should, but I'm not 100% sure how that works. I mean, the driveshaft would still be connected so I would think it'd still be turning the rear wheels. Someone with more knowledge than me would have to fill you in.