RWD /4 WD conversion for 5EAT

[frank_ster]

the tranny is still working perfectly .. cant wait for snow ..

[RooTBeeR]

in for vids

[frank_ster]

well the 4wd definitely works. pulled out of a snow bank with a 1500 lb trailer dragging behind with no problem what so ever.

 

but the logic of the center differential clutch seems to be different than what i thought.

[RooTBeeR]

how so?

[frank_ster]

It doesn't always engage when i would expect it to..

 

i dont know if its a problem specific to my car, or thats the way it is.

[RooTBeeR]

I see. How do you engage or disengage it?

[frank_ster]

right now its activated via stock.

 

a few times i put the front wheels on pavement and rear on ice and the rears simply spun.

 

but playing in the snow the fronts are definitely engaged.

[RooTBeeR]

Hmm, well I have no idea how the center diff works.

Located in the trans, right?

[frank_ster]

^ it works like the dccd on sti's when in auto mode.

 

it works on a speed vs engine load map. or at least what the manual says.

 

more engine load more lock

 

more speed less lock.

[RooTBeeR]

But mechanically its some valves and clutches?

[frank_ster]

^ yes. there is hydraulic pump

12 volt control solenoid witch control fluid that pushes on a piston that squeeze clutches.

[RooTBeeR]

Did you mention before that the clutches don't hold as well as you had hoped?

[ClimberDHexMods]

The factory service manual explains it really well, is an interesting read

[frank_ster]

Did you mention before that the clutches don't hold as well as you had hoped?

 

well thats what i'm talking about .. untill yesturday i thought it was going to be a peice of shit. but its totally fine the front wheels are getting all the power they need.

[ClimberDHexMods]

If you put it in manual 1st gear, that center should lockup as hard as it's ever going to.

[frank_ster]

it doesnt ..

 

some thing changed at some point. i feel as if it used to do so. but now it doesn't ..

 

not sure if tcu issues or hydraulic issue.

Edited December 17, 2013 by frank_ster

[ClimberDHexMods]

Those center lockup frictions get worn, maybe that's it? They see the most dynamic friction of any clutch pack, and they are neither big or many.

[frank_ster]

i changed them. and no difference what so ever.

 

but it seems like an intermittent issue.

 

i checked the piston for travel and leaks and it was fine.

 

the gasket is good.

 

what would be left is putting a gauge in the test port.

Edited December 17, 2013 by frank_ster

[mrp669]

Did you ever sort the intermittent center diff slippage?

 

Does the driveshaft handle the abuse?

Edited January 27, 2018 by mrp669

[frank_ster]

drive shaft yes.. rear diff no ..

[Kozy]

Does the lack of a centre diff cause issues during turns when AWD is engaged?

[frank_ster]

Currently no. As it doesn’t transmit a lot of torque to the front wheels it’s exactly like stock as the transfer clutches are behaving the same. You can notice a bit of bind up in stock form when you put in manual 1 and turn the wheel all the way hold brakes and give throttle. The inside rear wants to skid. The way it currently is ithe front wheels are strong enough to spin on gravel , the transfer clutches don’t seem to get full pump pressure ever so a spring change can send more torque to the front wheels.

 

When it’s off and driving on snow or ice it’s quite hard to make a corner !

[FlatFourAutomotive]

Exploded my center diff launching too hard...

"Fixed" it by making the car rwd only(no center diff gears or clutches) / welded shafts together.

Front axles are still in( for speedo to work.)

Edited October 14, 2019 by FlatFourAutomotive