FWD vs AWD

trueblue · #1 04-12-2010, 01:29 PM

Has any one driven both an AWD and a FWD SVX? Does it make a difference in the handling and feel of the car in normal driving? I am sure AWD is more sure footed around curves and spirted driving.
If I use a JDM tranny to replace my slipping one it will be FWD only because of the different gear ratio used in Japan.

Any info would be apreciated.

Sean486 · #2 04-12-2010, 01:36 PM

Why would you use a JDM one, I thought the JDM trannys wouldn't work with a US TCU?

1986nate · #3 04-12-2010, 02:40 PM

Do the repair the correct way. You can find 4.44 geared transmissions with a rear end with under 100k for about $500 and some places may be willing to ship it freight. I'd even be able help you out with finding one since it seems there are not many Subies in the south. Using the JDM transmission is possible but why?

b3lha · #4 04-12-2010, 03:04 PM

I strongly suggect that you don't buy a JDM trans. It's not a straightforward swap even for an expert. You have to replace more than just the trans to make it work properly.

Crazy_pilot · #5 04-12-2010, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueblue

If I use a JDM tranny to replace my slipping one it will be FWD only because of the different gear ratio used in Japan.

What are you saying here? Are you thinking of taking an AWD transmission and simply not connecting the driveshaft in order to not have to buy a matching rear end? Because if that's your thought process it's going to end in abysmal failure.

Was there ever a FWD JDM SVX?

1986nate · #6 04-12-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

Was there ever a FWD JDM SVX?

There was never a FWD SVX anywhere other than here in the US.
Just flat out, don't buy the JDM trans. It is full of fail unless you want to do all of the proper work which is going to be way more expensive in the long run.

trueblue · #7 04-13-2010, 12:57 AM

Wow I have read all the comments and it seems like JDM will be a big problem.

Since I am interested in an automatic I thought this would be the cheapest way to get back on the road.

I did ask the supplier on EBAY if it was a direct swap. He answered me yes it is a direct swap and I can use my usdm tcu. I also asked if he could supply a matching rear end, he did not answer that question, so I guess he can not.

My thinking was, if the car handles pretty much the same I would use it as a FWD unless I needed AWD in the snow or mud. I could then plug in the AWD fuse and with the lack of traction on mud or snow the different gear ratio would not matter. Is my thinking flawed?

Further more I did not know I could get a 4.44 or any tranny that cheap. The JDM is $400.00 plus shipping. Maybe $550.00 delivered to me.

I welcome a source here in the Mid South (Memphis Area) to get a replacement tranny. Can you help me find one! I have not found a SVX at any of the wrecking yards I have been to in the area.

1986nate · #8 04-13-2010, 01:01 AM

The suppliers of the JDM transmissions truly do not know how everything functions and are honestly just trying to sell the stuff that they can get for super cheap to unsuspecting buyers. It is possible to swap the front differential onto the JDM transmission to retain the same gear ratio between front and rear diffs but you still run into the large problem of the TCU. The US TCU will not function at all with the JDM transmission and you will have nothing but problems and as I said before, it will cost you a lot more in the longrun

SilverSpear · #9 04-13-2010, 01:36 AM

Why you guys find it too hard to repair slipping trannies?

4 years ago mine started slipping in 2nd. I removed it from the car, put it on the garage floor, next to it a looooong piece of cloth and started tearing it down and the progress was organized on that piece of cloth until I reached the bottom.

Went to a new japanese parts shop (yeah we do have generic parts shops), bought the discs (3$/ea. if I still remember correctly, got the 2nd and 3rd since the rest were practically brand new), a new brake band (all from the 94 Nissan Pathfinder) and put it back again. Difficulty was 5/10.. costed me around $80 in parts.

92 SVX · #10 04-13-2010, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueblue

Wow I have read all the comments and it seems like JDM will be a big problem.

Since I am interested in an automatic I thought this would be the cheapest way to get back on the road.

I did ask the supplier on EBAY if it was a direct swap. He answered me yes it is a direct swap and I can use my usdm tcu. I also asked if he could supply a matching rear end, he did not answer that question, so I guess he can not.

My thinking was, if the car handles pretty much the same I would use it as a FWD unless I needed AWD in the snow or mud. I could then plug in the AWD fuse and with the lack of traction on mud or snow the different gear ratio would not matter. Is my thinking flawed?

Further more I did not know I could get a 4.44 or any tranny that cheap. The JDM is $400.00 plus shipping. Maybe $550.00 delivered to me.

I welcome a source here in the Mid South (Memphis Area) to get a replacement tranny. Can you help me find one! I have not found a SVX at any of the wrecking yards I have been to in the area.

My understanding of the jdm transmission is its rear biased, 36/64 are the numbers I read so if you did put that in and even with the fuse, which on that transmission actually locks it 50/50 I also read you will not be able to run it as you plan. I also have read you can get the rear diff gears out of several outbacks you may have to use your vlsd to keep the rear limited slip though.
Tom has his working with the us tcu though he did have to put a switch on the solenoid c wire to keep it from always running in 50/50
I think all the work done would make it worth it but finding the jdm tcu to make things work correctly would be the biggest problem and if your not interested in a rear biased awd then just find one of the transmissions that will work from other subarus.

trueblue · #11 04-13-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92 SVX

My understanding of the jdm transmission is its rear biased, 36/64 are the numbers I read so if you did put that in and even with the fuse, which on that transmission actually locks it 50/50 I also read you will not be able to run it as you plan. I also have read you can get the rear diff gears out of several outbacks you may have to use your vlsd to keep the rear limited slip though.
Tom has his working with the us tcu though he did have to put a switch on the solenoid c wire to keep it from always running in 50/50
I think all the work done would make it worth it but finding the jdm tcu to make things work correctly would be the biggest problem and if your not interested in a rear biased awd then just find one of the transmissions that will work from other subarus.

Thanks for your reply. That is the type of solid infomation that I needed. It looks like 4.44 here I come.

Now I am curious about handling between a FWD and a AWD SVX, can anyone answer that question.

NeedForSpeed · #12 04-14-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueblue

Has any one driven both an AWD and a FWD SVX? Does it make a difference in the handling and feel of the car in normal driving? I am sure AWD is more sure footed around curves and spirted driving.
If I use a JDM tranny to replace my slipping one it will be FWD only because of the different gear ratio used in Japan.

Any info would be apreciated.

Harvey is correct is saying that no way can you do this. If you installed a US AWD transmission of a different ratio, my experience is that you can do this, for a while anyway.

If you install the fuse when running a US-style (non-VTD) transmission, essentually, you make the car front drive. When we swapped our 4.111 trans, we ran the fuse with the rear 3.545 rear diff still in the car. However, this is not a great idea, unless careful. We drove the car up and around a steep drive, and broke a sprag.

The VTD power to the rear can not be disabled by the fuse. The importers have many transmissions from japan, most ARE the US style. Get one of those if you must, but know that a VTD will not work as you suggest.

Keep us posted

trueblue · #13 04-14-2010, 11:32 PM

The VTD power to the rear can not be disabled by the fuse. The importers have many transmissions from japan, most ARE the US style. Get one of those if you must, but know that a VTD will not work as you suggest.

Keep us posted

[/QUOTE]

Thank you all for your input. I see my idea was invalid, I have come to my senses and will look for a 4.44 conversion. I just have to find someone to install it. I hate going to a dealer for service but I may have to for this. Do you think a Subaru dealer can handle the rear end transplant?

huck369 · #14 04-15-2010, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueblue

The VTD power to the rear can not be disabled by the fuse. The importers have many transmissions from japan, most ARE the US style. Get one of those if you must, but know that a VTD will not work as you suggest.

Keep us posted

Thank you all for your input. I see my idea was invalid, I have come to my senses and will look for a 4.44 conversion. I just have to find someone to install it. I hate going to a dealer for service but I may have to for this. Do you think a Subaru dealer can handle the rear end transplant?

[/QUOTE]

Ken,
A good transmission shop would be better for the rear end swap, and would be good for the transmission too....and probably a little cheaper than a Subaru dealer.
Make sure you get a 98-back tranny, the newer ones with the spin on filter aren't a direct swap.