[fozzytimmy45678]

So I have a 2003 Forester X 4EAT and a 2006 Outback Limited 4EAT.

It is my understanding from reading MANY threads on here (with somewhat conflicting information) that my cars USUALLY have about a 60/40 split front to rear if in Drive. And that sometimes it can get at slanted as 90/10, and sometimes as even as 50/50.

I have also read that if you start in 1 or 2 (meaning shifter is in 1 or 2, not 1st or second gear in Drive) that the split is automatically 50/50 and that a clutch prevents binding in turns.

Is this true?

I have done searches that led me to this conclusion, but I read some other information that claims that each transmission and model year are different. My purpose for this is for slow offroad driving, and/or getting up and down a steep driveway with snow on it when we're in the mountains. I want to know if there are any benefits to keeping it in 2nd other than the engine braking to limit speed without brakes.

Thanks!

 

[adc]

This has been addressed a thousand times on here...with multiple corrections, additions, deletions, flames, threats, death wishes...

I'm sure someone will respond.

 

[fozzytimmy45678]

HAHAHA I know. That's why I am so confused.

Maybe have a sticky that simply states clearly.

"IF YOU HAVE THIS TRANSMISSION YOUR DEFAULT (BEFORE INCLEMENT CONDITIONS) DRIVE SPLIT IS ___ WHILE IN DRIVE AND ___ WHILE IN 1 or 2 ON THE SHIFTER"


I almost did want to ask due to all the conflicting information I have read. I am tempted to just call/write Subaru. It's not in the Subaru AWD explained doc, or the manual (so no RTFM threats), etc...

 

[The Rookie]

If you have the MPT layout, then its mostly 90:10 progressing to a NOMINAL (not real) 50:50 as the transfer clutch locks.

If you have VTD then its always the static torque split (60:40 is quoted, but its actually about 57:43 if you measure it) unless slip occurs when the torque split will depned on the amount of locking of the controlled clutch pack within the centre diff.

Simon

 

[fozzytimmy45678]

So: I have the MPT.

I know the 90:10 and 50:50 part. However, what I am asking is this: Will starting out with the shifter in 1 or 2 give me full time 50:50? I get conflicting answers on this. I am beginning to think that no one knows.

 

[funkymonkey1002]

So: I have the MPT.

I know the 90:10 and 50:50 part. However, what I am asking is this: Will starting out with the shifter in 1 or 2 give me full time 50:50? I get conflicting answers on this. I am beginning to think that no one knows.

Yes it will. If you go out and play in the snow you can really see how it reacts. 1&2 gives you the split, but in 1 you'll just spin all 4 tires. Theres also a mod to force the MPT to lock up. The mpt unfortunately is a pretty terrible setup for offroading, but is pretty good for a daily driver. The VTD setup is very good, I'm pretty disappointed that subaru didn't put it in all XT models at least.

 

[pleiad7]

From my (not so pleasant) experience of placing my 04 FXT 4EAT on a Dynapack dyno a long time ago, I can positively confirm that the fronts and rears spin at the exact same rate in 1st and 2nd gear... so yes, 50:50 is correct.

 

[fozzytimmy45678]

That's exactly what I wanted to hear.

As for testing it on snow... that will have to wait until we move. We don't get too much down here.

 

[fozzytimmy45678]

Oh, and thank you for the help.