Converting AWD to 2wd RWD w/ pics

[CoastalDyno]

I'm doing this thread because I had such a hard time finding someone with the right info. Much thanks to Jeff Perrin.


First off locate a spare center differential. Check the boards or some of the Subaru junkyards on line. You should be able to get one for around 200 or less.

Take it apart. Completely. Don't worry about remembering how to put it back togather. This is easily accomplished by removing the snap ring on the top plate and tapping on the internals with a punch, chisel, your head, whatever...

Now seperate the parts into two piles. This is what your paperweight pile should look like.

[CoastalDyno]

This is the 3 pieces you will be reusing. The top plate, the main body, and the top part of the spider gears which previously sandwiched the clutch packs to the top plate

[CoastalDyno]

Now stick the top part of the spider gears and the top plate back togather minus the clutch pack and etc...make sure you clean everything very well before you do this. Now weld a bead all the way around these two pieces. This is hardened steel, you'll need a big welder, a 110 wont do the job.

[CoastalDyno]

Now after that cools off stick the assembly you just welded togather back into the main body.

[CoastalDyno]

Now weld a bead all the way around the seam between the top plate and main body. Now you have a 2wd or RWD center differential for dyno testing or the like. Installing it is your problem, but I'm sure you can figure that out.

[BamBooI]

cool nice job.

[Weeeeeeeeeeeeee]

nice, converting a subaru to rwd. wouldnt that be better on the track than awd cause you wouldnt suffer that awd loss? or am i totally wrong and i should stab myself in the eye with a rusty spoon?

[afpdl]

No your right it would be good for the track provided you have some slicks to make up for the lack of awd.

[Weeeeeeeeeeeeee]

kk so for the track it's safe to assume (with sticky tires)
rwd>awd>fwd?

[afpdl]

As long as we are talking about the 1/4 mile track yes. AWD is only usefull in the 1/4 for running on street tires.

[KurleeDaddeeWRX]

Thank you for the detailed pics. Very good information.

Please move this to tutorial, since this is a how to.

[Night Kid]

have you installed this in your car yet? how does it feel?

[Compressed]

Very cool. Have you installed this yet? If so, how about a report of how it behaves, i.e did you pick up alot of topend? Also what is your reason for this mod? The main reason I see for it is on a track/road racing car. Is this your intended use?

neway thumbs up for the initiative.

[CoastalDyno]

well i originally did it for dyno stuff only, but let me tell you a 300RWHP WRX is tons of fun on the road.

[wizzed]

Cool, ive been looking for something like this myself as our workshop only has 2wheel dyno. Did you have to take the box out to fit or only take the rear cover off incar? Also do you have to remove the front drive shafts while in use? Any problems with the rear diff getting all the power...