Forester AWD question

[Stewart DIBBS]

I'm considering getting a used Forester, 2001-2002 vintage, almost certainly
a manual. As I understand it, the manual trans and auto trans have different
AWD systems. My question is

are both models "true" AWD all the time with a central differential action
thats progressively locked up depending on F/R slip, or mainly FWD with AWD
kicking when when needed?

SD

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I'm considering getting a used Forester, 2001-2002 vintage, almost certainly
a manual. As I understand it, the manual trans and auto trans have different
AWD systems. My question is

are both models "true" AWD all the time with a central differential action
thats progressively locked up depending on F/R slip, or mainly FWD with AWD
kicking when when needed?

SD

The manual has a Viscous Locking Center Differential. If one axle
slips 'enough' the CD will lock into 50/50 power distrubution. The
auto-trannies are capable of variable distribution with the 'duty
solenoid C'. I think the 'corporate' Subaru website, and probably the
Endwrench website will also have explanations. I dunno if the Forester
has a limited slip rear diff or not. If you anticipate regular use on
slippery services, a rear LSD would be very nice to have.
The STI has a different tranny from either the above, BTW.

Carl

 

[Ragnar]

I'm considering getting a used Forester, 2001-2002 vintage, almost certainly
a manual. As I understand it, the manual trans and auto trans have different
AWD systems. My question is

are both models "true" AWD all the time with a central differential action
thats progressively locked up depending on F/R slip, or mainly FWD with AWD
kicking when when needed?

SD

Auto trans is 90 FWD/10 RWD until it senses slippage.

Manual trans is 50/50 until slippage.

Manual is much more fun to drive.

 

[houndman]

The manual has a Viscous Locking Center Differential. If one axle
slips 'enough' the CD will lock into 50/50 power distrubution. The
auto-trannies are capable of variable distribution with the 'duty
solenoid C'. I think the 'corporate' Subaru website, and probably the
Endwrench website will also have explanations. I dunno if the Forester
has a limited slip rear diff or not. If you anticipate regular use on
slippery services, a rear LSD would be very nice to have.
The STI has a different tranny from either the above, BTW.

Carl

What the Sube site showed for the manual was, 50/50 till slippage,
and then it could go 100/0 either way. They don't say it could go
anyplace in between, but would think it could.

VF

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I'm considering getting a used Forester, 2001-2002 vintage, almost certainly
a manual. As I understand it, the manual trans and auto trans have different
AWD systems. My question is

are both models "true" AWD all the time with a central differential action
thats progressively locked up depending on F/R slip, or mainly FWD with AWD
kicking when when needed?

SD

The non-STI manual behaves like an open diff until there is 'some'
slippage of an axle. The slippage causes the viscous coupling to lock
the differential. While the diff is locked 50% of the power is at the
front axle and 50% is at the back axle. What happens to various wheels
depends on the type diff on the axle and slippage of individual wheels.

http://www.rallycars.com/Cars/4wd_turbo_cars.html

to research equipment on various models of Subarus, try;
www.cars101.com

also, here's a fun old video about differentials(it gets better after
the intro stuff);
http://www.archive.org/details/Aroundth1937


Carl