I`ve only been into Subaru`s for 3 years` , my daily driver being a 1994 liberty wagon that hasn`t missed a beat and my latest purchase from an auction is a 1997 outback gen 1 limited edition , 5 speed manual , 2.5 litre wagon .
My query is about the All Wheel Drive / 4WD system in the outback. My `94 liberty is 2WD with 4WD LOW range operated by using the centre lever , but i cant get any info about the `97 outback having LOW range or just dual range. I have tested the 4WD capabilities by driving at a certain speed and seeing what the rpm is and then engaging the centre lever for 4WD and seeing if the rpms go higher ...... and they do. That indicates to me it is 4WD ,but it is not 4WD low range. It is not going slow enough for Low range . The light on the dash doesn`t come on ,either ,but that may just be a globe ( i haven`t proceeded that far ,yet ) .
I have owned a few capable 4WD `s fitted with all the offroad gear and know what low range feels like ,but this doesn`t seem to have it . That is not to say it is a bad thing not having it. Subaru`s are a tough and reliable vehicle , in my limited experience with them.
I am finding so much conflicting info on the `net and the local Subaru dealership was no help at all . Opinions and information from various websites vary too much and most of the technical data i have found seems to be about overseas models that are not relavant to my vehicle. According to a couple of websites ,my car is supposed to have heated seats and mirrors ,but it is a pretty original looking unit and doesn`t have the switches for either.
I just want to know if it is supposed to have low range when the lever is engaged , or is it only high range gearing that shifts traction between the wheels by altering the ratio of traction ? By that i mean , does it have a 50 / 50 ratio split under normal driving and a 63 / 37 or 80 / 20 or 20 /80 split with 4WD engaged ?
Any info or feedback is much appreciated.
Thankyou.