Subaru Impreza Forum:Turning off AWD - permanently

Hi sspprror! Either way would do the job, but I'm concerned about damage elsewhere in the drive train. If your mechanic isn't at a Subaru dealer, you may want to take a hot cup of coffee to the service manager at your local dealer and pick his brain about the global implications of what you are contemplating. Good luck!  

I don't think that will work... Time to buy a civic. :(

Check your fuse box for a AWD slot that you can use to disable the system (normally used for temporary flat tire situations)... older Subies have this to prevent drivetrain damage while driving around in the temporary spare.

Not sure if this applies to your model.

mounted on the firewall on the passangers side there is a slot for a 20 amp fuse to dissable the awd clutch pack

I don't think this is a good idea and it could damage the rest of your transmission. Just like how subarus are
supposed to be towed on a flat bed because it can damage the tranny/diffs.

The fuse thing in the engine bay will only work if you have an automatic transmission.

Since it has a viscous coupler, that means the fuse removal won't work. You have to replace the center differential (the viscous unit) with either a solid spool, or a unit that's welded. Either method would result in a RWD Impreza, but it might be possible to have it be FWD.

This is an old topic, but since it been brought up anyway, there is a kit that will convert an AWD subby 5 speed to a FWD.  This would take load off the coupler and reduce shock load of trying to turn all 4 wheels.

http://www.bremarauto.com/subaru_transaxle_conversion.htm

With current exchange rates it's about $270

I use to have the install instruction somewhere, but can't seem to find 'em...

So i take it you work for subaru, so you know that when installing the fuse in the slot that it will put power on both sides of the clutch pack dissabling it.

If the car has an automatic transmission (which it seems to; as it has a viscous coupler), it will be fine permanently
in FWD, with the AWD fuse out.  Until the next snowstorm.

i know subarus and in 1995 it will not have a fuse for the AWD.  that is only in subarus that are 1997 and newer

i will not have a fuse since it is so old.  that is only in subarus 1997 and newer.  also auto trans doesn't have the viscous couplings the manuals.  the way viscous couplings work is that there are a bunch of plates in a silicon fluid.  when one set of tires slip the fluid heats up and the plates grab and even the car out.  the auto use electronics to acheve the same thing.

You are exactly right with viscous coupler... my bad.

1997 and earlier automatics don't use the electric differentials then?  That I'll admit I didn't know, honestly i have very little experience with the GC's even.  

Well then Maybe removing driveshafts would be ok... I'd be much more tenative about it.  I might suggest that, if you have not, you go to a more reliable / indepth Subaru source such as NASIOC.  Good luck!

there is no clutch pack in the viscous center differential.