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Light offroading in a Legacy Wagon Manual


TaylorTTR
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Hi, I'm new

 

UPDATE - Here's a video of one of the trails, and a link to a muddy hill climb is in the description.

 

 

 

This weekend I'm going on a camping trip and taking my 5 spd 2000 legacy wagon. Were going to explore the area on a network of trails that I haven't seen before that shouldn't be too extreme. My friend picked them out with my subaru in mind. They will be mostly level trails, with some ruts here and there, definitely no rocks, and if we run into anything like that we will turn around or go around. It will get steep in a few places, after considering torque/hp charts we figure that the 5 spd would be able to climb what were going up against.

 

I'm here to ask what you guys think a single range 5 speed manual is capable of, am I asking for trouble?

 

I never thought I would take this car on a dirt trail when I bought it, I'm getting interested in modding it a little. I found a thread on these boards about a do it yourself lift kit using square steel tubing as a spacer in the suspension. I look forward to researching it. :)

Edited by TaylorTTR
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the only problem id forsee is the fact you are in a awd vehicle, not 4wd. your open center diff may give you fits if stuff gets slick. before you go up i kindly suggest you familiarize yourself with the characteristics, and therefore differances of both drivetrains.

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If there aren't crazy rocks or crossed up ruts, you'll be fine.

 

If you get one wheel spinning, don't let out of the gas too quickly.....the VLSD in the center diff needs time to heat up and grab when you are in that situation. So if you get diagonal in ruts, with one wheel spinning, keep in it for a moment.

 

The long and low front end of a legacy will be your biggest problem. Expect the front bumper to scrape approaching hills.

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Expect the front bumper to scrape approaching hills.

 

Yup... This is why I was interested in learning about a do it yourself lift kit. I kinda tested its climbing ability by going into a large ditch on a North Dakota road and climbing out on a pretty steep 10 foot hill. I'd say atleast 30 degrees. The engine kinda made a stalling noise, but it chugged through at idle speed. Plenty of dirt on the bumper too :-\

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In addition to preparing the car so that it will make it, be sure that you also prepare YOURSELVES in case it doesn't. ;)

 

Will your cell phone have reception out on the trails? I have used this external antenna on my phones with great luck in the past. It doesn't work miracles, but it does help significantly in the fringe areas:

http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/ProductDetails.aspx?Product=24&title=Magnet-Mount+Antennas+(301103%2f301125%2f301128%2f301703)&Category=26

 

If you can't count on cellular reception, you might want to consider a CB, or even a ham setup if you or one of your friends is licensed.

 

It is also a good idea to bring some basic emergency "band-aid" type of repair/recovery/survival items - duct tape (don't laugh), bailing wire, zip ties, oil and plenty of drinkable water, a small amount of non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, basic tools, a small shovel, a good flashlight, etc.

 

A GPS would be great if you had one. Not for the maps, but so you can give someone your coordinates in an emergency.

 

Lastly, tell someone where you will be going, and on what trails, and arrange to check in with them when you get back. Set a date & time for them to "start worrying", and give them the appropriate emergency numbers to call at that point.

 

 

Here is a great example of what NOT to do. The first video is the "fun run" that destroyed the car, the second is the effort it took by the 4x4 community to recover it afterwards.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S4NLGkHLWU

 

 

Good luck, have fun, and be sure to take pictures and let us know how it goes! icon14.gif

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I have a 2001 outback 3L VDC and i want to put a 4 inch lift on it but can't seem to find any kits for it, does anyone have any suggestions?

 

If you want 4 inches, i would look into King Springs. They have a 1" and possibly 2" lift spring kit. Then the rest you could lift with strut top blocks.

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@Red92

 

Thanks for the advice, I didn't think of bailing wire or zip ties, that would be handy if something comes loose. Everything else is pretty much covered, we're going to have a good camping inventory. I definitely have the flashlights covered, I recently bought two new LED lights that are still coming in the mail. The emitters are the XML type, I did a ton of research. They are basically handheld headlights. :Flame:

 

The buddy system sounded like a good idea I'll have to try that.

 

I definitely am not prone to what that guy did with his (lowered?) subaru, I'm not even coming close to any rocks. Avoiding at all costs. Sure was entertaining to watch though, what's wrong with that guy? Why did he think it was a good idea to be towed in reverse? I'm pretty sure it was reverse, both wheels were turning backwards!

 

Oh yes, I plan to upload photo's. It will be really funny to see your reactions.

:drunk:

Edited by TaylorTTR
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I have a 2001 outback 3L VDC and i want to put a 4 inch lift on it but can't seem to find any kits for it, does anyone have any suggestions?

 

I make 2" , 4" , and 6" kits for your car.

 

Be aware, that even with a lift, because of the shape of the wheel wells, you will still need to do a bit of "cosmetic" trimming to fit much larger tires.

 

PM me for pricing and info.

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