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5 speed dual range


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For reasons I cannot clearly recall at this time a Master Subaru Tech who has now probably 40 years with Subaru told me the 88 and 89’s were better for some last revision upgrades. Very subtle. But made a difference. 
 

He knew me fairly well back then and knew I was a diehard dual range fivespeed fan. I had specifically asked which years might be better. 
 

You can find the dual range fivespeed from 1985-89 in the “Loyale” series. 
 

The holdover Brat and Hatchback models retained the fourspeed dual range during their later years.

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Be sure to grab the rear diff to match the diff ratio to the box. 

Many, if not all, of the series 1 gearboxes are 3.9 ratio. The series 2 are all 3.7. 

Turbo dual range has 1.19:1 low range, non turbo got the best low range from Subaru at 1.59:1.

The turbo coupes (RXII) got dual range AWD with a locking centre diff. Best of both worlds on road and off-road, except for the crappy low range (but that can be swapped out). 

Cheers 

Bennie

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On 1/2/2021 at 2:59 PM, el_freddo said:

Be sure to grab the rear diff to match the diff ratio to the box. 

Many, if not all, of the series 1 gearboxes are 3.9 ratio. The series 2 are all 3.7. 

Turbo dual range has 1.19:1 low range, non turbo got the best low range from Subaru at 1.59:1.

The turbo coupes (RXII) got dual range AWD with a locking centre diff. Best of both worlds on road and off-road, except for the crappy low range (but that can be swapped out). 

Cheers 

Bennie

pretty sure it was just the turbo dual ranges that were 3.7

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10 hours ago, Chance said:

Do the R160 rears all have the same splines? Even from the 1bolt to 5bolt? Theres an 86 GL 4door in a junkyard back home, would it be DR?

ive never came across one yet that wasnt the same splines .    as for the 86 if it its not fwd,  its about a 90% chance,  red flag would be a button on the shifter for dr

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17 hours ago, turbodog said:

pretty sure it was just the turbo dual ranges that were 3.7

Maybe for the series 1. Series 2 definitely all 3.7 diff ratio. 

5 hours ago, turbodog said:

red flag would be a button on the shifter for dr

Meaning if you see the button on the gearstick it will be a single range. 

Cheers 

Bennie

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Thank you guys for all the information.  I work off shore for 2weeks at a time, so this is my online study time. If i was home id just go and check it out. I get in tomorrow so i might go look later this week or next.

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If you are swapping it into any 3rd gen N/A car best bet is anything 87+. As for gear ratios as long as the donor transmission did not come out of a Turbo car the gear ratio will be the same as your Loyale and there is no need to swap the rear diff. if you happen to get one out of a turbo car you will not be impressed with those gear ratios and will be mostly counteracting the benefits of the low range, also IIRC the turbo boxes had a taller low range as well to best to avoid those all together.  like stated previously 87+ EA82 N/A  car for the donor and you will be walking in tall cotton, easy bolt in swap.  

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I have a first gen/EA81 brat...well actually 3 first gen brats. All 1981 EA81 first gens. Im just getting into subarus.  I have a few projects to finish up before I get into the subarus. Right now I'm just investigating and parts collecting. 

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