HOW TO: 4WD to RWD

HakosukaHakosuka Wagonist
in Engine & Drivetrain
Last time in the garage I pulled one front driveshaft out and went for a drive. Wagon is basically RWD, but I absolutely do NOT recommend driving like this.
Viscous coupler is probably suffering somewhat, also the diff and mounts for it are not made for RWD only. But it can be done and I did a doughnut on gravel, feels awesome :cool:

I would recommend deleting the viscous coupler and getting some better mounts made for the rear diff. Maybe a stronger diff from an old BMW or something.

I don't know if anyone already posted this, but though it wouldn't hurt :)

Comments

  • DRMORTYDRMORTY Council Member
    Ya, a couple people have drifted their wagons...

    But, you could always post some pics of it in action.
  • HakosukaHakosuka Wagonist
    Good, no, I already put the driveshaft back in, because things have to be done, before driving it full time like this. Maybe over the winter :)
  • 503Wagon503Wagon moderator
    Actually all you have to do is get a one piece driveline made. The wagon rear end can handle all the power and then some, just do the VIP mod to the rear bushings and you're golden. Look up Jaker's build thread, hell I'll link it for you so you can be lazy.


    http://www.civicwagon.com/showthread.php?7310-Jaker-s-ride

    And just so people dont get a stupid idea like this. Do not just yank your front axles out and think you can drive.

    edit - cant seem to find the details on the actual setup he had as I didn't see it in his thread...i'll do more digging.
  • HakosukaHakosuka Wagonist
    Oh, yes, I forgot to write this down, No front axles driving is not a good idea. The wheel bearing is hold up in place with the axle bolt. You should cut up or disassemble the axle, so you still have the big bolt on. I drove without and it was crappy, not good for you bearings and brakes were wobbling around.

    Thanks 503Wagon, will have a look.
  • ef001282ef001282 New Wagonist


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMViKVxitYI

    here this might help. this is how i did it

    RWD: front axle plugs, made from old broken axles. (the axles are hardened steel, you need something strong enough to cut. I used a band saw, it took forever.)
    1. disassemble the axles.
    2. clean off all the grease
    3. cut off as much metal as possible from the donor axles. basically cut off enough to make a plug to hold the wheel bearings together.
    4. tighten the plug with the axle nut, torque it to factory spec with the car on the floor to prevent the wheel spinning
    5. make one plug for the trans. this one is to keep the inside of the trans clean, the c-clip on the axle end will hold this plug in place. the other side has the half shaft left in place so it doesn't need a plug.

    I really need a little more power to do this on dry pavement and also LSD would help too. I drive it daily.
  • phantommaggotphantommaggot Band Wagon
    May be pulling up an old thread, But after reading this.. can the center diff be welded or replaced to force 50/50 tq split?
  • HakosukaHakosuka Wagonist
    I think yes, if I would be doing it, I would simply get another drive shaft (from a beemer or something else). The viscous coupling is pretty heavy, so you will loose some rotational mass also.
  • phantommaggotphantommaggot Band Wagon
    ^To split the power 50/50 front rear?
  • klumklum Senior Wagonist
    interesting maybe once i find another rt ill do it to my salvaged title one haha
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