RT4WD CRX actually a RWD???

EricS

I have a '89 CRX that I was told has a '89 RT4WD drive-train installed (it appears to be!). The problem is while taking off from a standing start, there is a shuddering coming from down under, felt like a slipping clutch, but proved to be the rear differential tipping up and down and the driveline supports being "soft"(I mounted a video camera underneath to see what was happening). I figured no big deal, I will just remove the driveline and deal with that problem later, after addressing a few other more pressing issues. I take the driveline out, put the car back on the ground, start her up, but in gear, engage the clutch, and NOTHING! I can row through the gears but go nowhere. I am thinking:

1) I have been taken for a ride
2) parts must have been removed from the transmission to make it rear wheel drive ONLY
3) the viscous coupler must have been welded up, but thankfully not the rear differential

As I wanted what this car was represented to be, I guess now I am in the market for a transmission and a viscous coupler, but alas, I am nowhere near the 20 post count to see if anyone has one for sale!

Does anyone have any ideas on my situation? I was thinking that the 2WD/4WD selector lever (wherever it is, I have yet to look?) may have something to with it, but I don't think so...

Anyone?

mtbikerTi

Do you have front axleshafts? If your transmission was in 2wd power would still go to the front wheels, it only disconnects power going to the rear wheels. Likewise with the VC, if you're in 2wd mode it doesn't do anything but sit there.

FYI the 4wd selector lever is on the top of the transmission by the firewall, underneath the intake manifold. Should be painted (but probably covered in grime).

EricS

As it turns out, at least at this point, the CV axle is not fully engaged in the half shaft. As I laid awake for most of the night last night thinking about it, I don't think there is any reasonable way to make the transmission put out to the rear and not the front, so I went out EARLY this morning, put the front end in the air and gave her another go, and whoa and behold, the half shaft is turning and not the CV axle! Tonight, as soon as I can leave work, I will look into it and see if the splines are still functional, and if so, put it together. I read about this very thing in the archives, but not until AFTER posting... I waded through the first 28 pages or so of postings before asking, but thanks for the input!

503Wagon

So did you solve your issue?

EricS

Yes, problem solved. It had the wrong CV joint in it. It had one from a CRX/Civic. In my scramble thinking I needed another transmission, I was directed to a local DIY wrecking yard that had just put a '90 Civic RT4WD out. I scored a set of wheels and tires AND a set of mudflaps. TICKLED! What are 4WD mudflaps going for nowadays? I hate to cut them up to fit the CRX better if they are worth anything! I am going back tomorrow for a few more parts from that car.

klum

if you just have the input shaft and nothing in the spindle in the pass side, and leave the intermediate shaft alone without a axle will it send all the power to the rear wheels?lol

DRMORTY

Where are you located? any pics? I want to see this thing..

EricS

Here is a quicky, more to follow...

ragenasian

If you have more pics it is time for a build thread.

turbo_teg

im pretty sure that was the rex built with all my old RT4wd CRX parts..... is it rear disc brakes? that would be a good indicator. I was eyeballing this on CL but i gave up on it for a reason. when i had it yes it did have a solid driveline but i gave the guy buying the parts a vicouse coupler to resolve the issue.


and a lil secret DA integra axles work as RT4wd axles incase u have issues in the future.

EricS

turbo_teg wrote:

im pretty sure that was the rex built with all my old RT4wd CRX parts..... is it rear disc brakes? that would be a good indicator. I was eyeballing this on CL but i gave up on it for a reason. when i had it yes it did have a solid driveline but i gave the guy buying the parts a vicouse coupler to resolve the issue.


and a lil secret DA integra axles work as RT4wd axles incase u have issues in the future.

Yes, it has rear disc brakes, in poor condition (as is most of this car!), but they are there and stop it quite well. You say you were eyeballing it but gave up, may I ask why? Because it needs so much help is what I am expecting to hear, but each deal has it's own merits!

DRMORTY

I like it.. Looks good on those RT4wd wheels.. Guess it's not the one I know of.. I am going to have to do this conversion to one of my hatchbacks..

turbo_teg

yeah thats gotta be all my old swap parts. I didnt buy it cuz i knew it was just gunna be a money pit AGAIN.... that isnt my old car just my old set-up. my buddy and I built the trailing arms and did the brake swap on her. heres some build pics...







And for fun i ran it RWD one day. it was super scetchy when the car was turbo'd i came around a corner on the throttle and it just about whipped me around and into a tree... thats what ya get with a super super short wheel based turbo car...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIznC5Gu ... IYnEe6-Ss=

EricS

It is nice to have at least a little history on my car. I am certain that more than one person worked on it. There were some things that were done really well, and a LOT of things that were worse than sketchy! Fixing things is what I like to do, and there is plenty to do here! Thanks for the info! We go some wet heavy snow last night so I didn't get the opportunity to get some pictures to get the build thread started, maybe tonight!

turbo_teg

cool just to be clear the car was never mine just the 4wd conversion parts.... The rear diff mount was an known issue that i told the guy who bought all the stuf from me about looks like he didnt address the issue....

EricS

I honor your disclaimer! LOL!