4WD Help

chencho · April 2010

I found an '89 4WD but don't know much about them. I'm not into the rally thing and I have no real need for all wheel drive... I really just want to slam a civic wagon and was actually looking for a 2WD model. That being said it's the only one in my area at them moment and it's cheap. Before I jump in I want to know a few things. I'm hoping someone can help educate me on the differences between the 2 and 4 wheel drive versions:

Gear ratio differences between the two. Is the 4WD geared lower?
Can the 4WD be lowered as easily as a 2WD?
Advantages and disadvantages of 4WD and should I just wait to find a 2WD to lower (this thing will never see off-road)?

Thanks for any help, and I'm using the search feature as well :oops:

suspendedHatch · April 2010

4WD has the same motor as the Si, the D16A6 which makes more power and it's multi-point fuel injection.

4WD has more things you have to worry about when lowering. Look in the suspension forum for more details.

chencho · April 2010

Ok, that's a start thanks.

JesseCRX · April 2010

suspendedHatch wrote:

4WD has more things you have to worry about when lowering. Look in the suspension forum for more details.

Like what? I am low, and my buddy has a 4WD and his is slammed. No real problems thus far.

chencho · April 2010

JesseCRX wrote:

No real problems thus far.

This is what I'm finding out. From the info I've gotten, it's the same process to lower a 4WD as it is to lower a 2WD. The 4WD is a little heavier though...

superhatch · April 2010

I'm usuing Skunk 2 sleeves (from previous owner) and tokico blues (civic/crx) with a moderate drop and I have no issues so far. The previous owner had it -slammed-.

You will see lower gas mileage with the AWD. Im averaging 24-26 with a 29 high from all highway driving.

Running an aftermarket exhaust will be harder. You wont ever be able to do a B series swap and keep the AWD system. The shifter mechanism is WAY different than a standard 4th gen (cables, not linkage), other small things that might end up being more than you wanted to deal with.

Haydz · April 2010

Stock vs. stock the FWD and RT4WD have different suspension height but lowering them is the exact same process. Spring rates are up to you.

suspendedHatch · May 2010

I thought there was a difference in length of the rear struts. Maybe it's all wagons and not just 4WD.

Haydz · May 2010

We are only talking about Wagons. The strut length doesn't change.

broody · May 2010

If you don't need the 4wd leave to someone who will enjoy/need it.
I wish I had a 4th gen civic 4wd (I have a 3g 4wd, but the 1.5 75hp carbed engine is slow).

ee4wagoon · May 2010

ill buyyour drive shaft for 4wd if you dont wanna use it. im looking for one but ones in working condition are hard to find

lafwagon · May 2010

i will take the rear diff if your gonna scrap that, I actually just scrapped a pair of rear trailing arms that cold have traded DOH!!

Dash-N-Cars · May 2010

I'd swap you a lowered 2wd for a clean enough 4wd. I live in AR

ee4wagoon · May 2010

jon-wa-GO-van wrote:

I'd swap you a lowered 2wd for a clean enough 4wd. I live in AR

i got a clean 4wd ill trade you maybe. i just dont have a druve shaft and its auto

Lost is Black · May 2010

for me i would have kept my 2wd... when the rt4wd breaks you are going to have a hell of a time finding parts for it, i'm speaking in regards to tranny parts... the 2wd's are EASY to find replacement transmissions and tranny parts for...

suspendedHatch · May 2010

Yeah but you can get a JDM 4WD tranny on ebay.

Lost is Black · June 2010

gimme the link, I got a broken rt4wd as we speak! Maybe that's why i'm so bitter...lol... i just want mine to RUN!!!

4WD Help

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