Subaru LSD types

[Dedman]

I found this link on the net today which is a great write up of many (if not all) of the Subaru factory lsd types so I though I would share as many of the threads on this forum seem to have confusing or contradicting information.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2597453


If anyone has info about other diff or the axle types that go with each of these diffs and what model vehicles they are out of that would be a good addition to create a very useful thread.

I can add
SF foz has the open diff in the rear (100% sure for a Australian 99 forester)
SG foz has the version 2 VLSD in the rear (100% sure for a Australian 2003 forester)

 

[taza]

Rally has a 06 Pignose STI torsion front LSD in his duak range box. I have the same one to go in mine.

Yes SF Forester N/As have all open diffs and the standard 4kg centre diff. Centre diff uogrades are available but only from certain year vehicles. I have a 20kg yo go in my box.

Phantom grip is also available for front and rear diffs.

 

[NachaLuva]

Thats a great link.

I can add the OEM rear R160 CLSD (at least mine anyway which is a V2 STi R160 centre) uses 2 female axles, one with twin splines. I got these from a '97-99 WRX (note posts #9-19 on that link). I believe the Cusco & KAAZ both need these axles too

 

[NachaLuva]

My OEM CLSD


Matching axles, one with twin spline


Note:
* the twin spline's circlip is in the middle of the outer spline, the other is like a normal axle with the circlip at the end
* The single spline has the circlip fitted on the axle, the twin spline has it fitted inside the diff.
* You need the circlips like this or it wont fit, or the axle will simply fall out

 

[Tweaksta]

I can add that as far as I know, the Australian spec Forester GT SF5 models have a rear viscous LSD.

 

[Tweaksta]

What I have been wondering lately is which rear diff and LSD it actually is.

It's interesting that the JDM GTs have an open rear diff but the Aussie ones apparently had the vLSD fitted.

I know for sure mine has one but being a MY00 model it is probably fairly crude & basic. It definitely is noticeable though and is very helpful in certain situations.

 

[MiddleAgeSubie]

Which model year Subie is the best off-road machine in Australia (since the 90s) in stock form?

In the US that would be the 2007-8 AT turbo Forester with VDC. VDC makes LSDs unnecessary, the turbo coupled with AT allows them to climb anything, the approach angle is as good as on any Subaru, the wheel base is short and the overall dimensions smaller than those of later Foresters. It is also lighter and has access to much better off-road tires than the later models. Its only drawback is the lesser starting ground clearance, but the wheelbase makes up for that and there are good lift kits available. Note: MT Foresters with dual range were never sold in the US.

 

[NachaLuva]

Wow, talk about opening a can of worms!

Which model year Subie is the best off-road machine in Australia (since the 90s) in stock form?

In the US that would be the 2007-8 AT turbo Forester with VDC. VDC makes LSDs unnecessary

VDC is great but it doesn't make a LSD unnecessary, they would complement each other & make the Foz even more capable. We have had this discussion before.

the turbo coupled with AT allows them to climb anything, the approach angle is as good as on any Subaru

The approach angle isnt as good as a SF but then the engine is better & VDC is a winner