Drive train

[TonyP]

Anyone considered putting a Forrester drive train into a late 2a ute chassis and cab ?

[Slunnie]

What's the thinking behind this?

[TonyP]

What's the thinking behind this?

Have a late ser 2a that hasn't moved for probs 15 years with holden 186 motor. The fox (which I have) has AWD, 2.5 boxer, 5spd manual and coil suspension. Would make a pretty good drive I think.

Im looking for constructive advice based on experience and/or technical engineering expertise.

[TonyC]

I have a Defender and an Outback, so I'm familiar with both platforms.

I would think this would be one of the more difficult swaps I've heard of.

A couple of questions for you.

Will the boxer motor fit between the chassis rails?
If not, will the front drive shafts be low enough to clear the bottom of the chassis?

What suspension are you planing on using?
Convert the Land Rover to independent?
Or a de Dion set up?

In the rear will you keep the Land Rover live axle?
If so can you get a diff ratio to suit?

Once you put it all in the Land Rover are you going to run Land Rover wheels and tyres?
If so, your gearing is going to very high. Or will you regear the Subaru transaxel? Does anyone even make lower ratio diff gears for a Subaru?

Tony

[JDNSW]

I am not very familiar with the Forester except in general terms, but I am very familiar with Series Landrovers. I would agree with the comments by Tony - it is just about the most unsuitable conversion anyone could imagine.

The engine is certainly two wide for the space between the chassis rails, and the gearing is quite unsuitable if using the Rover axles and wheels. Even if the propeller shafts clear the chassis, you are likely to have issues with U-joint angles.

If using the Forester "axles" and suspension, I suspect the load carrying ability is inadequate.

Remember that if planning to use it on the road, any conversion will require engineering approval, and the first thing to do is to find an engineer and see if there is any chance of approval for your plans, and if so, what will be needed for this. Before you start spending time and money.

[TonyP]

Im planning on using the entire Subaru drive train, suspension and brakes. The kerb weight of both vehicles is around 1400kg so I would expect components to be suitably rated.

The 2a chassis rails are 660mm apart so believe the boxer engine will fit with custom engine mountings of course.

As I'm planning to use the entire drive train, gearing, wheels/tyres etc should be appropriate. I'm planning to use the power sterering pf course and A/C along wi the front seats.

All constructive comments appreciated.

[JDNSW]

As I commented above, the firsst step is to talk to an engineer to find out whether there is a possibility of getting it registered, and if so what would be required for compliance. Before figuring out whether it will fit. (If indeed you plan on using it on the road. If not, go for it!)