Flat towing a AWD 5-speed?

Flywheel, Clutch, Transmission, Axles, etc...

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artieb
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Flat towing a AWD 5-speed?

Post by artieb »

Hi, I was wondering about using my new Legacy as a toad? The owners manual says no more than 20 m.p.h. and 31 miles total? Has onyone used a AWD pulled behind a motorhome or anything at sustained highway speeds? Thanks for your input, Artie
1990 Legacy L 5-sp AWD
Legacy777
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Post by Legacy777 »

In theory I don't see a problem with it, since the transmission is splash lubricated and everything should still be getting lubricated. However I have no experience with towing a legacy though.
Josh

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1990 Legacy (AWD, 6MT, & EJ22T Swap)
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vrg3
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Post by vrg3 »

I have no personal experience towing an AWD 5MT for any significant distance, but Subaru does seem to say it's okay:

http://endwrench.com/main.php?smPID=PHP ... &RECID=175

Josh's reasoning seems sound to me. Other than the fact that you'll be putting load on the opposite side of the gear teeth, the transmission shouldn't know the difference between being a dinghy and being driven.

If you try it, let us know how it goes!
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entirelyturbo
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Post by entirelyturbo »

Subaru themselves say that if you're going to tow an AWD Subaru behind a motorhome or for any reasonable distance on the ground, then the best one to get is one with a manual transmission.

So you should be fine.
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artieb
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Post by artieb »

Well thanks to everyone and thanks for the link, I think I'll try it! And now onto some more issues with the Subaru
1990 Legacy L 5-sp AWD
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Post by 206er »

my legacy has been flat towed up to about 40mph for 5 miles or so. I wouldn't hesitate to flat tow it but as always be careful, flat towing in general can turn bad fast.
1994 Touring Wagon: ruby mica, 5mt swapped
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