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4wd/bumper questions and visor translation

Discussion in 'Subaru Sambar' started by Kody902, Nov 8, 2019.

  1. Kody902

    Kody902 Member

    Hey guys, so i've searched around and tried to get my own answer. Just made an account to start talking.

    I have a 1991 Subaru sambar(ks4? Ks4a? Not sure), 5 speed, not supercharged. It has push button 4wd, and an extra low gear to the left of first.

    How does the 4wd actually work? I'm young and have never had a 4wd vehicle. From what I can tell from reading the forum, I need to be at a stop to activate it or something will break, but I can turn it off while driving? Please confirm for me if I have that right.

    I've searched the forum and found not many bumper and/or hitch things that work on the Subaru because of the rear engine, but I noticed most of those posts were eight years or older. Has anyone had success mounting a hitch anywhere on the rear, whether it be by making arms off the frame or bolting it to the box? I just want to pull my father's little mobile digger thing(450lbs tops, don't need power just to be able to attach it so I can tow it and dig right into the bed).

    On the towing note, can this be flat towed? I've heatd mixed opinions. My non-mechanic brain is just going "put it in neutral and tow it" but I could be dumb. What about on a dolly in neutral? Bad idea with the 4wd? Not sure how it works, again not a mechanic.

    Is there a translation of the sun visor anywhere? I tried the picture method of google translate but giberish came out.

    Thanks everyone! I'm loving the truck and seeing pictures of ideas on the forum.
     
  2. Kody902

    Kody902 Member

    Oh, it also has a snorkel up against the bed coming from underneath the box. I'm assuming this is more a clean air thing and not a "you can safely submerge in water" thing.
     
  3. Reese Allen

    Reese Allen Member

    You have a transfer case that can be selectively engaged to link the front propeller shaft to the driven gears inside the transmission. It's probably best not to try to engage or disengage it while in motion. I might be wrong, though, all my 4WD vehicles are full-time AWD.

    If you are not in 4WD, you should be able to tow it with the front end lifted by the tow truck. If you are flat towing it, I don't think it matters whether 4WD is engaged, as long as you're in neutral.

    If you check the passenger footwell, you might find a placard that lists the VIN. If you post it here someone might be able to help you figure out exactly what you have.
     
  4. rkrenicki

    rkrenicki Active Member

    The 4WD can be activated/deactivated while in motion, however I do not recommend actively accelerating while turning it on. It actually wont let you turn it off until you let off the gas either, but you can be coasting)

    I am curious about this snorkel. The stock intake system runs inside the frame rail all of the way to the front as it is.. I am curious if they cut into the frame to install the snorkel.

    KS4 would be a 4WD Truck between 1990-1999, so that is right. The next letter "A" afterwards indicates the model break, which would be 1990-mid 1991 in your case.

    I would not flat tow or bumper tow a 4WD sambar. There is too much potential for damage in my opinion. If you were to damage the transmission, they arent exactly easy to find a replacement outside of Japan. I would flatbed/trailer tow it only.

    There are a few people who have made hitches for their sambars, and it either involves a hitch that extends beyond the "rear hood" .. or a removal of the hood, and just fabricating something to the frame rails there. Either way, they are custom made for the truck.
     
  5. Kody902

    Kody902 Member

    Okay good to know about the 4wd, wasn't sure whether it was safe to use the button while moving as I saw something about somebody breaking things.

    The snorkel is up by the headache rack if that helps,it ckmes up through the box. I'll try to get pictures later when I go outside, curious myself now that you made the frame comment.

    Now that you mention the rear hitch i've seen the "general" threat and am probably going to do it the way he did.
     
  6. Ohkei Dohkei

    Ohkei Dohkei Active Member

    I've activated and released 4wd in motion a number of times without any issue. Like rkrenicki said, just low speed and not while under significant accel/decel. I would not flat tow. They fit on a trailer you can rent just about anywhere and not worth burning up a seal that requires transmission rebuild, and is much nicer to boot. That snorkel sounds interesting.
     
  7. Savage_Geek_808

    Savage_Geek_808 New Member

    I know this forum is old but I’m hoping someone is still monitoring. I have 4Wd on my 1992 Sambar, but I think it’s finicky. I need some confirmation to make sure where to start troubleshooting.
    When I push the 4Wd button while the vehicle is on and in neutral nothing happens. The light on the dash doesn’t turn on at all.
    I put it in 1st gear and drive forward a little and nothing. I put it in reverse and nothing. Randomly the light might turn on after I turn off the truck and back on.
    I have the same problem turning the light back off again. It appears super random.
    Can any of you confirm how you get the 4Wd light to come on and engage in 4Wd so I know how it’s supposed to work?
    Thanks!
     

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