How to Transform The Fiat Panda 4x4 - Installing A Mechanical Coupler

Рет қаралды 16,264

Ай бұрын

In this video, I will be fitting my latest upgrade!
This is a mechanical coupling unit, which will be replacing the viscous coupler mounted to my rear differential.
The idea is, on road I can put the car into 2WD, and then when the going gets tough, I can switch it into 4WD, which is a mechanical direct link from the front differential to the rear. This is essentially activating a central locking differential. Better economy on road, and better grip off road!
installation time was 3.5 Hours.

Пікірлер: 42

@Sithhy Ай бұрын

I like how you repurposed one of the cup holders as a mounting spot for the lever lol

@joey_f4ke238 Ай бұрын

I think the best pairing for this system are manual hub lockers on the rear wheels, even if you cut power going to the rear, the diff is going to be driven as the wheels move along so even though it's not as much as when it's driven there is still efficiency losses and wear. This also would open the door to installing a simple rear locking diff or even welded without compromising everyday drivability.

@silviuflorescu6838 Ай бұрын

Nice upgrade! I had a Vw T4 syncro with VC and sold it because of many issues other owners had with it. That special oil had to be changed periodically, you had to pay attention on hot asphalt roads, not to be stucked on, metal plates inside it could be bended, etc. At that time, I wished some passioned guys like these from Prometeo would designed a mechanical coupling like this for Panda, but for the Transporters. Now, I have a Vw T5 4motion with haldex 4 and rear diff lock. It's better and smarter than VC, but I still need to change the oil and filter, so I wish to change it with a mechanical coupler for safety and redundancy reasons. Hope someone will design one for it.. Until then, a haldex controller will be my next upgrade. That can set the coupling between 100-0 to 50-50. I also wish free wheel hubs for the rear wheels. That would really be a big improvement for your Panda, too. Less rear diff wear and better mileage.

@Tigermoto Ай бұрын

I'd say 500 euros is a bargain. You'll probably save that on fuel and diff wear over the next few years being stuck in 2WD when not off road.

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

I agree .. for the quality of the kit and the work that has gone into designing it, for €500 you can’t complain !

@jenibond Ай бұрын

can't wait for the black and white paint job getting done ?

@user-hv4jb7jr5n Ай бұрын

We asked the man AND THE MAN DELIVERED IN ABUNDANCE 🎉

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

Ahh thank you! 🙏🏼 appreciate it!

@gufo_tave Ай бұрын

In short, you are installing the same device present in 1st gen Panda 4x4 (the ones from the 80s, wich had a manual coupler, instead of a viscous coupler. The 3rd gen, if I remember well, use an Haldex couple.

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

That’s correct. Towards the end of the video i explained the set up and mentioned it’s very similar to the 1st gen panda. 🐼

@corsadonk Ай бұрын

I'd like the LSD that they do. Because when you're struggling for grip, you can tell not all 4 corners have power going to them.

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

I think when the clutch next needs changing I’ll look into one !

@bingham1234567 Ай бұрын

Nice ratcheting spanner @12:37 🤣

@murattopuz516 Ай бұрын

That's a great kit. I have seen it before on UK panda facebook page also but what I wonder is that doest it effect the brain or abs of the car? Because I have got a suzuki swift 4x4 and its ABS system is linked with the 4x4 module and the brain. Some people here disconnect the shaft but they say the car jumps when first starting like not good to do. Yes its more fuel efficent.

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

Because my car didn’t have the ABS system linked in with the 4WD system it’s absolutely fine ! But I would think if it was then it may create issues. Most likely wouldn’t though! I’m not experiencing any jumping

@akumabito2008 Ай бұрын

Oh, I've seen those! I always thought they were a lot more expensive! (As in: don't even bother asking expensive)

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

Yeah not too much really !

@romanobezuidenhout7506 Ай бұрын

Most interesting... Been thinking about something like this for some time, not realizing someone actually already made it! How about a LSD for either front or rear? Do somebody do that? I have been toying with the idea of splitting the handbrake into two levers to be able to brake one rear wheel.

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

Yes the same company do make an LSD for the front. And there is a company developing a locking diff for the rear. But for now this set up is brilliant

@romanobezuidenhout7506 Ай бұрын

@@PTP4X4 thank you for the response. We got two 2006 models. One was supposed to be a spares bin for the other, but ended up fixing the spares bin and now got two 4x4 Pandas!

@Auxbeam Ай бұрын

Hi Do you need some great lighting for your car to help you better driving, off-road. We're the pro auto lighting company for nearly 20 year and we're looking forward to do some sponsorship with you!

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

I am in need of some LED’s for my headlights.. get in touch with me on instagram and we can discuss further! It’s : @ThePanda4X4

@alvydasurbonas8913 Ай бұрын

your rear diff mount is done i think that is why you have a rub spot on drive shaft where paint has worn off.

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

Hi, the rub mark on the prop shaft was due to my heat shield above it falling down and rubbing on the prop shaft.

@oliversmith8925 Ай бұрын

Is that blue the original rear subframe or is it a newer modified one - if so where did you get it from?

@oliversmith8925 Ай бұрын

Also - great work!! Looks awesome. Nice to do upgrades before the parts fail…

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

The blue parts at the rear are just my rear swing arms. I bought new ones and painted them blue. The subframe is all original. Thanks !!

@clangerbasher Ай бұрын

What FIAT should have fitted in the factory not the fluid coupling. Awesome mod.

@PTP4X4 Ай бұрын

I agree !

@clangerbasher Ай бұрын

@@PTP4X4 I remember the 4x4 system on the original 4x4 Panda engineered by Steyr Daimler Puch. The parts were huge compared to the standard car's front wheel drive train. And it was all mechanical.