Off-Road Subaru VLSD swap: what it does and how to do it

Everything about VLSD's for Subaru vehicles, including how they work, where to get one, what to look for, and how to install one in most pretty much any Subaru by matching the differential gear ratios (we tell you how to do that too).
After watching this video, you will see that as far as limited slip differentials go, the VLSD far from the best LSD you can get. However, it is the path of least resistance, and you could definitely argue that it's the best you could get for the money spent.
CONTENTS
0:37 how to tell if your car has a VLSD
0:53 what a VLSD does
1:33 VLSD in action off-road (with explanations)
2:21 how to remove your diff
3:59 considerations for swapping your differential
4:45 can I just swap the gear?
5:29 ratio matching
6:21 axle compatibility
6:42 Subaru VLSD spotters guide
7:18 VLSD summary of pro's and con's
Vehicles with LSD's: forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...
If you liked this video, check out our other modification videos below, as well as all the candid adventures you'll see on our channel (we film ourselves while doing real stuff, and then put it in a video...it's a neat concept).
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Locking differential
• Why your Off-road Suba...
Overview of all battlewagon mods
• Off-road Forester buil...

[@powerofyourbrains]

BIG NEWS - Torq-Masters is coming out with the first affordable SUBARU R160 LOCKER ever (and it's way better than the vlsd for off-road). These bad boys are scheduled to hit the market this summer for just $400, but we'll be getting some prototypes in soon to test and review! We're looking forward to seeing how they perform both on-road and off-road. Check out our social medias for more info, and subscribe/follow for install and testing updates as stuff happens.

[@tolgadaa5977]

please shake the camera more dude. i can still see something

[@noname-cl4jw]

So happy I found this channel , you actually explain how to do stuff an reasons why to do it , thanks for great vids

[@Mitchvr32]

Great video guys, loving the content so far. Got a BH series outback that will be getting a lift and more down the track. People really do under estimate the capability of these great cars.

[@ringspanner]

Love the RC cam, cool vid, cheers

[@powerofyourbrains]

Thanks, it's surprisingly useful. We like putting cameras on things

[@pulanis]

Thanks guys. Very useful information. My English is very weak and I do not understand everything. Soon a sister from the UK will come and ask her for help. I live in the Sudety mountains and such blockages would be very useful for me. I am looking forward to further instructions and your films from the forest. Greetings and I wish you further successes. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@powerofyourbrains]

Szuwaru Tv Thank you for watching, and I'm glad you're finding these videos to be helpful

[@notajuan2420]

Would have liked to see you put a torsen diff in, heard of people doing it but not much info out there... Loved the vid, keep it up :)

[@powerofyourbrains]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed. We're with you there, and if you fund the diff we'd be happy to. Alas, we are too cheap

[@crxtodd16]

Did an R160 VLSD swap on my '06 Outback after installing a 6spd MT from a Crosstrek. Just tested it out in the snow the other day and it's actually a BIG difference compared to the open diff, I can actually do donuts now. Haha.

[@tokyotopp]

I'm just curious, I have a 98 impreza outback sport with a 4speed auto open rear diff. I'm really interested in this swap but will it affect the vehicle speed and mpg?

[@tajvwss]

As the owner of an 04 forester xt setup for offroad, I wouldn't want a Torsen style diff. Torsen diffs are great until you lift a wheel and then it's an open diff and no better than what you started with. I'm getting ready to install a Cusco diff, not sure if I will use the 1.5 or 2.0 setting since this is also my daily driver.

[@powerofyourbrains]

This was explained in the raw footage and cut out for brevity's sake, but you can easily overcome that by lightly holding the brakes. Still a matter of preference; strength/ease of lockup vs component longevity

[@rodlong1802]

I just picked up an 02 Forester S last week and I'm learning that it has a VLSD in it. Is this basically what the Torq Locker is doing??

[@terrycain1920]

Working on this type rear now. Was surprised to find after removing cover no clutch pack. Rear was making same noise a clutch pack rear would make going into corners. Will see soon if this fixes it.

[@powerofyourbrains]

Hmm. Sounds sorta like wheel bearings to me.

[@tokyotopp]

I have a 1998 Subaru Impreza outback sport what are my lsd options??? Plz advise

[@gabrielbarreda22]

Hey man I got a 2003 Subaru forester 2.5XS and I would like to know what to get to make my rear diff lock up for better rear traction, I'm already doing the other mod you guys mention in how to lock up the center diff. Your input will be much appreciated and thanks for your videos keep up the good work

[@powerofyourbrains]

We have looked into this. If you really want a true locking setup, there is a guy in Australia who can fabricate a locking rear for the forester using an R180 rear. Im happy to give you his contact info, but you should know that its a send-off service, and the parts and labor costs nearly 4k USD. As soon as there is a cheaper alternative, you'll hear about it on this channel

[@gabrielbarreda22]

Power of your brains thank you for the info, I will wait for now then because 4k it's to much.

[@gabrielbarreda22]

Power of your brains the other cheaper option that i was thinking is to weld the rear diff to make it possi at all times and have my subi with the fuse on the FWD slot. Now my other question here would be, Can this motel subaru be driven for long miles with the fuse in the FWD slot? In other words have it in front wheel traction for city use and enable the AWD when going off road!

[@powerofyourbrains]

Gabriel Ruiz Having that fuse in place means that the center will lock up only when traction is lost, so its still awd. The switch could be wired to allow for fwd only vs lockup. The problem with a welded diff is that it is welded wether or not power is being sent to it. If you have to drive on-road on a regular basis, a welded diff is usually not a great idea

[@tonyn1991]

I was the one who, with my partner developed the R180 diff locker here in Sydney. I have tried various different diff set ups off road. From open, VLSD, Torsen and plated through to e-locker off road. I am also aware of the lunch box or auto lockers that have since become available for the R160. The open is obviously pretty limited but if you keep the car flat you can still get to some places. VLSD is effective to a point, but wilts under use and in more difficult terrain. The Torsen is ok, until such time as you lift a wheel, then it's effectively an open diff. Best not worry about it. Plated diffs are the best of the LSD's, and they vary by brand. Thing is, on road they make the car very tail happy, yet still give up on you and leave you stranded. These auto lockers are similar in concept to Detroit Lockers. They don't always lock when you want them to, and sometimes can when you don't want them to. Which on a wet road can lead to a very nasty surprise. They are also noisy, and because they still use the weak R160 axles you are more likely to break one, hardly ideal in an off road situation or away from home. It's pretty old technology and somewhat primitive. A bit like having a black and white TV when you can have the latest LCD/LED. Which leaves the R180 e-locker. Strong, quiet, reliable, effective. If you can't afford it and all you have is an open rear diff, then the VLSD is probably the best option you have in terms of bang for your buck. You can see though how my diff works here, Look at my other videos while you're there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGPWZn1mn9x6n7M

[@simonbroddle754]

Hi, thank you for the video. I have an SJ Forester and have argued that the best balance between a vLSD and a locking diff is probably a Torsen. What is the difference between the Torsen and Eaton Truetrac? There appears to be subtle differences. I also wonder why such a good vehicle doesn't fit them as standard or offer it as a marketing option for more off road markets. Thank you again.

[@procrastinator1842]

Late 2019 I bought a torqmasters R160 locker, it was awful. It worked well but horrific for daily driving. A torsen or truetrac will become an open diff if you lift a wheel off the ground. I've been experimenting with rebuilding my own R160 vlsd diffs, I have a torque measurement device in a large lathe so we can plot torque vs rpm graphs, so far I've managed a 300% improvement in torque transfer over a stock 100% functional R160vlsd. I'm hoping this will be a great allrounder for daily driving, gravel roads and off road.

[@dukeofnyd1]

@@procrastinator1842 i came back to this video to see if anyone is modding the vlsd. Any news?

[@procrastinator1842]

@@dukeofnyd1 Hi Jon, after over a year of testing my custom VLSD, I am thrilled with the performance both on and off road. There are literally millions of these units getting around on the road waiting to be upgraded. I am close to offering a mail in, mail out rebuild service, just figuring out how and if I can build a 500% increase diff and will need to test it.

[@dukeofnyd1]

@@procrastinator1842 very cool! Congrats 👍 I was recently thinking about how people used to (maybe still) shim r200 vlsd and thought itd be good for the r160 subaru lsds. Theres definitely a lot of r160 v lsd out there waiting to get better.

[@procrastinator1842]

@@dukeofnyd1 Thanks! Shimming only works with clutch lsds. If you shim a vlsd, you destroy it pretty quickly 😂

[@Zcypot]

any difference with the 4EAT on the turbo models of the transmission?(02-04 WRX). I was thinking of swapping that in because they can handle some power when built, I was wondering if I would lose anything from my Forester(SF) Type S drivetrain.

[@Zcypot]

@@powerofyourbrains I was thinking of doing an Ej255 swap but wanted to keep it auto with a quick spooling turbo for a high torque build. And just have it lifted for light off roading stuff. I was reading that the 4EAT that came in WRXs are pretty stout and once build can hold a ton of power. I just didnt want to end up getting stuck because the drivetrain behave different when off roading. thanks

[@powerofyourbrains]

The old bugeyes had the ej205. Ej255 is 09+ wrx. I believe that the legacy gts of the mid 00's had the 255 with your size gearing (4.44, but double check yourself of course). Thatd definitely be your best bet. Coincidentally, it's also the vtd model I mentioned.

[@Zcypot]

@@powerofyourbrains thanks for the info, Fozzys have a lot of great build paths

[@Databyter]

I don't understand why they don't make these standard equipment as a minimum. Why spend so much time on traction control and torque vectoring and not attempt to assist it with mechanical advantage. Does the LSD inhibit the way torque vectoring works.?

[@krry9191]

Where can you get any kind of straight swap lsd or locker for sake of better snow car?

[@powerofyourbrains]

Well, since snow naturally causes tire spin, the vLSD is perfect. We have a snow adventure video if you would like to check that out. For conditions which allow for more traction, the next most feasible options would be a clutch-type or helical conversion, either of which have their benefits and drawbacks (longevity and price). A true locker costs more than it'll be worth to you, but if you wanna throw away 4k we know a guy in Australia who can build it

[@yakmalxc]

If i swap out the carrier assembly from an open diff r160 to a vlsd r160 (matching ratios) I dont have to swap the axles?

[@Panmei943]

i want to do the same, did you manage to do this?

[@procrastinator1842]

The version 2 axles are the same as the open diff plug in axles. Swapping carriers is a bad idea because the pinion mesh is set at the factory by a crush washer behind the pinion, so there is a chance your mesh will be shit.

[@Djavo1]

Does my 04 3.0 premium have an LSD?

[@aaronsempa5820]

Will this reduce the situation of one wheel spinning like crazy, while the wheels with traction aren't getting power?

[@CarSyndicate]

aaron sempa Nope, the vlsd May as well be an open diff in situations where one wheel is free spinning

[@aaronsempa5820]

@@CarSyndicate okay, so is installing a diff locker worth it?

[@CarSyndicate]

@@aaronsempa5820 Imo lockers and LSD's aren't comparable really. I have a torqlocker and do recommend it. No longer am i stuck in one spot with a wheel in the air and losing all my forward momentum. Definitely worth it if you encounter the same issue

[@georgeemanson]

I have had a Subaru forester 1997 (automatic) from new (approx. 70,000 miles on the clock), that has been great for all the years with very little to do other than annual services. However, recently I have had a lot of vibration & shuddering on the wheels when making slow tight turns (left or right) but never on the straight. It is difficult to identify which wheels the noise or shudder comes from and I don't feel much through the steering wheel. I have had all differentials replace that has reduced the frequency but not eliminated the problem. We hope it isn't the automatic gear box but has anyone got any ideas what to do next.

[@moonsapling]

Check your steering rack and your power steering. And sadly... Yes it could be in your transmission. I used to own a 1999 model (2.0 dual range). And had had similar experience. My forester had a center differentials and in fact it was the thing causing the problem. Since your auto doesnt have a center diff i think it may be the part which controls how much power to deliver to the front or to the rear (forgot how it is called). It is nothing with the gears but with that electronic mechanism.

[@georgeemanson]

@@moonsapling Checked all that with no 'luck'...... We now believe it could be a solenoid in the transmission that works the AWD system may have gone.... just waiting for parts before replacing it..... I will inform you when done.

[@moonsapling]

@@georgeemanson hope you manage to fix it. Hope for the best and good luck!

[@georgeemanson]

@@moonsapling Thanks for the support.... I think we are eventually getting there..... old sub's are great cars... not to fond of the new ones so want to keep this one going....

[@georgeemanson]

SHE LIVES AGAIN!!!!!!…..an interesting item at 3 minutes to 4:40 minutes in the attached video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYGahXykqZmkbpY )..... this was exactly what I experienced with my 1998 Subaru Forester but no-one could diagnose the problem.... £3k was spent/wasted with my Local Subaru dealer trying to fix it... but to no effect. Then I found the attached video link.... and then I found a good mechanic willing to do the work..... and yesterday we got our car back (with new solenoid in the transmission) and she runs great..... Well worth the effort.... these Subaru's can go on forever (almost) George (London, UK)

[@idignaciodomingonovadeloss7203]

AleluYAH

[@fox10169]

The drive shaft flange isn't rectangular, it is indeed square. Torsen is terrible for off-roading btw, you need way to much brake modulation to make it useful, not to mention there isn't even a Torsen r160 Subaru diff. Your better off welding it. Oh, and the bolts on the driveshaft have tabs that keep them from spinning while you loosen the nut, you don't need a wrench on the bolt.

[@ejayone8184]

Forester Awd with vlsd > most "real 4wds" (most "real 4wds" dont have lockers or even lsd)

[@Y10Q]

ideally you would want to buy a Jeep or something with a real 4wd but then you hit the wall with the Jeeps made in the last 20 years being extremely big pieces of shit that will a lot of times catch on fire for no reason at all other than faulty wiring from the factory

[@powerofyourbrains]

It's mostly just that Jeeps are prototypical and overpriced for us. We'd rather have a challenge. If anything I think making them more flammable was an improvement.

[@razam1256]

Bro, weld that diff instead

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

he uses this car for the road, I don't think it is a good idea

[@Urgento22]

The opening is way too long this video could have been 25 second shorter