USDM SUBARU with LOW RANGE SWAP!!!

Last year, Javier joined in on a trip out to Leavitt Lake. You can see the video here: • Heavy trail erosion to...
At the time, his SJ Subaru Forester was mostly stock with the 6 speed manual transmission with a clutch that was almost worn out. He contemplated purchasing another vehicle to get a little further on his adventures.
I told him that he can improve his crawl ratio if he did a "dual range transmission swap". There's a company that I heard of called "the ZF design" that is a distributor for this transmission from the Australian market.
NAVIGATION:
00:00 INTRO
00:43 Meet the Owner @javierrtphotos (walk around)
03:54 The Dual Range Subaru in action
06:04 The obstacle really was challenging
08:06 Other vehicles on the obstacle
09:49 The Dual Range Subaru doing it again
10:50 More vehicles on the obstacle
Follow along on the adventures with detailed write ups and GPX files on / jondz_adventuring
***please do not share coordinates publicly or with someone that you wouldn't trust, protect our public lands, thanks!
disclaimer: I may be an affiliate or in a partnership with the below companies. This means that I may make a small profit from sales at no additional cost to you. You might even save money :P Thanks for your support!
Proud to announce a partnership with EcoFLow! Please use this affiliate link! us.ecoflow.com/products/river...
BUILD INFO:
-SKID PLATES by No-Lo Designs - discount code "JONDZ5" for 5% off
no-lodesigns.com/shop
-ROCK SLIDERS by Traxda USA - discount code "JONDZ20" for 20% offf
traxdaliftkits.com/product/ho...
-3.5 INCH LIFT KIT by Traxda USA - discount code "JONDZ20" for 20% off
traxdaliftkits.com/product/ki...
-RIDGELINE SWAP (Strut/Shocks and Spring)
-RIDGELINE EIBACH LIFT SPRINGS. Front 0.8" longer, Rear 0.3" longer
-STRUT/SHOCK EXTENDER by New Age Performance (Ventura, CA)
-BRAKE AID LINE LOCK SYSTEM by New Age Performance (Ventura, CA)
-WHEELS - Black Rhino "Chase" 18" X 8", 120 x 5, 10mm offset, 26 lbs
-TIRES - Toyo Open Country AT3 255/70R18
-REAR HITCH TIRE CARRIER "Trailswing" by DirtCom USA
dirtcomusa.com/
-ROOF TOP TENT by Centori Outdoors - discount code "JONDZ5" for 5% OFF
centorioutdoors.com/products/...
For and in depth write up on my midsized Honda BUILD, check out:
crossoverlanding.com/honda-ov...
For all other gear, check out my AMAZON STORE FRONT. I also have little gear review videos.
AMAZON STORE: www.amazon.com/shop/jondzadve...
Visit www.crossoverlanding.com for an AWD trail database, trail gear guide, and a link to join others.
#dualrange #subaru #hungryvalley #lowrange #hungryvalleysvra #gorman #forester #subaruforester #subarucrosstrek #subaruoutback #honda #hondapassport #hondaridgeline #hondapilot #nissan #nissanpathfinder #nissanfrontier #subaruoutbackwilderness #wilderness #offroadpark #offroad #overlanding #toyota #toyota4runner #jeep #jeepgrandcherokee

[@IronmanV5]

Imagine the Outback, Forrester, & Crosstrek Wildernesses with that low range& LSDs front & rear.

[@dylman8128]

i would’ve kept my outback if so

[@AADCOA]

I swapped an SF Forester Dual range box into my Outback and haven't looked back since, best thing I ever did for the rig :)

[@ignitionoffroad5028]

The dual range is such a great offroad modification for the subies! It’s given my XT forester so much more control on those technical obstacles.

[@blueridge8992]

Just checked out your channel and that Forester is awesome! Hope to see more videos of it wheeling in the future.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks for chiming in Ignition Offroad. I’ve watched many of your videos back when your channel was called something else and I had a Subaru. I also watched your recent stuff with the ADS dual range and your Subie handles great. So, here in the USA, many people love their Subarus and many of them are modified with the torq locker, Ironman coil overs, etc, but I have to tell you that the general consensus is that most people believe the 4EAT is superior (even though hardly anyone has the dual range here). My Honda is geared 20.4:1 stock, with taller tires it’s down to 18.7:1, and I can tell everyone that the engine braking helps so much for downhill. The ADS / ZF design dual range will descend with a 22:1 ratio so nicely. It will be very very noticeable compared to a 4EAT with a 14:1 crawl ratio 😃

[@bruceyyyyy]

I love how much people love these cars enough to import and install low range transmissions in them. I also appreciate the other vehicles going up and seeing how they differ in their handling of the obstacle. I wish they were cheaper. As it is I plan to 2.2/6MT swap my mud buggy (that's got a blown up 2.5 because Subaru) from one from a newer Crosstrek. It's mostly bolt in and should give me a nice 16:1 first gear. Nothing crazy like the Bronco or even this low range shown here, but also dirt cheap which makes it perfect for a buggy.

[@boydbria]

Everytime I see that ridgeline brings me closer to getting one myself haha

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@k20nartpros Ridgeline is badass. Bigger tires and lots of lift!

[@BonkersBaja]

I can totally appreciate the reasons for purchasing a new professionally assembled 1.447:1 dual range. Just wanted to point out another option... Not that many people have the means... but you can find JDM dual range transmissions in 1.21:1 for about $1400 and then with some reasonable machining can convert to 1.593:1 with gears out of late 80's GL donor tranny that can be found in wrecking yards for just a few hundred more. You will be limited to 4.111 final drive ratio but most are starting with that ratio so saves money not having to swap the rear. Your final crawl ratio would be 22.62:1. (Calculates: 1st*L/R*FD so 3.454*1.593*4.111=22.62) For those who are friends with a machinist, it makes the conversion a couple of grand. I did this to my Baja and added lunchbox lockers to the front and center diffs while I had the tranny apart so I'm now 100% autolocked. Front and center lockers required an absolutely prohibitive amount of machining however. Oh yeah, I also swapped the 2.5NA to a 3.0H6, did a 4 inch body lift and put on 29" tires . In the end, I have a beast of a Subaru...

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Wow! That’s one badass Baja! Where are you located? Any chance we can meet up? I’d love to cover your rig!!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Wow I didn’t know this is even possible! Very eye opening

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Hello Kai!!! I love your channel and congrats on all the success!! The Subaru platform has changed very very little. All of the transmissions should be swappable from 1st gen to 6th gen. one of the reasons they still stick with the CVT and don't use another transmission is because of fitment. 😭

[@TinkerersAdventure]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring thank you and likewise! Looks like Subaru got some really hardcore off-roaders too

[@RTI_MD]

Would be interesting to see how the new Pilot Trailsport does here

[@kartboarder22g17]

Freakin impressive. Wow a light Forester with that type of equipment, impressive. He looks like one happy explorer.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yeah, I’m happy this all worked out for him. After listening to what he wanted from a vehicle, I recommended this kit to him as an option to make his 6 speed manual Forester more capable. He thought about buying a different vehicle, maybe a 4WD, but even at an $8K upgrade overall, it’s a lot cheaper than a used 4WD. He still has a modern ride and still gets good gas mileage.

[@kartboarder22g17]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Nice, 2014 was the last stick forester right in the us?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@kartboarder22g17 The SJ Forester ran from 2014 to 2018, so I guess 2018?

[@bahamuttg]

Peeped the OBW in the background shots in the beginning! 😊 would love to have this setup on my OBW.

[@k20z3allmotorFTW]

I’ve should have done the easy side 😅

[@softroadingthewest]

Nice, this was something I had in the back of mind as a future possibility for my Forester. I never understood why Subaru didn't at least offer this as an option here since they make the transmission anyway.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Subaru has a big following. There’s a lot of Subaru owners that push the limit of what is possible in a CVT and Subaru should really consider offering an updated version of their dual range in the wilderness line. Imagine an outback wilderness with a 30:1 crawl ratio! While it still won’t compete with a Wrangler rubicon or Bronco manual with a 80:1 or 90:1 crawl ratio, it would undoubtedly be a big upgrade, especially since Subarus are so light weight.

[@Databyter]

The reason Subaru stopped doing stuff like low ranges and traditional transmissions is because of government regulations, and the hypercritical MPG competition attached to it. Blame Government. Subaru did offer low ranges in some of their offerings back in the day, especially in other Countries.

[@jeffreyajello6046]

Love seeing these AWD vehicles do this stuff (even if modified), most of us drive something similar and it's nice to see the possibilities

[@pizzasaurolophus]

I used to have an R51 Pathfinder, best of both worlds. Body on frame, but full IRS and a kick ass traction system (ABLS). It's a shame they don't make anything else like it, except maybe thew new Cherokee, but doesn't seem like you can lift that.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Thanks. I really have enjoyed the build

[@forester_overland_nz]

Every Forester owner that overlands are so jealous right now! I know I am!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Stay tuned for a video I’ll eventually edit. We drive up steep hills and you have to see how the dual range forester performed.

[@joefriday5903]

Nice to see this one. I have plans to do this for my 2007 Outback wagon. Going to be a bit but it's nice to have a ballpark range for how much it cost. Though first I need tires, skid plate, coil overs for the lift. The usual. Upgrading from my 2001 ll bean Outback because I got tired of Subarus automatic.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Always a blast coming out to do a comparison with you sir!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The pleasure was all mine Ian! Awesome to see that Pathfinder perform!!!

[@OutdoorMemories]

Nice to see it from the outside. After that second climb I got a good recommendation to control the gas with a bike hand lever, so I can still 2 foot break and keep my foot over the clutch. More mods to add to the list!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Javier, is this you? Yeah, that sounds pretty awesome!

[@OutdoorMemories]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring yes, it's me. Sounds like the bike lever is a common way to control the throttle for Jeep drivers when using stick shift.

[@SDwriter.and.surfer]

It's like 1980 all over again! That's the first time the Subaru 4x4s were offered with a "low" range from the factory here in the USA. Only a 46% reduction, but still. I think it was available from 1980 to about 1984? I don't know why they stopped offering it then.

[@jwc3104]

I have a Subaru outback. I saw few videos of highly modified Subarus doing serious off roading (like this video and others). I got excited, started to look into getting 3" lifts, AT Tires, Radiator mods, Diff lockers, armors and low range transmission yada yda... and realized something.... It'd be cheaper, safer and simpler to just sell my outback, and buy a used 4Runner. I'll have to throw so much money on Subaru just to get it be equal to a stock 4Runner. I really like my Subarus, but i don't have such deep pocket. Surely 4Runners of the same age/miles will be more expensive, but I think I got the answer now. Thank you JON, for kicking a healthy dose of reality and common sense into my brain. I'll list my outback for sale, and look for a T4R.

[@Tavo-TECH]

Thank you for the awesome video guys. I have a low range transmission in my forester SG, do you know if is possible to change the low range ratio?

[@RobbieHerrera]

Wow, capability on that Subie leveled up several notches.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Yes! Really neat to see!

[@AWDfreak]

I've dual-range swapped my Subaru XV Crosstrek, and I can only recommend it once any prospective buyers understand what they're getting. The low-range reduction isn't as good as a traditional off-road driveline setup. And for those who don't know, there is NO transfer case, it is all contained in the manual transaxle. However, if you love the more pavement-friendly crossover type of vehicle paired with a manual transmission and dual-range, nobody else offered this combination in the USDM as far as I know. (Subaru did back in the day with the Leone RX Turbo, the great grandfather of the WRX).

[@nrhudec]

I really like the idea of the low range box and i would've loved to have one when i still had my Forester, but that is a LOT of money to still only have just a 22:1 crawl ratio.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The conversion isn't cheap, but with how expensive used and new vehicles are nowadays, the dual range swap option makes more and more sense. The owner of the Subaru Forester was very happy with his ride, he just wished it had a little capability. I did a little search on used 4WD prices, and found one of the hottest overland rigs, the Lexus GX is averaging about $24K. The Nissan Pathfinder you saw in this video is only going for $8K, the Dual range swap including installation was about the same price! The 3rd gen pathfinder 4wd is rated at 15 city / 22 highway and a 6 speed SJ Forester is rated at 22 city / 29 highway (the dual range swap has 1 less gear though).

[@WDunkin]

People sleep on the R51 Pathfinders all the time. It would be nice for subaru to just make a serious off road model for the people that really want it.

[@BorellaFamilyAdventures]

Yep, that build has been really fun and challenging but obviously worried it!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I just checked used prices on a 4WD pathfinder and they're going for only $8K!!!! Ummmmm.... let's keep this a secret.

[@vlogfriendsutopia]

The newer RDX's actually have a similar or better crawl ratio with their 10 speed transmissions.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

You’re right! The RDX and MDX and Subaru Dual Range are all at 21.9:1. The Honda products have a torque converter though, which will multiply torque when more throttle is applied. The new 2023 Honda pilot trailsport is geared 22.8:1, which is the most aggressive single speed automatic transmission. Subaru of America should really offer the dual range to the Wilderness models and make gearing even more aggressive. Doubt it will happen, they’re focusing too much on the CVT.

[@vlogfriendsutopia]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Honestly, I feel they should just abandon the CVT

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@vlogfriendsutopia they won’t listen, and that’s why this dual range transmission is such a compelling thing.

[@durtyflyadventures]

Awsome, i think subaru would redeem themselves from a bad product of the newer cvt stuff if they made a dual range non cvt. Tbey might take control of the awd

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

For some reason, Subaru of America has never brought them to the USA. I'm not even sure if they're still offered in Australia. Actually, the wilderness models aren't even available in Australia. The head of Subaru Australia said that the "wilderness" badge has to match the technical specifications of the vehicle for Australia and has to be able to traverse the rougher terrain there. Sounds like he's confident in how SOA specced the wilderness edition. Source: "When asked if Subaru Australia would adopt the Wilderness name, Mr Read said: "We will use the Wilderness name pending the final (specifications) of the vehicles. It has to be a proper Wilderness edition to be worthy of that badge.""

[@PittiesAndMore]

Do you know if the Porsche Cayenne made it on the same line as you guys were taking?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I had alot to record and I don't exactly remember if he drove up. The porche will make an appearance in the next video where I have veterans and beginners alike practice "Left Foot Braking" on the frame twister obstacle.

[@Kantar53]

If gas mileage isn't a concern sounds like you'd like a land cruiser. Great on road manners. Especially if going with the lexus variety. Expensive though.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I personally use to drive a FJ cruiser. It didn't meet my on-road handling requirements. Body on frame 4WD vs. Unibody AWD (especially with torq vectoring) is a world of difference.

[@Kantar53]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring right but I’m more talking the AHC equipped Lexus LX470/570 and some land cruisers equipped with AHC. Drives much nicer than any FJ cruiser. Food for thought. Looks like you wheel with some GX470/460 and I think they may offer that suspension as well so you may have already tested those out. I have a 100 series cruiser that drives much nicer than my in-laws 5th gen 4runner which is more similar to the FJ. I do only get about 13 mpg though :)

[@johnwayne8475]

So after all these mods, what will you do with the extremely long nose of most Subarus with only 20 degrees approach angle? Thb my Suzuki Grand vitara 2007 2.7 with only a suspension lift would have ate up all these hills without hesitating

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

There were plenty of body on frame 4WDs in this video and even with traction control, they struggled. How can you be so confident your Vitara would make it? Let alone struggle? Edit: this Dual range Subaru literally has: Low range, a front LSD and a rear locker. Sounds like it would make your Vitara look silly.

[@brandonberganza97]

Okayyyy is it dual range time for trek??

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Do it BRANDON!!!!

[@Databyter]

The low range box is great, but when you add a hard clutch and manual you are increasing difficulty and skills by a factor of 10 for more technical obstacles and grades.. I think you have to go manual just so the box fits in, but ideally the PERFECT combination would of course be a low range box with an automatic with a torque converter. I don't care if it's traditional or CVT, Im not a CVT hater. I know a lot of the criticism they get is not really the fault of the CVT but has more to do with the torque lossy Torque Vectoring which uses brakes to move around torque, losing quite a bit of it in the process. You need to have MORE motor to go offroading with Torque Vectoring AWD's for this reason. It is not the CVT preventing cars from moving, it is the lack of torque after torque vectoring is applied. What works well on the flat ground in snow or ice or mud, becomes very aggressive and you can lose a lot of your torque on deep ruts and inclines. By the time you move all the available torque to the needy wheel with traction, it is only a fraction of what your motor initially wound up for, and you may not have enough. This became very obvious on a lot of Subaru's with brilliant AWD torque vectoring, when they hit steep grades or aggressive obsticles like logs or rocks in the road. It's not the CVT stopping the car from moving. It is insufficient power at the drive wheel after torque has been brake herded to the tractioned wheel. This is why the bigger motor in the crosstrek is a must, and for the bigger Sub's A 2.5 or a 2.4 Turbo is the way to go if you are going to be doing hard stuff, especially at altitude. I really like to see this low range box in action, but honestly it looks hard to drive and control. It's not quite low enough to actually crawl (lets see 50+ to one vs 22), so you still have to ride that hard clutch, which again is hard to modulate, and will probably be a maintainence issue in the future. Looks like a lot of fun tho for less challenging trails, a definite advantage on grades and smaller obstacles., and for actually trying to get somewhere cool, instead of choosing hard lines as a test, it is AWESOME, because most of us are not looking for the hardest lines. We are just trying to get somewhere cool, and this is where the manual low range box will shine as it effortlessly takes you down the road more efficiently. Some of this rut crawling tho, it just doesn't look fun. You can tell the ratio is still not quite low enough for really hard stuff because he is stalling and has to restart, and clutch out, which is hard to do when you have an aggressive sticky sports clutch. My $.02 cents. I'm not an expert by any means. Just my random thoughts and I might be wrong based on just one video. I think regardless of cost which is a primary no factor for me, I'd still take my torque converter over a low range that is not low enough, combined with a manual. For Most trails tho where you are not LOOKING for the challenge line, it is admittedly superior. I'm curious about the MPG. All in all that car is a MONSTER. Front LSD rear Torque locker, low range manual. I wish I could afford to try before I buy heh.

[@seanstewart6292]

the wilderness would have done it if he was in the right mode and actually got on the gas iv seen them do some wild things. watch sarahentuned and the forester wilderness off road review and the outback wilderness one too

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I made a video comparing the two. The Outback wilderness doesn’t get up her test hill, the Forester wilderness does. Also, I drove up her test hill and made it up with tires fully inflated. This terrain is beyond that hill, trust me.

[@CC_Marauder]

#65👍🏻📱👀 Sorry, but it's a Subaru When did you crack your windshield?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It cracked a bit ago. Brother brought my wipers up to play a practical joke, but somehow cracked the wind shield

[@CC_Marauder]

Bummer Delete that reply. If you have State Farm Insurance, you should have your Comprehensive deductible at $100 (never more because it saves very little premium) AND anytime your windshield breaks from "road hazards," i.e., a flying pebble/rock, wood, road debris, etc., you should immediately file a claim. With State Farm, your insurance rates will not go up based on your comprehensive insurance claim. MAKE SURE YOU TELL THEM THAT SOMETHING FROM THE ROAD HIT YOUR WINDSHIELD. My Honda Passport Elite windshield is ridiculously expensive but I can get it 100% OEM replaced for $100 and move on. Signed, Retired insurance broker in California

[@destnations5588]

Nice Video, I prefer auto when offroading myself for slower control, but I'm looking at modifying my transmission to have a low range option directly after the torque converter, here's a quick climb on similar terrain and grade of slope using a bit of momentum to overcome the lack of lower ratio ( I also have the rear torque locker ). kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ7InHmdjNNmnck

[@vict1036]

You keep talking about the on road driving aspect but it seems like you like doing a lot of offroad trails. And your passport seems to struggle so much, it was painful watching the other video where it took you so much time to climb the hill. Just buy a vehicle with a low gear and locking diffs. Forget about the onroad driving, if your channel is about offroading.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Mentioned so many times, My Channel is not about off-roading, It’s about overlanding, which involves hundreds of miles between points of interest. For example, I just got back from an 800 mile trip with 15 miles of dirt road.

[@octurbojoe]

Impressive work on the dual range. 🦾

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

If the brand new 2024 Toyota Tacoma has a stick shift option, I think Subaru of America should really consider giving the Wilderness models a legit Dual Range with a 2.5:1 reduction 😃.

[@octurbojoe]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I agree. Subaru is no stranger to dual range transmissions, however they were only 5-speeds and may not meet current MPG numbers. They would have to redesign a new transmission if that's the case. The current cable operated 6-speed isn't as robust as the older, fully-mechanical gearboxes.

[@SDwriter.and.surfer]

@@octurbojoe Yep. They introduced the dual-range back in 1980 in their 4x4 Wagons. But all the 4x4s had 4-speed boxes (manuals) in those days. Couldn't have a 5th gear because that position on the gearbox was used to engage the rear driveshaft, when the driver shoved down on the "4WD" lever. I don't know why Subaru decided to delete the low-range after about 1984 or so.