How to Transform The Fiat Panda 4x4 - Installing A Mechanical Coupler
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- Опубліковано 11 тра 2024
- 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. - Авто та транспорт
I like how you repurposed one of the cup holders as a mounting spot for the lever lol
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.
I agree .. for the quality of the kit and the work that has gone into designing it, for €500 you can’t complain !
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.
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.
can't wait for the black and white paint job getting done ?
We asked the man AND THE MAN DELIVERED IN ABUNDANCE 🎉
Ahh thank you! 🙏🏼 appreciate it!
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.
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. 🐼
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.
I think when the clutch next needs changing I’ll look into one !
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.
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
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.
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
@@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!
Oh, I've seen those! I always thought they were a lot more expensive! (As in: don't even bother asking expensive)
Yeah not too much really !
Nice ratcheting spanner @12:37 🤣
Is that blue the original rear subframe or is it a newer modified one - if so where did you get it from?
Also - great work!! Looks awesome. Nice to do upgrades before the parts fail…
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 !!
your rear diff mount is done i think that is why you have a rub spot on drive shaft where paint has worn off.
Hi, the rub mark on the prop shaft was due to my heat shield above it falling down and rubbing on the prop shaft.
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!
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
What FIAT should have fitted in the factory not the fluid coupling. Awesome mod.
I agree !
@@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.
purchase link?
I contacted prometeo meccanica direct on their Instagram. But they also have a website you can contact them.
Unless you put freewheeling hubs on the rear, rhere will still be some friction loss from the rear differential.
I agree, but this set up will improve things
great work!, is there available for the panda 319?
I am not too sure you know.. I don’t think so but I could be wrong !
@@PTP4X4 can you send me the link from the company?
Sadly no
prometeo meccanica. I contacted them on Instagram.
@@PTP4X4 let us know
I thought 169 4x4 are permanent 4x4
The viscous coupling always sends some power to the back wheels, but when it senses slip, it will fully engage.