In a message dated 3/5/01 2:34:09 AM, wayout@IX.NETCOM.COM writes: << I could consider a synchro... But Im wondering if I should bother... I get the gut feeling that VW didnt have a whole lot of experience doing 4WD . . . . . . I should stick with my usual automobile asthetic of "the simpler the better". What do you folks think? Am I looking at expensive problems with a synchro, or are drivetrains comperable in reliabilty to a 2WD? >> Jason, I am sitting here looking out on at least a foot of snow covering the road in front of my house, so perhaps I am the wrong person to address you questions. I have 2 Syncri solely because I want to be able to hop in one of them and drive the 600 feet to the closest plowed street without getting my feet wet. Having said that, I think a better Vanagon would be a 2WD with a locking rear axle. Once I decide to retire my older Syncro, I plan to salvage its locking differential for such a transplant. Anyway, syncro doesn't have the ground clearance for any real off-roading. VW also must have doubted their finesse with 4WD because they farmed out the Syncro to one of the world's premier 4WD manufacturers, Steyr-Puch. I am sure Steyr-Puch does not make junk, but their 4WD system does require a lot of hardware and, obviously, more things to maintain. Some Syncro parts are much more expensive than the 2WD equivalent. Also, it is prudent to change tires 4 at a time on a Syncro. Rich |
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