Date:         Wed, 12 Sep 2001 20:29:03 +1200
Reply-To:     Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Subject:      Converting 2WD to 4WD (not Syncro)
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Not having access to my 2WD Caravelle or a Syncro, I can't look for myself.

I have the idea of eventually converting it to 4WD. To do so I would look
at using a Porsche Carrera 4 trans and front diff (no gearing problems, no
VC problems). How easy would it be to mount a front diff? (I imagine the
trans should fit G50 mounts and shifter, and may be G50-based).

Can syncro front hubs be fitted to a 2WD suspension? Do 2WD front brakes
fit Syncro stubs? I will have modified front brakes anyway by then, Porsche
993 units, fitted using a Hansen adaptor kit (I don't know whether this kit
replaces the itegrated early discs/hubs, or the rotors have to be machined
off).

I know a 2WD can be retrofitted with Syncro parts, but this is involved,
expensive and there are no parts available in NZ. Also I'd have problems
with VC strength, longevity and incompatibly low diff ratio.


Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin, New Zealand
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
ph   64 (3) 473-8863
fax 64 (3) 479-7527
84 VW Caravelle GL (to be fitted with SVX engine & Porsche G50 trans) RWD
87 Corolla 1.8 DX CE80 diesel sedan FWD
89 Corolla 1.8 DX CE96 diesel van/wagon FWD
89 Corona 2.0 D Select CT170 diesel sedan FWD
92 Toyota Estima Lucida (=Previa) 2.2 turbodiesel RWD
In a world without walls or fences, who needs windows or gates?