Date:         Tue, 15 Oct 2002 04:45:37 EDT
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Syncro locking differential
Comments: To: SnpKrakPop@aol.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 10/15/02 1:21:34 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
SnpKrakPop@AOL.COM writes:

<< Does anyone know approximately how much it would cost to convert a
 non-locking differential on a 1986 Syncro GL to a locking differential?  Can
 this be done?  My previous mechanic in Boulder, Co (Wolfsburg Automotive)
 stated that it appeared that I may have a locking differential minus the
 button on the dash.

 One more question: Is it possible to have a Syncro with both, front and rear,
 locking differentials? >>

It is not likely that your Syncro has a locking differential w/o the
actuating equipment. If your mechanic is trying to sell you this idea, it may
be time to find another mechanic for your Syncro.

Try Daryl at AA Transaxle in Duvall, Washington
http://www.aatransaxle.com

or Chris Weddle at Weddle Engineering in Goleta, California at
http://www.2weddle.com/

Plan on spending about $1800 for a rebuild on your transaxle as IIRC that is
the only way to add the locker. Well, actually just the diff section will
need to be disassembled. Plus you have to purchase the locking diff and
associated vacuum actuators and dash console etc. Heck, you'd almost be
better off buying a complte Syncro with a locking diff already in it. I paid
less than $3K on two different occasios for Syncros in very good condition
and had good operating lockers. I've got one of my Syncros on ebay now with
the top bid soon to end at $4600. All the equipment is working. Get something
like that and sell your non-locker. It's the practical way to go. Either that
or just droive your Syncro the way it is.

Yes, Syncro were availabel with front and rear lockers. However, it was not a
common option. Few came that way. None of the US spec vehicles AFAIK. I have
a 1989 16" Syncro Double Cab which came from the factory with lockers front
and rear.

BenT
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html">Vanagon
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