Date:         Sat, 11 Dec 2004 22:38:09 -0700
Reply-To:     jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Subject:      4x4 runners
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

After a rescue trip I just did for my daughter I think another tool may be
required for all 4wd owners.  Carry a heavy utility knife with spare blades.

Daughter called because she had just had a huge sheet of plastic blown off
of a construction site and under her jeep. The jeep immediately made
monsterous noises so she immediately coasted over and shut down partially
blocking traffic.  Fortunately one of the tools I carry is a replaceable
blade utility knife and a monster screwdriver.  I cut enough from around the
joints and carrier bearing to get her all the way out of traffic.  (of
course one of the narrower high traffic roads)

I spent an hour cutting plastic from under that jeep. It was wrapped around
the drive shaft in an unbelievable thick and tight mess. At least 4 inches
of cutting just to get to the shaft.  And then trying to get the jammed and
compressed material out of the tunnel area.  A volunteer stopped and helped
out as well.  A 4x4 truck was about a half mile up the road with the same
situation.  Plastic sheeting wrapped around the drive shaft.  He was a
drywaller so you can guess what he had several of.  Stopped to talk to him
and his partner as they were finishing up.  They took longer than with the
jeep.  He said an upset lady had stopped to talk to them.  Seems her 4x4 had
had the same problem the day before.

Maybe I will stay with my 2 wheel drive and not get a synchro.

jimt