Date:         Wed, 2 Feb 2005 20:41:31 -0500
Reply-To:     Hans Achter <hansachter@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Hans Achter <hansachter@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Q: adding a differential lock or Limited Slip on a 2WD
Comments: To: Jean-Pierre Le Cruguel <jlecruguel@AEI.CA>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I agree with Jeff, on ice and snow the rear locker doesn't add much.  I have a syncro so it's not
the best comparison, but locking the rear doesn't suddenly give a whole lot of extra traction.
Usually it won't get you over the obstacle but the rear end will suddenly swing sideways, often
getting you into more trouble.  It does help to engage it if you get diagonally on a high spot so
the wheels on two corners are unloaded and can't grip.  On fairly flat terrain you won't get much
help from it.
You're much better off spending a couple of hundred for excellent snow tires like Nokian Hakkas, C2
or CS, for the rear.  They are hard to beat on ice and snow, even without studs.
You're welcome to horse around and test out mine (the locker on my van and/or a pair of Hakka C2s on
your van) if you like, especially if we get a big pile of snow.
-Hans

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jean-Pierre Le Cruguel" <jlecruguel@AEI.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2005 5:03 PM
Subject: Q: adding a differential lock or Limited Slip on a 2WD
It does not take me much snow or ice to get stuck. 1 or 2 inches of ice
can be enough.
It's fairly ok on cleared roads. the thing is parking it or climbing
even small ice accumulations.
(recently I tried to get it out the garage where it is stored and I
could not climb a 1 inche tall ice step!)

I got stuck so easily: it's a truck, it's heavy. it shows
It was the same mess when I stored it. I got stuck on ice. I have some
Icetracks. it works ok but I do not want to get in/out every time.
Once you get stuck, you are f***!!!

Can someone point me to a good solution: how much would it cost to add a
locker? What is the easiest/cheapest way?
What does it involve mechanically? (Which parts do I need to add/replace?)
I understand LSD is kind of automatic, and also not as efficient.
while a locker must controled from the driver's seat, so it 's not just
a simple mechanical add on.

If someone has already done so....

All inputs are welcome!

JP