Date:         Fri, 8 Dec 2006 18:11:11 -0800
Reply-To:     AATransaxle <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         AATransaxle <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Newbie, hello all and a question(long)
Comments: To: Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252";
              reply-type=original

Lately I have been asked a bunch about linited slips for the 2WD vanagons...
The limited slip has been around for a while for the Jetta's and such with
phenomenal success..The unit for the vans is fairly new but the same proven
technology...I have installed and driven one with the LSD and I was
impressed...Got gravel roads near my place that will make the stock setup
hop like crazy. With the lsd installed it was a night and day
difference...same with wet muddy ground..twice the traction cuase there is
some power going to both wheels..
NOTE: There are times when one wheel is of the ground that it resorts back
to the standard only one wheel driving with this torque biasing diff...its
not bullet proof under all circumstances, but much better than stock.
Gotta pull the trans and install the $1195 diff...can be done without
rebuilding the trans if its a recent rebuild, but don't reccommend to just
do that on a 110k plus tranny.
Daryl of AA Transaxle
Duvall, WA. (Seattle area)
425-788-4070
aatransaxle.com
86 Syncro Westy WBXTurbo

----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Hanson" <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2006 7:10 AM
     Now my question.  Is it normal that Vanagons have poor traction?  I
live on a hill, have a gravel road into my house and some slick areas in my
yard/parking area.  I notice the vanagon seems to lose traction quite
easily..more so than most other 2wd cars and trucks I bring up my drive.
The other day I even had to chain up to back up on some of my wet muddy
grass.  Everything seems in good shape in the driveline and the suspension
looks normal.  The tires are a bit worn, but not bald.  I recall my old AC
split window had superb traction, and my old beetle (I have a 72, FS. btw)
also has pretty good drive..Wassup with the Vanagon?  Normal?  Any input on
available limited slip diffs?
  anyhow, sorry for the length of this and hello all..

  Don Hanson