Date: Wed, 9 Jan 2008 15:39:00 +1300
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: Re: Syncro front-end into RWD bus
In-Reply-To: <870943.23548.qm@web52106.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
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>the entire sub frame of the Syncro must be used.
>the bearings are different.
>suspension attachment points are different.
>you must cut the frame on a 2wd to fit the Syncro sub frame.
I thought the subframe would fit on without cutting, only drilling. I
know somebody made postings on this while he was doing a conversion,
but it was a while ago and I can't remember any details.
>it has been done, but because I own many Syncros and know how much
>work it is to keep them vibration free, I would be wary of such a
>conversion.
>again, it can be done, but outcome depends upon how exact the process is.
>What are you saying here ? ...........you can't find Vanagon 2WD front
>suspension ????
>How many do you want ??
>Not hard to find at all generally, in my experience.
In the US, certainly. Here in New Zealand, where T3s were never sold
new, it's another story. And every time I find a listee or TheSamba
member in the US who says he has the parts and is willing to sell to
me (replies to my request never give prices or location), when I ask
for these details there is never a response. Now I'm looking at
Germany for a wrecker!
>If you are asking if syncro front suspension can be fitted to a 2WD vanagon,
>yes, that can be done. Been thinking of doing that myself as an early stage
>of a full syncro conversion to a 2WD vanagon. Only two issues - need the
>outer ends of front axles to go in the wheel bearings....like the outer stub
>axles, and the other issue is speedometer drive. There wouldn't' be need
>for the front diff, which normally drives the speedometer cable on a syncro.
>I 'might' be possible to drive the speedo of the left front stub axle 2WD
>style.
Sounds like more of a problem than it's worth.
>I doubt that rear wheel bearings and syncro front wheel bearings are the
>same.
Sorry, I meant comparison of Syncro & RWD FRONT bearings.
>Anyone with ETKA or a good parts person could tell you that. Ask Rennie,
>don't know if he's on this list though.
>While you can certainly convert a 2wd to a Syncro front end it may
>not be the way for you to go. The 2 suspensions take different
>shocks so your 2wd Konis are out. The steering racks are the same
>but they mount in different positions and use different shafts from
>the steering box. The 2wd steering rack mounting member must be
>removed from the chassis. A substitute mount must be attached to the
>chassis in the proper Syncro location. Various critical parts of the
>2wd chassis must be cut away to make room for the Syncro subframe.
>There is no going back.
OK, I guess that settles it. I'll stick with the RWD setup...
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin
New Zealand
Fossil preparator
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut
‚ Opinions stated are mine, not those of Otago University
"There is water at the bottom of the ocean" - Talking Heads
