Date: Sun, 8 Mar 2009 20:22:37 -0700
Reply-To: aatransaxle <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: aatransaxle <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Subject: Re: Locking differential..?
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="UTF-8"; reply-type=original
Don & whoever else cares...
There are Torque Biasing Differentials(TBD)..commonly called Limitd Slip
Diffs (LSD) that can be installed in our Vanagon trannys without much hassle
other than the cost of the unit.($1195)
These TBDiffs get you twice the traction of the stock "open diff"..If one
wheel gets airborne, then it will loose tractiion to the other wheel as
well..thats the downfall of that system. It will, however, get you much
further before you loose traction and keep you moving thru most situations
we would typically encounter. It tries to hunt for the wheel with the most
traction and feed power to that one. Pretty good system unless you are
really serious about getting stuck...
Lockers, like the factory setup, will actually hook both rear wheels
together..solidly. The rear wheels WILL turn..
Locker units are spendy to install, as you have to replace the main case and
pretty much rebuild it.
A locker can be retrofitted to a 2WD tranny.
There is also a Locking Limited Slip available (I have one in my own syncro)
that is a LSD with the ability to Lock when you pull the button.
Still have to do the tranny part and add the vacuum operating goodies as
well to make it work.
2wd factory locker install & rebuild runs about $2500 total
2WD LSD install runs $2300 with rebuild. $1500 without rbld.
A syncro tranny can be made to fit into a 2WD setup..can you say big$$$$$?
A syncro non-locker can be retrofitted to become a locker.
There you have it in a nutshell...call with $ questions.
Daryl of AA Transaxle
(425) 788-4070
aatransaxle.com
86 Syncro Westy
Zetec in the trunk
----- Original Message -----
From: "dhanson@gorge.net" <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, March 08, 2009 11:53 AM
Subject: Locking differential..?
> Hi all
>
> I've heard vague rumblings of available locking differential kits for
> the 2wd Vanagons. I've
> googled it and I only come up with some various brands of limited slip
> options..from Peoquid, etc.
> While those might be the best way to go overall, I really don't want to
> spend a few $K if I can help
> it, and with just a quick search, I don't see one that would fit into my 5
> speed manual tranny
> (Probably out of a diesel vanagon) anyhow.
> Someone referred to full locker aftermarket kits that might be workable,
> perhaps as used in dune
> buggys or Baja Bugs. I am looking for something similar in action to how
> manual locking hubs work
> on a HD 4x4 truck...something that I could lock when I enter deep sand or
> want to climb an icy snowy
> hill, then release again...not something I can switch in 'on the fly'
> even..(unless that is also
> available) I'd like the option to occasionally cross some soft sandy
> patches or attempt a beach
> crossing or get up a snowy back road,..not a full time 4wd capable van..
>
> Anybody know of anything available like this? I have been on the lookout
> for a Syncro Locker
> tranny, but those are as rare as hen's teeth and extra pricey, plus I'm
> sure I'd have to rebuild and
> re-gear if I did somehow find one..
>
> Thanks Don Hanson
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