Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:12:33 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Transmission Gurus?
In-Reply-To: <CAHTkEuJjEc30sZTGmBOrsFWNSta+hp6CJPSirE5B=WkuZyCdXQ@mail.gmail.com>
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It is possible that you main transmission housing already has the casting bits to accept the factory locker as used on the Syncros. If so you just need the locking differential pieces and to have the machine work done. The factory set up used a vacuum operated actuator to lock and unlock the differential. When locked you do have a fully locked rear axle. No give at all. You can likely get most of the parts you need used.
For the other limited slip options bring money. Personally before spending $1,500 plus the other rebuild costs I would start with a serious wheel and tire upgrade. Traction begins where the rubber meets the road or gravel or snow or whatever.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Don Hanson
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2014 11:38 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Transmission Gurus?
I know little about transmissions so I'm asking for information from those who've learned already...
How does the locker system work on a Vanagon transmission? How do
limited slip differentials work? Can I have either one of these systems
installed into my Vanagon 5sp manual transmission when I get it rebuilt?
I know the Vanagon 5sp manual trans is fairly rare, so I doubt there is an "app" for a Limited slip differential or a locker already available, but I'm interested in having my current tranny modified, somehow, to produce more low traction drive..
I am already planning on refurbishing my transmission when I return this
spring from an extended winter trip to the Desert. I have owned and
driven vehicles in the past with limited slip differentials and they are
excellent, If cost is not too great, that would probably be the most
convenient for my needs...A locking differential/rear end, that would also work just fine....I don't often find myself where I'm needing just a little bit more traction...I usually just get stopped by the actions of other vehicles and can't get moving again........If I had to, I could easily get out and go under the van, even, to lock the differential and go again....then release that when the hill or the sand wash was in my mirrors...I don't mind doing the locking hubs on my 4x4 pick up 4wd system...A limited slip might let me avoid getting stuck in the first place...but cost is also a factor and I see many of the traction rear ends are quite expensive before you even start the machine work to install them...
Does anyone have any knowledge to share on what might be possible? I
know having my current 5sp transmission rebuilt will probably be pretty expensive, but the 5sp is a very good transmission when combined with my
2.0 liter ABA hybrid inline motor. When I have this gearbox totally apart I'd really be keen on modifying it to somehow give me better drive, if it
isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg. Ideas?
Don Hanson
