Date:         Thu, 30 Oct 1997 23:13:08 -0800
Reply-To:     Tim Smith <smitht@UNB.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Tim Smith <smitht@UNB.CA>
Subject:      2x4 Syncro/Diff
Comments: To: tbill@STARTEXT.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi,

Yup, you can get a locking diff for the vanagon.  Good investment.  It
is made by Lock-Right, reputable company. you want model 1310 or 1311
for 2 or 4 spider gears. Your van has 2 gears, real Syncros get 4, so I
think you should upgrade that too, likley quite cheap, they are small
parts (haha).  Suggested retail is $US311/345 jobbers price $264/293.
Installation will run another $300 I think.  Call Weddle Engineering,
Long Beach Ca. 310-598-2731 (this may be a FAX #, not sure.)  I'd drop
the trans myself and ship it to Weddle for the install. He's THE expert
on this for VWs.

Someone (Bob Bellanca?)  just installed one and put his comments up in a
few messages.  Apparently it was a PITA until it was 'readjusted' by the
place that had rebuilt his trans at the same time as the install (not
Weddle).  Find his posts.

This is an overunning type locker, allows outside wheel to turn faster.
Essentially is locked up when driving straight, must unlock to allow
corners, and may do so with a 'bang'. Works forward/reverse natch.
Clicks and clacks when overunning, may 'bang' if heavily locked up.  Can
give some nasty handling problems on off camber slippery roads since you
can't disengage it. Entire rear axle spins (both wheels together) and
the ass end slips out, over the cliff ;) Must also learn to feather the
gas pedal to get around tight turns off-road. My locking rear diff on
the Syncro adds a lot of traction over even 4WD.  That's why I put an
OEM locker in the front :):)  bye, Tim