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Date:         Wed, 25 Mar 1998 19:19:40 -0800
Reply-To:     David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Subject:      Re: question bout diff-lock and tires (new syncro owner)
Comments: To: Gary E Thaxter <gthaxter@DGTDESIGN.COM>, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
In-Reply-To:  <v03110702b13ed57b70ff@[142.154.21.232]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 11:15 3/25/98 -0500, Gary E Thaxter wrote: >Getting my Syncro on the road Today! I've had it since november but >finally got enough money to get it certified and lisenced. > >First week I had it I went playing in the swamp with my brother who just >bought a 68 Chevy K-10 short box 4x4 beast. I was havin a ball seeing how >far I could go before he would have to pull me back out again. I got it on >video and might get it on a web site in the future.

What? I usually pull my friends Ford F150 4x4 out! :)

>I was doing pretty well for the way the van was running, but I only had old >snow tires on and the diff lock wasn't working. Diff lock is now fixed and >I was wondering can I engage it when the vehicle is moving, or do I have to >be stopped? How much of a difference does does a locker make?

The rear lock should only be done while stationary so I was told be the dealer. I *have* engauged it while getting into a holly s#!t situation and I had no ill effects (knock on wood). The locking rear diff has saved my bacon more than once. I think a Syncro without one has a serious handicap.

>Next question is about tires. There have been a lot of posts and a lot of >opinions. I am pretty much decided on the BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A's, >but I plan to do a couple of "fun" weekends this summer and I wondered how >these tires are in the mud? Also how are they for road noise and wear?

Currently I run 225/60 16" mud and snow tires. These are about 26.5" tall. This summer I am getting some 215/70 16" BFG ATs these will come it at about 27.7" tall. I personally want to venture over 29" as there are some people with 235/70 15" that have problems with rubbing when cornering. Perhaps 235mm is too wide at that height.

>I have a spare set of rims (one alloy set and one original steel set) and I >was wondering if there was a good set of "really" off road tires that I >could switch to (a friend suggested looking for Mickey Thompsons to fit?) >and keep a set of just road tires. . . or are the BFG's good enough for all >round everything?

My friend with the Ford has 33x10.5 BFG Mud Terrains and he swears but them. He also says that they are horrible if not dangerous in the winter.

>If anyone has any other tips for mud "syncro-ing" they would be >appreciated. . . >thanks a bunch eh!

Tire Chains, Bear Paws, Tow Strap, Hand Winch and some spair belts! Have fun!

>Gary Thaxter >78 westy >85 kombi >86 syncroGL putting it on the road TODAY!!

-- David Marshall Email: david@volkswagen.org -- -- 78 1.8L VW Rabbit, 80 2.0L VW Caddy, 87 Audi 5KQ -- -- 85 VW Cabrio, 88 VW Syncro Double Cab Transporter -- -- Volkswagen Homepage http://www.volkswagen.org -- -- VW Caddy Homepage http://www.volkswagen.org/caddy -- -- USE DAVID@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG WHEN SENDIGN EMAIL --


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