Date:         Wed, 25 Mar 1998 22:27:28 EST
Reply-To:     SyncroHead <SyncroHead@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         SyncroHead <SyncroHead@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: question bout diff-lock and tires (new syncro owner)
Comments: To: gthaxter@DGTDESIGN.COM, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 98-03-25 11:31:53 EST, gthaxter@DGTDESIGN.COM writes:

>  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?

Yes, you can engage it while moving.  Don't do it in a corner though.
Afterpulling the knob to request engagement it takes a few moments before
engagement occurs.  The manual (see if you can get an owners manual from the
dealer) says to drive straight ahead while waiting for angagement, but I've
found shorter waits if I drive in a sligh arc.  Only use the locker on loose
surfaces, dirt, mud, snow, ice, etc.  Never on pavement.

>  How much of a difference does does a locker make?

A BIG difference.  Engaging 4WD mode in a conventional 4x4 essentially
(figuratively) take the vehicle from 1 wheel drive to 2 wheel drive, with one
on the front axle and one on the rear.  A rear locker without even having
power to the front axle does about the same thing - takes you from 1 wheel
drive to 2 wheel drive, both being on the rear axle this time.  A Vanagon
Syncro with the rear diff lock engaged is like 3 wheel drive.  If you had a
locker up front and used it, this would be true 4 wheel drive.

Regards,
Jim Davis