Date:         Tue, 21 Apr 1998 14:10:29 -0400
Reply-To:     madsen <madsen@ROGERS.WAVE.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         madsen <madsen@ROGERS.WAVE.CA>
Subject:      Buying a Syncro - concerns
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Hello,

I have looked at an '86 Syncro Weekender with 100,000 miles on it. I have a few concerns about a few observations I made. During test drive the motor seemed strong, but at idle it runs a little rough. I checked the driveshafts for play on all fours and found 2 1/2 " of play on the passenger rear driveshaft. Driver side rear driveshaft has maybe 1/2" play. Both front shafts have about 1/2" to 1 " play. Is this normal??? The van has black tar like coating in the wheel wells and shock assembly  (is this factory?), but underside is clean. Body is very good except for a bit of surface rust. Interior is clean.
    Another concern is the rear lock diff. I noticed that the vacuum knob on the dash was pulled OUT which to my understanding engages the differential lock. I did not notice any tire scrub on tight turns which should happend with this engaged.
  
Could any of you please give me tips and information on these points before I commit??

Thank you
Ken Madsen, Toronto, Ontario
'87 Golf Diesel
'95 Jetta(Vento) VR6

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