Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 03:00:14 EDT
Reply-To: SyncroHead@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: SyncroHead@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: Aftermarket diff-lock for Vanagon?
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
In a message dated 98-06-16 23:55:38 EDT, vw4x4@fyi.net writes:
> I can't stand to type any more so I will keep this short. A liminted
> slip Diff. Is nothing more than a standard dif. with a spring loaded
> clutch pack over
> it. In this arrangement you get the traction of a locker but the slip as
> needed. For example : On mud or snow the clutches refuse to let
> loose providing both rear wheels power. Only under the extreme force of
> the vehicle weight trying to snap the rear axle in 2 pieces will the
> clutch pack givein, and slip.
Eric,
I think you're being a bit generous about how much power the clutch can
transmit before slipping.
> This is provided that the weight of the
> vehicle and the axle are properly engineered. Many racers use this.
> Many hipo car in the 60's had them.
This is the main application of limited slips, racing and better acceleration
on pavement when you have good (but not exactly equal) traction under both
wheels. One wheel on ice and one on pavement and the limited slip will leave
you spinning the ice wheel and standing still.
> Lock axles are out of the question
> because of the inability to steer once locked.
Well, if a locker doesn't unlock then there's a problem with it! Some off-
roaders use a "spool" in their differential - basically a straight connection
between both axle halves. This is strictly for off road use and making turns
on pavement would be very scary! Lockers like Detroit Locker, and Lock-Rite
are made to automatically UNLOCK when turning a corner.
>I've been there, done
> that. I'll go for a limited slip the first day some one offeres it for
> the Vanagon Syncro...as long as it was properly designed any day.
> I have a limited slip in my Z car. Never have a problem turning over
> both rear tires or turning a corner. But my 2 wheel drive that I put
> the locker in woould run you right off the road.. just did not turn.
The locker was defective or not installed right or something. It should have
automatically unlocked and allowed for turns. Not great cornering, because
there is a bit of uncertainty about when they unlock, and re-lock. Four
wheelers drive around every day on pavement with rear diff lockers like
Detroit and Lock-Rite.
> Yes the clutches where out. But not very easy. Locker don't. but they
> do put an extreme force on the axles..And I mean Extereme!
Only extreme if they don't unlock properly.
There's a company called ARB that makes a locking diff that operates like the
Syncros. Primary difference is that used compressed air from a little
compressor instead of vaccuum to actuate the locker. Locking and unlocking is
done at the command of the driver. Don't know if they make one that will fit
a Vanagon though.
What brand of locker did you try?
Who installed it?
Regards,
Jim Davis
