Date:         Fri, 4 Jun 1999 12:37:46 -0400
Reply-To:     Gary E Thaxter <gthaxter@DGTDESIGN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary E Thaxter <gthaxter@DGTDESIGN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Syncro driveshaft problems (maybe?)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

>2) I've read about the mixed results people have had with rebuilt
>driveshafts - it seems like only Mark >Drillock has had a positive
>experience (Oceanside Driveline, (760)439-9718). I'm wondering if he's the
>only >one, of if his has gone bad as well. And if I put a rebuilt on the
>van and the vibrations come back, how >could I be sure that the driveshaft
>is to blame and not some other front drivetrain component?

I tried the local rebuilder with no luck.  The vibrations were still there.
I thought that maybe there was something else wrong (front diff or wheel
bearings or driveaxles)  I later found out that the driveshaft place I went
too was not the best.

I sent the shaft out to another place, but have not reinstalled it yet.  I
had to change one front wheel bearing, so I got my axle rebuilt while I had
it out.  I am going to do the other axle and bearing soon. Also, when I
loosened the diff mounts, one of the bolts broke and my mount was pretty
rotten.  I ordered new mounts, so while I have the diff out, I am going to
get someone to open it and check bearings etc, and it needs a seal.

I will have the whole front end redone (wheel bearings, driveaxles, diff
mounts, diff bearings checked, and driveshaft balanced with new universals)
before I put my driveshaft back on.  If it still vibrates, I will have a
1986 syncro GL for sale (with new front end).

I'll let you know what happens and if it really is worth it to get the
driveshaft redone, or if you should maybe try genuine VW gold plated
spanking new, or maybe check other front end stuff.  I'll have everything
done by month's end, I'll get back to you then.

>My van does drive very nicely w/o the driveshaft, but I bought a syncro
>because I wanted the 4WD, so I'd really like to get it fixed at some
>point.

I know what you mean.  Last weekend we took the syncro camping and I found
some new trails.  I missed a chance to do a river crossing and would have
had some really good picture opportunities.  Good pictures on the bikes,
but a van in the river pic would be nice to add to the scrapbook.  Too, I
missed the mud drag-race last year because of driveshaft/vibration probs.
Not again this year!  I'm sure I can take the 4/6 cyl. class. . .

Gary Thaxter