Date:         Wed, 9 Jun 1999 15:25:27 -0400
Reply-To:     John <u1031271@WARWICK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John <u1031271@WARWICK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Drive shaft removal (Syncro)
Comments: To: Brent Christensen <bpchristensen@MINDSPRING.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Brent Christensen wrote:
>
> Another question related to my upcoming trip:
>
> Would any of you Syncronauts out there recommend removing the drive shaft
> and carrying it with me until reaching the back country?  If anyone has done
> this, where did you stow the drive shaft while underway?  How long does it
> take to R & R?
>
> We'll be covering over 2,000 miles, and very little of that will require
> 4WD.  I am interested in improving fuel economy, and saving wear & tear on
> the front diff. and VC.
>
> Anyone ever had vibration problems spontaneously appear after removing and
> then reinstalling the drive shaft without modifying anything?  (This is my
> *biggest* fear)
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Brent Christensen
> '89 Syncro Westy "Klaus"
> '95 Cherokee Sport
Brent:

My name is John(I have 2 '86 syncros)and I Would not operate a Syncro
with the drive shaft removed for any length of time. While I don't think
any damage would occur, the viscous coupling in the front diff housing
is designed to have near-equal torque on both sides of the coupling
(drive shaft rotation vs front axle rotation). Its hard to say what
effect this would have on the viscous coupling long term. For the sake
of fuel economy leave the drive shaft connected and lighten up on the
accelerator pedal !

If you do remove the shaft, be sure to index the drive shaft to its
connecting flanges at the transmission & the front diff for
reinstallation.

        JP