Date:         Mon, 14 Jun 1999 23:34:44 -0500
Reply-To:     Budd Premack <bpremack@WAVETECH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Budd Premack <bpremack@WAVETECH.NET>
Subject:      Re: Syncro Universal Joints
Comments: To: David Williams <express@MIDRIVERS.COM>
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

David Williams wrote on 6-14 inquiring about the availablility of u-joints for the Syncro center driveshaft.

A good place to start is by contacting Todd at Proven Force Clutch & U-Joint in Minneapolis, MN at (800) 444-0755.  This all started when I first brought my Syncro to him and he found a way to properly replace these u-joints.   He has since replaced about a dozen u-joints for List members over the past 2 years.  

Without getting technical, let me just say that he has tried various refinements on his initial technique, with mixed success.  The main problem is that the u-joints listed in the various parts books as fitting the Syncro are all too small, so they will loosen up with the torque from normal driving.  There are u-joints for other applications which appear to be correctly sized, but they also do not seem to be perfect.

Todd should be able to let you know how many of his repaired u-joints have been trouble-free.  I can't give a good answer as my own initial repair lasted about 10,000 miles before loosening.  The u-joint repair was warrantied, but that shaft has not yet been re-installed into my Syncro, as in the interim I have been running a used shaft that I acquired from another Listee.  However, my van is now experiencing some different vibrations which I suspect may be shaft related, so it may be time to try the warrantied driveshaft.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Syncros! 

Budd Premack
86 Syncro, 84 GL(for sale), 73 Super
Minneapolis, MN (Land of Sky Blue Waters)

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