2wd transmission into a syncro?

1
Hi Everyone,

I know this is sacrilegious, though unfortunately dollars to spend on my van are short at the moment, and a lot of winding noise is coming from what I assume is the transmission / diff. Best to pull it out before something breaks. And with my viscous completely passive, I am driving a 2wd anyway.

So, my question, does a 2wd 4 or 5 speed easily fit into a syncro? Just remove the prop-shaft? Do you need any other 2wd mounts or??

My plan is until I can save up some $$ and properly rebuild my box, add the taller 3rd and 4th gears and perhaps a LSD or locking diff, I will just put in a cheap 2wd box for a year or two. Which I guess leads me to my last question, does anyone know where I can get a cheap 2wd transmission? Unless of course someone knows of a cheap syncro box floating around somewhere...

Ok, sadly, thanks for your help guys,
Sam.
2

Sam,

 

This is bad news. 

 

First question: are you getting the whine regardless of what gear you are in? 

 

Second question: is the whine all the time or only when with power on?

 

If it is power on only, it will be a worn crownwheel and pinion.  If it is power on or off, it is the gear train itself.

 

You can replace the C&P but it always pays to replace all of the bearings at the same time.

 

You should be able to fit a 2WD box to get you through until you can afford to do a proper job of the 4WD box and replace the VC.  Unless you intend to replace the engine, the original gear ratios are about right.  There are (expensive) LSD’s available in the US but fitting a standard Syncro locker keeps the vehicle standard.  Be aware that the front locker is an extreme terrain device.  You get next to no steering when it is engaged and it only adds a few more percent to what you can do with a rear lock only.

 

 Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of heysamuelarnold
Sent: 31 August 2009 15:11
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] 2wd transmission into a syncro?

 

 

Hi Everyone,

I know this is sacrilegious, though unfortunately dollars to spend on my van are short at the moment, and a lot of winding noise is coming from what I assume is the transmission / diff. Best to pull it out before something breaks. And with my viscous completely passive, I am driving a 2wd anyway.

So, my question, does a 2wd 4 or 5 speed easily fit into a syncro? Just remove the prop-shaft? Do you need any other 2wd mounts or??

My plan is until I can save up some $$ and properly rebuild my box, add the taller 3rd and 4th gears and perhaps a LSD or locking diff, I will just put in a cheap 2wd box for a year or two. Which I guess leads me to my last question, does anyone know where I can get a cheap 2wd transmission? Unless of course someone knows of a cheap syncro box floating around somewhere...

Ok, sadly, thanks for your help guys,
Sam.

3
Hi Les and Everyone,

I have been making a few phone calls today, and have been told that the engine sits lower in a syncro and an adapter plate would be required to put a 2wd gearbox in. Can anyone confirm or deny this for me?? Also that the gear shift linkage is slightly different.

The noise is power on and off, noticeable in every gear but particularly 2nd and 3rd.

Many thanks, Sam.

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les_Harris" <leslieharris@...> wrote:
>
> Sam,
>
>
>
> This is bad news.
>
>
>
> First question: are you getting the whine regardless of what gear you are
> in?
>
>
>
> Second question: is the whine all the time or only when with power on?
>
>
>
> If it is power on only, it will be a worn crownwheel and pinion. If it is
> power on or off, it is the gear train itself.
>
>
>
> You can replace the C&P but it always pays to replace all of the bearings at
> the same time.
>
>
>
> You should be able to fit a 2WD box to get you through until you can afford
> to do a proper job of the 4WD box and replace the VC. Unless you intend to
> replace the engine, the original gear ratios are about right. There are
> (expensive) LSD's available in the US but fitting a standard Syncro locker
> keeps the vehicle standard. Be aware that the front locker is an extreme
> terrain device. You get next to no steering when it is engaged and it only
> adds a few more percent to what you can do with a rear lock only.
>
>
>
> Les
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of heysamuelarnold
> Sent: 31 August 2009 15:11
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] 2wd transmission into a syncro?
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I know this is sacrilegious, though unfortunately dollars to spend on my van
> are short at the moment, and a lot of winding noise is coming from what I
> assume is the transmission / diff. Best to pull it out before something
> breaks. And with my viscous completely passive, I am driving a 2wd anyway.
>
> So, my question, does a 2wd 4 or 5 speed easily fit into a syncro? Just
> remove the prop-shaft? Do you need any other 2wd mounts or??
>
> My plan is until I can save up some $$ and properly rebuild my box, add the
> taller 3rd and 4th gears and perhaps a LSD or locking diff, I will just put
> in a cheap 2wd box for a year or two. Which I guess leads me to my last
> question, does anyone know where I can get a cheap 2wd transmission? Unless
> of course someone knows of a cheap syncro box floating around somewhere...
>
> Ok, sadly, thanks for your help guys,
> Sam.
>
4
my very first syncro was a 2wd, they swapped the 2 side mounts onto the 2wd box (nose cone thing) i hand no out put shaft etc. i did have a 5speed box the linkages are exactly the same as the syncro ones!
unfortunatly i didnt do the swap, although i did want to swap it back, the garage who did the work scrapped the 4wd box "cos it was f@cked" the old girl remained a 2wd with a front
diff lock, which was just like engaging 4wd so long as you were moving!
 
i wish i could be more help, but i was young and very inexperienced in the ways of the syncro! it was a brilliant surf bus and still never got stuck, even in a thick muddy ploughed feild, my other mates in 4x4's had to ride the full length of the feild before they could get out of the plough ruts!! hehehe!

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5

Hi Sam,

 

I never was much of a ‘hands on’ mechanic with my syncro, but I think I remember looking in to this situation. I think front mounts are different, and the gear linkage is significantly different (side entry for 4wd, nose entry for 2wd ?) .

 

I’d stay away from the person that talked about adaptor plates though. The syncro engine does indeed sit lower, but it mounts to the box just the same. The whole drive train is lowered at the rear by virtue of the syncro specific rear engine mount. You may be able to go back to a 2wd rear mount, but then I think you’d have clearance issues with the syncro fuel tank. I think, though, that you can just leave it at the syncro height. It’s not like you need to worry about drive shaft alignment.

 

You could talk to Boris at Volkscare in Boronia (Melb). (03 9729 9281). He owned (till a few months ago) a syncro that had a 2wd box fitted, and he knows his T3’s pretty well.

 

Have a think about how much the conversion will cost (including a box). You might find you are well on the way towards your rebuild costs.

 

BRIAN REED

FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES

185 Wingrove St

Fairfield, Vic. 3078

03 9481 5673   0407 319 521

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of heysamuelarnold
Sent: Monday, 31 August 2009 4:27 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: 2wd transmission into a syncro?

 

 

Hi Les and Everyone,

I have been making a few phone calls today, and have been told that the engine sits lower in a syncro and an adapter plate would be required to put a 2wd gearbox in. Can anyone confirm or deny this for me?? Also that the gear shift linkage is slightly different.

The noise is power on and off, noticeable in every gear but particularly 2nd and 3rd.

Many thanks, Sam.

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com, "Les_Harris" <leslieharris@ ...> wrote:

>
> Sam,
>
>
>
> This is bad news.
>
>
>
> First question: are you getting the whine regardless of what gear you are
> in?
>
>
>
> Second question: is the whine all the time or only when with power on?
>
>
>
> If it is power on only, it will be a worn crownwheel and pinion. If it is
> power on or off, it is the gear train itself.
>
>
>
> You can replace the C&P but it always pays to replace all of the
bearings at
> the same time.
>
>
>
> You should be able to fit a 2WD box to get you through until you can
afford
> to do a proper job of the 4WD box and replace the VC. Unless you intend to
> replace the engine, the original gear ratios are about right. There are
> (expensive) LSD's available in the
w:st="on">US but fitting a standard Syncro locker
> keeps the vehicle standard. Be aware that the front locker is an extreme
> terrain device. You get next to no steering when it is engaged and it only
> adds a few more percent to what you can do with a rear lock only.
>
>
>
> Les
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com]
On Behalf Of heysamuelarnold
> Sent: 31 August 2009 15:11
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] 2wd transmission into a syncro?
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I know this is sacrilegious, though unfortunately dollars to spend on my
van
> are short at the moment, and a lot of winding noise is coming from what I
> assume is the transmission / diff. Best to pull it out before something
> breaks. And with my viscous completely passive, I am driving a 2wd anyway.
>
> So, my question, does a 2wd 4 or 5 speed easily fit into a syncro? Just
> remove the prop-shaft? Do you need any other 2wd mounts or??
>
> My plan is until I can save up some $$ and properly rebuild my box, add
the
> taller 3rd and 4th gears and perhaps a LSD or locking diff, I will just
put
> in a cheap 2wd box for a year or two. Which I guess leads me to my last
> question, does anyone know where I can get a cheap 2wd transmission?
Unless
> of course someone knows of a cheap syncro box floating around somewhere...
>
> Ok, sadly, thanks for your help guys,
> Sam.
>

6
sam,
the box is nose entry for splitty, and  bay, but the t3/t25 vans have side entry, i understand the 5 speed box is almost identical to the syncro box (linkage ways).

--- On Mon, 31/8/09, Brian Reed <breed@bigpond.net.au> wrote:

From: Brian Reed <breed@bigpond.net.au>
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: 2wd transmission into a syncro?
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Received: Monday, 31 August, 2009, 5:02 PM

 

Hi Sam,

 

I never was much of a ‘hands on’ mechanic with my syncro, but I think I remember looking in to this situation. I think front mounts are different, and the gear linkage is significantly different (side entry for 4wd, nose entry for 2wd ?) .

 

I’d stay away from the person that talked about adaptor plates though. The syncro engine does indeed sit lower, but it mounts to the box just the same. The whole drive train is lowered at the rear by virtue of the syncro specific rear engine mount. You may be able to go back to a 2wd rear mount, but then I think you’d have clearance issues with the syncro fuel tank. I think, though, that you can just leave it at the syncro height. It’s not like you need to worry about drive shaft alignment.

 

You could talk to Boris at Volkscare in Boronia (Melb). (03 9729 9281). He owned (till a few months ago) a syncro that had a 2wd box fitted, and he knows his T3’s pretty well.

 

Have a think about how much the conversion will cost (including a box). You might find you are well on the way towards your rebuild costs.

 

BRIAN REED

FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES

185 Wingrove St

Fairfield, Vic. 3078

03 9481 5673   0407 319 521

From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com ] On Behalf Of heysamuelarnold
Sent: Monday, 31 August 2009 4:27 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Re: 2wd transmission into a syncro?

 

 

Hi Les and Everyone,

I have been making a few phone calls today, and have been told that the engine sits lower in a syncro and an adapter plate would be required to put a 2wd gearbox in. Can anyone confirm or deny this for me?? Also that the gear shift linkage is slightly different.

The noise is power on and off, noticeable in every gear but particularly 2nd and 3rd.

Many thanks, Sam.

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com, "Les_Harris" <leslieharris@ ...> wrote:
>
> Sam,
>
>
>
> This is bad news.
>
>
>
> First question: are you getting the whine regardless of what gear you are
> in?
>
>
>
> Second question: is the whine all the time or only when with power on?
>
>
>
> If it is power on only, it will be a worn crownwheel and pinion. If it is
> power on or off, it is the gear train itself.
>
>
>
> You can replace the C&P but it always pays to replace all of the bearings at
> the same time.
>
>
>
> You should be able to fit a 2WD box to get you through until you can afford
> to do a proper job of the 4WD box and replace the VC. Unless you intend to
> replace the engine, the original gear ratios are about right. There are
> (expensive) LSD's available in the US but fitting a standard Syncro locker
> keeps the vehicle standard. Be aware that the front locker is an extreme
> terrain device. You get next to no steering when it is engaged and it only
> adds a few more percent to what you can do with a rear lock only.
>
>
>
> Les
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of heysamuelarnold
> Sent: 31 August 2009 15:11
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] 2wd transmission into a syncro?
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I know this is sacrilegious, though unfortunately dollars to spend on my van
> are short at the moment, and a lot of winding noise is coming from what I
> assume is the transmission / diff. Best to pull it out before something
> breaks. And with my viscous completely passive, I am driving a 2wd anyway.
>
> So, my question, does a 2wd 4 or 5 speed easily fit into a syncro? Just
> remove the prop-shaft? Do you need any other 2wd mounts or??
>
> My plan is until I can save up some $$ and properly rebuild my box, add the
> taller 3rd and 4th gears and perhaps a LSD or locking diff, I will just put
> in a cheap 2wd box for a year or two. Which I guess leads me to my last
> question, does anyone know where I can get a cheap 2wd transmission? Unless
> of course someone knows of a cheap syncro box floating around somewhere...
>
> Ok, sadly, thanks for your help guys,
> Sam.
>

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7
Hi guys just looking through the kombis to the cape trip photos and would anyone know Rudi's choice of Tyre?  looks something like a 215 80 15 . . .? nice and thin for sand ( tell me if i'm wrong)  unlike the 235's but the 80 gives more ground clearance. . . . ?? I'm almost on the market for new tyres and I do a fair bit of highway driving plus I love great sand driving. . .Not that keen on the muscle 4x4 side of things. . . currently running 215 75 15's  and was considering going the 235 80 15's, but this may hamper may sand ability yeh? Also is rudi still doing de-coupler fitting? I should call in and see him one day. . .

bartley Olsen

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8
Sam, see attachment!
9
Dear Bartley,
 
Obviously I'm not replying on behalf of Rudi but did chat to him about his tyres on the Cape trip. You will notice his number plate RUD16 which doesn't indicate Prime Ministerial aspirations but rather his 16" rims and tyres. (His Syncro might be a genuine factory 16" but I'm not sure). I thought I remember him saying  he had an arrangement whereby he bought the cast off original fairly aggresive Dunlop tyres from a Toyota dealer when new Hilux buyers wanted larger (wider) than standard tyres and rims. I think the new Hilux subsequently went to 15" tyres but you could probably find out what was fitted 2-3 years ago as standard.I think they may also be 70 aspect but would stand corrected. I have recently fitted 215x70xR16 Cooper Discoverer H/T  tyres to my syncro on the basis that they are durable and relatively quiet and I am doing most of my driving on bitumen before I get to the more interesting stuff. I then carry chains to fit to the front wheels if things become really difficult but so far have never needed them. I do have a locking rear diff however. I also decided, with some wise counsel, to go the long way round rather than follow Rudy on his squelch through the mud entry track, scramble over the large river stones under the deep flowing Pascoe River and bounce up over the rocks on the exit on the other side of the Frenchman's track short cut to the Cape. The Photo of Rudi doing this graced the introduction to this site for a long while. One of the better stories from the trip to the Cape was Rudi then meeting a Toyota Troopie coming towards him further along the Frenchman's track and anxiously being asked by the driver if he could get through as his map said it was a deep and difficult crossing. Rudi replied in his understated and laconic way "well I had no trouble in my Kombi"!
 
I was also guided to fitting the Coopers as they are said to be a good sand tyre but haven't had the chance to explore this aspect yet. Going for 70 aspect reduced my ground clearance which is still reasonable with the 16" rims but improved roadholding which is a standard trade off.  
 
Hope you can distil something of value from the above. It does seem an aggressive mud tyre is no good for sand so everything is a compromise according to expected useage.
 
Cheers
Roger

--- On Mon, 31/8/09, Bartley Olsen <bartleyolsen@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Bartley Olsen <bartleyolsen@yahoo.com>
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rudis tyre selection size??
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Received: Monday, 31 August, 2009, 7:31 PM

 
Hi guys just looking through the kombis to the cape trip photos and would anyone know Rudi's choice of Tyre?  looks something like a 215 80 15 . . .? nice and thin for sand ( tell me if i'm wrong)  unlike the 235's but the 80 gives more ground clearance. . . . ?? I'm almost on the market for new tyres and I do a fair bit of highway driving plus I love great sand driving. . .Not that keen on the muscle 4x4 side of things. . . currently running 215 75 15's  and was considering going the 235 80 15's, but this may hamper may sand ability yeh? Also is rudi still doing de-coupler fitting? I should call in and see him one day. . .

bartley Olsen

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10
Sam,

Go and see Steve Muller at Kombi Rescue, Annangrove.

He once said about an easily replaced bearing which causes a whine. Maybe with the box in situ???

Phill



> heysamuelarnold <me@samarnold.org> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I know this is sacrilegious, though unfortunately dollars to spend on my
> van are short at the moment, and a lot of winding noise is coming from
> what I assume is the transmission / diff. Best to pull it out before
> something breaks. And with my viscous completely passive, I am driving
> a 2wd anyway.
>
> So, my question, does a 2wd 4 or 5 speed easily fit into a syncro? Just
> remove the prop-shaft? Do you need any other 2wd mounts or??
>
> My plan is until I can save up some $$ and properly rebuild my box, add
> the taller 3rd and 4th gears and perhaps a LSD or locking diff, I will
> just put in a cheap 2wd box for a year or two. Which I guess leads me
> to my last question, does anyone know where I can get a cheap 2wd
> transmission? Unless of course someone knows of a cheap syncro box
> floating around somewhere...
>
> Ok, sadly, thanks for your help guys,
> Sam.
11
Sam, if you do go down that route, please let us all know, i fear I have a whine too...
[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyone.net
www.twentytwentyone.net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782



On 1 Sep 2009, at 06:30, plander@optusnet.com.au wrote:

Sam,

Go and see Steve Muller at Kombi Rescue, Annangrove. 

He once said about an easily replaced bearing which causes a whine. Maybe with the box in situ???

Phill

> heysamuelarnold <me@samarnold. org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Everyone,
> 
> I know this is sacrilegious, though unfortunately dollars to spend on my 
> van are short at the moment, and a lot of winding noise is coming from 
> what I assume is the transmission / diff. Best to pull it out before 
> something breaks. And with my viscous completely passive, I am driving 
> a 2wd anyway.
> 
> So, my question, does a 2wd 4 or 5 speed easily fit into a syncro? Just 
> remove the prop-shaft? Do you need any other 2wd mounts or??
> 
> My plan is until I can save up some $$ and properly rebuild my box, add 
> the taller 3rd and 4th gears and perhaps a LSD or locking diff, I will 
> just put in a cheap 2wd box for a year or two. Which I guess leads me 
> to my last question, does anyone know where I can get a cheap 2wd 
> transmission? Unless of course someone knows of a cheap syncro box 
> floating around somewhere...
> 
> Ok, sadly, thanks for your help guys,
> Sam.


12
In my experiences Tires with more overall surface area have out-performed narrower tires in SAND driving. A 235/75/15 is roughly 73.1cms tall plus 2cms wider.This is also about as large as you can go without trimming the trailing arms. A 215/80/15 is not any taller 72.3cms (approx) and narrower. Of course choosing a tire with the correct tread pattern to suit the terrain is important too. I know there are people running 30/9.50R15LT's which are slightly taller and wider than a 235/75/15 but not sure on clearance issues.

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: bartleyolsen@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:31:57 -0700
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rudis tyre selection size??

 

Hi guys just looking through the kombis to the cape trip photos and would anyone know Rudi's choice of Tyre?  looks something like a 215 80 15 . . .? nice and thin for sand ( tell me if i'm wrong)  unlike the 235's but the 80 gives more ground clearance. . . . ?? I'm almost on the market for new tyres and I do a fair bit of highway driving plus I love great sand driving. . .Not that keen on the muscle 4x4 side of things. . . currently running 215 75 15's  and was considering going the 235 80 15's, but this may hamper may sand ability yeh? Also is rudi still doing de-coupler fitting? I should call in and see him one day. . .

bartley Olsen

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Find out how here Use Messenger in your Hotmail inbox
13
Sam I think its gonna cost more overall to do that .T3 s are rare here and there is a demand for 5 speeds in the states-means big$ for a 5speeder.I wouldnt change the gearing unless you plan big power upgrades for your engine.Even with standard gears and big tyres my syncro with hi comp pistons stuggles against the wind and on a slight uphill freeway grade.I find i have to ring its neck in third to keep it on the boil.Hope this helps with your decisions, cheers Eddie .ps probably cheaper to buy a cheap 2wd t3 stick your syncro wheels on it use it then sell it when the syncro is fixed , but you might end up like me.(2,2wd t3's 1 syncro) --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "heysamuelarnold" <me@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I know this is sacrilegious, though unfortunately dollars to spend on my van are short at the moment, and a lot of winding noise is coming from what I assume is the transmission / diff. Best to pull it out before something breaks. And with my viscous completely passive, I am driving a 2wd anyway.
>
> So, my question, does a 2wd 4 or 5 speed easily fit into a syncro? Just remove the prop-shaft? Do you need any other 2wd mounts or??
>
> My plan is until I can save up some $$ and properly rebuild my box, add the taller 3rd and 4th gears and perhaps a LSD or locking diff, I will just put in a cheap 2wd box for a year or two. Which I guess leads me to my last question, does anyone know where I can get a cheap 2wd transmission? Unless of course someone knows of a cheap syncro box floating around somewhere...
>
> Ok, sadly, thanks for your help guys,
> Sam.
>
14
Sam. I ran my syncro with a 2wd box while my 4wd box was being rebuilt. I have the adaptor plate fabricated by my very capable vw mechanic. If you wish i could send it to you to copy and return. Regards Bill Sullivan.
15
Gday Bartley,
 
Rudi's van is an ex Telecom and he prefers relatively standard width tyres, both for bitumen and offroad, including sand.
 
He gave me a sand driving lesson several years ago in my Trakka syncro. Where I failed in sand, he virtually levitated the same stretch of sand, so yes ... tyre selection is important, but I learnt 2 things ... the skill of the driver can make the difference between success and failure and that I need a lot more sand driving time!
 
Rudi supplies and fits decouplers as well as other drivetrain components. His preferred means of communication is via telephone, not email, so by all means, give him a ring, probably best of an evening after work. He'll be happy to speak with you.
 
Cheers.
 
Ken
 
  
 
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: bartleyolsen@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:31:57 -0700
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rudis tyre selection size??

 
Hi guys just looking through the kombis to the cape trip photos and would anyone know Rudi's choice of Tyre?  looks something like a 215 80 15 . . .? nice and thin for sand ( tell me if i'm wrong)  unlike the 235's but the 80 gives more ground clearance. . . . ?? I'm almost on the market for new tyres and I do a fair bit of highway driving plus I love great sand driving. . .Not that keen on the muscle 4x4 side of things. . . currently running 215 75 15's  and was considering going the 235 80 15's, but this may hamper may sand ability yeh? Also is rudi still doing de-coupler fitting? I should call in and see him one day. . .

bartley Olsen

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16
In all my experiences in sand driving - low tyre pressures and that lovely reverse gear are your best friends. whenever I got close to getting stuck - I just slipped the syncro in reverse and backed out of it. Then a small run up and you get through easy. It is those narrow inland tracks that are the problem - you need to go fairly slow as they are 1 car width (at best) and you round a corner to quick-sand and you have no momentum. That was really the only thing that briefly stopped me - a bit of reverse and away we go again.
 
Low tyre pressures means the side walls are easily staked - and I did a front tyre on my Moreton Island adventure - with no spare I just kept pumping it up with my 12V compressor. It waited till I got back to the mainland to be repaired.
 
Our Syncro's are amazing machines and will get you through most sand patches - momentum also helps.
 
 
Scott
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 7:09 PM
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rudis tyre selection size??

 

Gday Bartley,
 
Rudi's van is an ex Telecom and he prefers relatively standard width tyres, both for bitumen and offroad, including sand.
 
He gave me a sand driving lesson several years ago in my Trakka syncro. Where I failed in sand, he virtually levitated the same stretch of sand, so yes ... tyre selection is important, but I learnt 2 things ... the skill of the driver can make the difference between success and failure and that I need a lot more sand driving time!
 
Rudi supplies and fits decouplers as well as other drivetrain components. His preferred means of communication is via telephone, not email, so by all means, give him a ring, probably best of an evening after work. He'll be happy to speak with you.
 
Cheers.
 
Ken
 
  
 

To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
From: bartleyolsen@ yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:31:57 -0700
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rudis tyre selection size??

 
Hi guys just looking through the kombis to the cape trip photos and would anyone know Rudi's choice of Tyre?  looks something like a 215 80 15 . . .? nice and thin for sand ( tell me if i'm wrong)  unlike the 235's but the 80 gives more ground clearance. . . . ?? I'm almost on the market for new tyres and I do a fair bit of highway driving plus I love great sand driving. . .Not that keen on the muscle 4x4 side of things. . . currently running 215 75 15's  and was considering going the 235 80 15's, but this may hamper may sand ability yeh? Also is rudi still doing de-coupler fitting? I should call in and see him one day. . .

bartley Olsen

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17
Thank you so much to everyone on this forum.

I'm still exploring my options at the moment, and a few more phone calls to make, but it is looking like I might go down the 2wd path, as I have found a cheap 2wd 5-speed box. If anyone knows of a syncro or 2wd 5-speed box at a good price, please get in touch.

Bill, Martin, is this custom adaptor plate the only modification required? It bolts on?? Bill, I may definitely take you up on the offer to copy your adaptor plate.

Boris from Volkscare who said he has done this conversion said he cut the rear mount off his syncro? I don't like the idea of cutting my precious van.

Will give you all an update as I progress.

Sam



--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "muddy3267" <marg_bill@...> wrote:
>
> Sam. I ran my syncro with a 2wd box while my 4wd box was being rebuilt. I have the adaptor plate fabricated by my very capable vw mechanic. If you wish i could send it to you to copy and return. Regards Bill Sullivan.
>
18
Sam, surely you'd be better off getting your syncro box rebuilt? If you have to go to all the trouble of dropping it out and fabricating parts to fit the 2wd it is not going to be that cheap plus the cost of fixing the syncro box in the future remains.

You might find the syncro box only needs a new bearing or two. I think the major cost in most Syncro box rebuilds is when the crown and pinion is stuffed. I can't remember but it didn't sound like that was the case with yours. I know you wanted to do oil plates and taller gearing but maybe that bit could wait.

Anyway, i'll shut up now...

Good luck with whatever approach you take.

Gary

[2 0 / 2 1 Design]
28 Gwynne St
Richmond
Vic 3121
gary@twentytwentyone.net
www.twentytwentyone.net
Tel 3 9429 1868
Fax 3 9421 1110
Mob 0417 352782



On 2 Sep 2009, at 09:47, heysamuelarnold wrote:

Thank you so much to everyone on this forum. 

I'm still exploring my options at the moment, and a few more phone calls to make, but it is looking like I might go down the 2wd path, as I have found a cheap 2wd 5-speed box. If anyone knows of a syncro or 2wd 5-speed box at a good price, please get in touch.

Bill, Martin, is this custom adaptor plate the only modification required? It bolts on?? Bill, I may definitely take you up on the offer to copy your adaptor plate. 

Boris from Volkscare who said he has done this conversion said he cut the rear mount off his syncro? I don't like the idea of cutting my precious van.

Will give you all an update as I progress.

Sam

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com, "muddy3267" <marg_bill@. ..> wrote:
>
> Sam. I ran my syncro with a 2wd box while my 4wd box was being rebuilt. I have the adaptor plate fabricated by my very capable vw mechanic. If you wish i could send it to you to copy and return. Regards Bill Sullivan.
>


19
Scott. Those inland tracks are a pain. I always had my missus jump out the car and check for traffic around the corner before hand. Cornering in soft sand while keeping speed and not over-turning definitely takes practice.

found the best way to prevent getting hopelessly stuck a great cheap investment is 6 3/4inch ply boards and a jack. If you've buried the tires you can use one board as a base to stand the jack on. Lift the back or front of the car out of the holes. If your jack doesn't lift high enough you can just fill in sand under the tire and re-set the jack til it's completely out. Then drive away on the boards. Also pays to connect the boards by rope to the tow bar so you can drag them with you as you may not be able to stop to collect them once you get moving.

Running tubes in your tires is also a big help to enable you to lower the pressure further for more traction. I did this while crossing the simpson desert in a 2wd kombi and went a long way even passing in sections where 4x4s were getting bogged. Problem with 2wd is often when you stop you need to use sand boards to get moving again unlike the syncro



To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: spbconsulting@bigpond.com
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 21:39:08 +1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rudis tyre selection size??

 

In all my experiences in sand driving - low tyre pressures and that lovely reverse gear are your best friends. whenever I got close to getting stuck - I just slipped the syncro in reverse and backed out of it. Then a small run up and you get through easy. It is those narrow inland tracks that are the problem - you need to go fairly slow as they are 1 car width (at best) and you round a corner to quick-sand and you have no momentum. That was really the only thing that briefly stopped me - a bit of reverse and away we go again.
 
Low tyre pressures means the side walls are easily staked - and I did a front tyre on my Moreton Island adventure - with no spare I just kept pumping it up with my 12V compressor. It waited till I got back to the mainland to be repaired.
 
Our Syncro's are amazing machines and will get you through most sand patches - momentum also helps.
 
 
Scott
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 7:09 PM
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rudis tyre selection size??

 
Gday Bartley,
 
Rudi's van is an ex Telecom and he prefers relatively standard width tyres, both for bitumen and offroad, including sand.
 
He gave me a sand driving lesson several years ago in my Trakka syncro. Where I failed in sand, he virtually levitated the same stretch of sand, so yes ... tyre selection is important, but I learnt 2 things ... the skill of the driver can make the difference between success and failure and that I need a lot more sand driving time!
 
Rudi supplies and fits decouplers as well as other drivetrain components. His preferred means of communication is via telephone, not email, so by all means, give him a ring, probably best of an evening after work. He'll be happy to speak with you.
 
Cheers.
 
Ken
 
  
 

To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
From: bartleyolsen@ yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:31:57 -0700
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rudis tyre selection size??

 
Hi guys just looking through the kombis to the cape trip photos and would anyone know Rudi's choice of Tyre?  looks something like a 215 80 15 . . .? nice and thin for sand ( tell me if i'm wrong)  unlike the 235's but the 80 gives more ground clearance. . . . ?? I'm almost on the market for new tyres and I do a fair bit of highway driving plus I love great sand driving. . .Not that keen on the muscle 4x4 side of things. . . currently running 215 75 15's  and was considering going the 235 80 15's, but this may hamper may sand ability yeh? Also is rudi still doing de-coupler fitting? I should call in and see him one day. . .

bartley Olsen

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20
Erik,
 
I am amazed you could get your missus out of the car. Mine would still be in there if I was changing a tyre or trying to dig a car out (luckily neither have been required to date).
 
I found the inland tracks loads of fun even though a bit dangerous.
 
Its fairly quiet in the middle of the bush so if you keep your windows down you can usually hear an approaching vehicle. I kept to a reasonably slow pace just to make sure.
 
Crossing the Simpson and a few other major tracks are a dream I will hopefully get a chance to enjoy later on in life - once the kids are old enough to fend for themselves for a while.
 
Enjoy your Syncro fun!
 
Cheers,
 
Scott
 
 
 
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2009 11:18 AM
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Rudis tyre selection size??

 

Scott. Those inland tracks are a pain. I always had my missus jump out the car and check for traffic around the corner before hand. Cornering in soft sand while keeping speed and not over-turning definitely takes practice.

found the best way to prevent getting hopelessly stuck a great cheap investment is 6 3/4inch ply boards and a jack. If you've buried the tires you can use one board as a base to stand the jack on. Lift the back or front of the car out of the holes. If your jack doesn't lift high enough you can just fill in sand under the tire and re-set the jack til it's completely out. Then drive away on the boards. Also pays to connect the boards by rope to the tow bar so you can drag them with you as you may not be able to stop to collect them once you get moving.

Running tubes in your tires is also a big help to enable you to lower the pressure further for more traction. I did this while crossing the simpson desert in a 2wd kombi and went a long way even passing in sections where 4x4s were getting bogged. Problem with 2wd is often when you stop you need to use sand boards to get moving again unlike the syncro



To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
From: spbconsulting@ bigpond.com
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 21:39:08 +1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rudis tyre selection size??

 

In all my experiences in sand driving - low tyre pressures and that lovely reverse gear are your best friends. whenever I got close to getting stuck - I just slipped the syncro in reverse and backed out of it. Then a small run up and you get through easy. It is those narrow inland tracks that are the problem - you need to go fairly slow as they are 1 car width (at best) and you round a corner to quick-sand and you have no momentum. That was really the only thing that briefly stopped me - a bit of reverse and away we go again.
 
Low tyre pressures means the side walls are easily staked - and I did a front tyre on my Moreton Island adventure - with no spare I just kept pumping it up with my 12V compressor. It waited till I got back to the mainland to be repaired.
 
Our Syncro's are amazing machines and will get you through most sand patches - momentum also helps.
 
 
Scott
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 7:09 PM
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rudis tyre selection size??

 
Gday Bartley,
 
Rudi's van is an ex Telecom and he prefers relatively standard width tyres, both for bitumen and offroad, including sand.
 
He gave me a sand driving lesson several years ago in my Trakka syncro. Where I failed in sand, he virtually levitated the same stretch of sand, so yes ... tyre selection is important, but I learnt 2 things ... the skill of the driver can make the difference between success and failure and that I need a lot more sand driving time!
 
Rudi supplies and fits decouplers as well as other drivetrain components. His preferred means of communication is via telephone, not email, so by all means, give him a ring, probably best of an evening after work. He'll be happy to speak with you.
 
Cheers.
 
Ken
 
  
 

To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
From: bartleyolsen@ yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:31:57 -0700
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Rudis tyre selection size??

 
Hi guys just looking through the kombis to the cape trip photos and would anyone know Rudi's choice of Tyre?  looks something like a 215 80 15 . . .? nice and thin for sand ( tell me if i'm wrong)  unlike the 235's but the 80 gives more ground clearance. . . . ?? I'm almost on the market for new tyres and I do a fair bit of highway driving plus I love great sand driving. . .Not that keen on the muscle 4x4 side of things. . . currently running 215 75 15's  and was considering going the 235 80 15's, but this may hamper may sand ability yeh? Also is rudi still doing de-coupler fitting? I should call in and see him one day. . .

bartley Olsen

Find local businesses and services in your area with Yahoo!7 Local. Get started.


Click Here View photos of singles in your area




No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.73/2338 - Release Date: 08/31/09 17:52:00


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