Locking Diffs Retrofit?

1
Hi all. Does anyone have experience with installing a diff locker as a retro fit including the activator control in the dash? What are the times and cost's? Do you need to source it from overseas and has anyone had it done in WA? Is it best to lock the rear or front diff?
2
Harold,

I can give you a partial answer. The main drive is to the rear. Power
does not transfer forward until the rear slips. Besides, traction is
greatest where most of the engine weight resides -- the rear.


BenT
Sent from my mobile device

On Oct 1, 2009, at 2:42 AM, "haroldclarke@rocketmail.com" <oznewf@iinet.net.au
> wrote:

> Hi all. Does anyone have experience with installing a diff locker as
> a retro fit including the activator control in the dash? What are
> the times and cost's? Do you need to source it from overseas and has
> anyone had it done in WA? Is it best to lock the rear or front diff?
>
3

Harold,

 

The locker box is machined to take the shift fork rod and the mounting for the vacuum actuator.  It should be possible to machine a non-locker box but it would need to be very accurate.

 

With no diff locks, a Syncro can severely embarrass a lot of four wheel drive vehicles.  With a rear diff lock, the embarrassment is upped by probably 20%.  Unless you are going to go out of you way to find near impossible moraines to climb, you can do with out a front lock.

 

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of haroldclarke@rocketmail.com
Sent: 01 October 2009 19:43
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 

 

Hi all. Does anyone have experience with installing a diff locker as a retro fit including the activator control in the dash? What are the times and cost's? Do you need to source it from overseas and has anyone had it done in WA? Is it best to lock the rear or front diff?

4
I have looked into this when I decided to add front and rear lockers. I was advised against retro-fitting a difflock by a number of reliable sources. If cases aren't machined precisely it could mean potential scrap cases. You'll be paying for labour and still need to source loom,actuators,dash control,pipe work most likely from overseas

In my view money would be much better spent on buying a recond gearbox and matching front locking diff with all the plumbing and dash inlcuded (cost me $5000au after customs duties,shipping and gst from syncro-nutz) Also you have a spare gearbox for times when parts become scarce.

Another good one to try for locking gearboxes is syncrospares in the uk. They've sold locking units to ausralian customers and will supply wiring loom,dash control, vacuum hoses and actuators in fact all you need for the conversion. cheers,erik

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: leslieharris@optusnet.com.au
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 19:57:53 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 

Harold,

 

The locker box is machined to take the shift fork rod and the mounting for the vacuum actuator.  It should be possible to machine a non-locker box but it would need to be very accurate.

 

With no diff locks, a Syncro can severely embarrass a lot of four wheel drive vehicles.  With a rear diff lock, the embarrassment is upped by probably 20%.  Unless you are going to go out of you way to find near impossible moraines to climb, you can do with out a front lock.

 

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of haroldclarke@ rocketmail. com
Sent: 01 October 2009 19:43
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 

 

Hi all. Does anyone have experience with installing a diff locker as a retro fit including the activator control in the dash? What are the times and cost's? Do you need to source it from overseas and has anyone had it done in WA? Is it best to lock the rear or front diff?


Find your next place with Ninemsn property Looking for a place to rent, share or buy this winter?
5
Hi Harold,
 
By retrofit do you mean putting a locker in a non-locker case?  It is best to buy the correct case half with the locker since they are available and this is much easier but I have a Syncro locker in a 2WD T2 case that has been modified to take the shift fork and vacuum actuator so it can be done.  Mine uses the factory Syncro actuator, vacuum reservoir, dash light switch and dash switch.  I sourced all these parts from Rudi Purkart.  The installation and custom work on the case was done by Ron Schmidt.  Best to lock the rear diff first since most traction is at the rear where the weight is and when you are climbing there is even less weight on the front so the rear is doing almost all of the work. You can always add one to the front later if you find one,
 
Neil.

From: "haroldclarke@rocketmail.com" <oznewf@iinet.net.au>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, 1 October, 2009 7:42:51 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 

Hi all. Does anyone have experience with installing a diff locker as a retro fit including the activator control in the dash? What are the times and cost's? Do you need to source it from overseas and has anyone had it done in WA? Is it best to lock the rear or front diff?


Get more done like never before with Yahoo!7 Mail. Learn more.
6

Hi,

I’m just about to retro fit a locker into the front of my Syncro. I’m also swapping a locker gearbox into the rear and adding a de-coupler. The Syncro is a non locker at the moment and I have sourced all the parts from over seas.  I have been told I need to be carefully when machining but you do when ever you’re machining any engine or gearbox parts.  I will be starting in about a month when I get back to Australia .  I will post pics as I do the upgrade.

 

Michael R

 


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7
> erik Hoeflinger <erikhoeflinger@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I have looked into this when I decided to add front and rear lockers. I
> was advised against retro-fitting a difflock by a number of reliable
> sources. If cases aren't machined precisely it could mean potential
> scrap cases. You'll be paying for labour and still need to source
> loom,actuators,dash control,pipe work most likely from overseas
>

The boxes are really different and stronger.



>




>
> Another good one to try for locking gearboxes is syncrospares in the uk.

CJ has sold the business.
8
I think the best time to do this is when your existing gearbox has problems - that's when I did mine. Muller & Muller put a new diff-lock case and all the required innards in mine and put a brand new vacuum actuator on as well.
 
I tested it on the hoist with a sort blast of compressed air and it went in and out of lock no problem.
 
I only just sourced my other parts from Stuart Stirling in South Africa. I already have the dash parts in just as a test and they went in easy. Now for the wiring and the vacuum looms.
 
Great bloke and a complete syncro nutter.
 
Scott
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 8:50 PM
Subject: Re: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 



> erik Hoeflinger <erikhoeflinger@ hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I have looked into this when I decided to add front and rear lockers. I
> was advised against retro-fitting a difflock by a number of reliable
> sources. If cases aren't machined precisely it could mean potential
> scrap cases. You'll be paying for labour and still need to source
> loom,actuators, dash control,pipe work most likely from overseas
>

The boxes are really different and stronger.

>

>
> Another good one to try for locking gearboxes is syncrospares in the uk.

CJ has sold the business.


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.14.0/2406 - Release Date: 09/30/09 18:56:00
9
Hi Scott, re your syncro Is it the one i've seen on AussieVeeDubbers, blue with alloys?

If it is it's a beauty, please post some pics here so we can all admire it!

Oh and please drive it to Victorian DOVW so we can all have a closer look!

Cheers
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 02/10/2009, at 8:13 AM, Mr Scott Pitcher wrote:


I think the best time to do this is when your existing gearbox has problems - that's when I did mine. Muller & Muller put a new diff-lock case and all the required innards in mine and put a brand new vacuum actuator on as well.
 
I tested it on the hoist with a sort blast of compressed air and it went in and out of lock no problem.
 
I only just sourced my other parts from Stuart Stirling in South Africa. I already have the dash parts in just as a test and they went in easy. Now for the wiring and the vacuum looms.
 
Great bloke and a complete syncro nutter.
 
Scott
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 8:50 PM
Subject: Re: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 



> erik Hoeflinger <erikhoeflinger@ hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> I have looked into this when I decided to add front and rear lockers. I
> was advised against retro-fitting a difflock by a number of reliable
> sources. If cases aren't machined precisely it could mean potential
> scrap cases. You'll be paying for labour and still need to source
> loom,actuators, dash control,pipe work most likely from overseas
> 

The boxes are really different and stronger.

> 

> 
> Another good one to try for locking gearboxes is syncrospares in the uk. 

CJ has sold the business.




No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.14.0/2406 - Release Date: 09/30/09 18:56:00


10
Hi all

I've recently moved my van insurance to a policy with the CMCA. They are quite happy to accept an estimated value for a vehicle but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of agreeing a value to be insured they won't do it without an independent valuation.

I previously had it insured with Shannon's who would only value it as a Transporter Van. Of course the renewal value that i had to send to prove no claim's bonus had this low value on and the new insurance policy will only cover it to this value until i prove otherwise.

So any good ideas where i can get an independent valuation in Melbourne? 

Cheers
Gary


11
Am aware syncro-services was sold. The new owners have bought all CJ's stock and are now back in business.

Not really sure what you mean by the boxes are really different and stronger? Which boxes and why. please explain:)



To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: plander@optusnet.com.au
Date: Thu, 1 Oct 2009 20:50:23 +1000
Subject: Re: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 


> erik Hoeflinger <erikhoeflinger@ hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I have looked into this when I decided to add front and rear lockers. I
> was advised against retro-fitting a difflock by a number of reliable
> sources. If cases aren't machined precisely it could mean potential
> scrap cases. You'll be paying for labour and still need to source
> loom,actuators, dash control,pipe work most likely from overseas
>

The boxes are really different and stronger.

>

>
> Another good one to try for locking gearboxes is syncrospares in the uk.

CJ has sold the business.


Find your next place with Ninemsn property Looking for a place to rent, share or buy this winter?
12
Just ask CMCA, they will tell you. Well they did for me a few years ago anyway.

Bruce


On 02/10/2009, at 10:37 AM, Gary Cookson wrote:

 

Hi all


I've recently moved my van insurance to a policy with the CMCA. They are quite happy to accept an estimated value for a vehicle but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of agreeing a value to be insured they won't do it without an independent valuation.

I previously had it insured with Shannon's who would only value it as a Transporter Van. Of course the renewal value that i had to send to prove no claim's bonus had this low value on and the new insurance policy will only cover it to this value until i prove otherwise.

So any good ideas where i can get an independent valuation in Melbourne? 

Cheers
Gary




13
> Not really sure what you mean by the boxes are really different and
> stronger? Which boxes and why. please explain:)

Do you have ETKA parts list for syncro?
(If not let me know)
The parts diagrams will show you.

The diff lock boxes have 4 something or others and the non lockers have 2.
Les will know what I mean.

I am definately not an expert on boxes but have been advised to replace the whole box.
14
Thanks for the replies.I did actually mean purchasing a locking diff and all associated parts. Not trying to alter my non-locking diff. Just trying to gage the price and time involved. Thamks...
15

Alice, widow of the late Werner Tritt, has a pair of front seats for sale:

 

Pair of original front seats for VW T3 Transporter Syncro.

Good condition. $ 100

Brown/ creamy colour

 

Please call mobile: 0412 898 283

 

 

Les

16

They are called side gears and the locking diff uses four of them to withstand the forces that can be transmitted when only one wheel has a grip.  Under these circumstances, the whole driving force is being sent to one wheel.  With the non-lock diff, the unladen wheel will spin and reduce to load through the side gears to effectively zero.

 

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of plander@optusnet.com.au
Sent: 02 October 2009 15:27
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 

 



> Not really sure what you mean by the boxes are really different and
> stronger? Which boxes and why. please explain:)

Do you have ETKA parts list for syncro?
(If not let me know)
The parts diagrams will show you.

The diff lock boxes have 4 something or others and the non lockers have 2.
Les will know what I mean.

I am definately not an expert on boxes but have been advised to replace the whole box.

17
Thanks Les ... interesting. Always wondered about the extent of the differences.
 
Just to confirm it further, I take it then that the 6P and 6PA transaxle cases are physically identicle i.e., no strengthening at all for the 6PA locking diff case?
 
Ken
 
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: leslieharris@optusnet.com.au
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 19:46:09 +1000
Subject: RE: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 

They are called side gears and the locking diff uses four of them to withstand the forces that can be transmitted when only one wheel has a grip.  Under these circumstances, the whole driving force is being sent to one wheel.  With the non-lock diff, the unladen wheel will spin and reduce to load through the side gears to effectively zero.

 

Les

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of plander@optusnet. com.au
Sent: 02 October 2009 15:27
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 

 



> Not really sure what you mean by the boxes are really different and
> stronger? Which boxes and why. please explain:)

Do you have ETKA parts list for syncro?
(If not let me know)
The parts diagrams will show you.

The diff lock boxes have 4 something or others and the non lockers have 2.
Les will know what I mean.

I am definately not an expert on boxes but have been advised to replace the whole box.


Let us help with car news, reviews and more Looking for a new car this winter?
18
Sorry, can't help you out there Gary, but good luck. In case it might benefit anyone else, we insured ours with CIL (Caravan Insurance Limited) and they just accepted the agreed value over the phone without the need for a valuation certificate.

Francesca.

On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 1:56 PM, Alison & Bruce Black <royalb@aapt.net.au> wrote:

Just ask CMCA, they will tell you. Well they did for me a few years ago anyway.


Bruce


On 02/10/2009, at 10:37 AM, Gary Cookson wrote:

Hi all


I've recently moved my van insurance to a policy with the CMCA. They are quite happy to accept an estimated value for a vehicle but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of agreeing a value to be insured they won't do it without an independent valuation.

I previously had it insured with Shannon's who would only value it as a Transporter Van. Of course the renewal value that i had to send to prove no claim's bonus had this low value on and the new insurance policy will only cover it to this value until i prove otherwise.

So any good ideas where i can get an independent valuation in Melbourne?

Cheers
Gary





19

Ken,

 

I understand that the cases are identical apart from the machining for the diff lock actuating mechanism.  I will try to get confirmation on that.

 

Les

 

PS I had a phone call from Old Bar just a few minutes ago – sounds like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves!

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Ken Garratt
Sent: 02 October 2009 20:15
To: Syncro Oz Forum
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 

 

Thanks Les ... interesting. Always wondered about the extent of the differences.
 
Just to confirm it further, I take it then that the 6P and 6PA transaxle cases are physically identical i.e., no strengthening at all for the 6PA locking diff case?
 
Ken

20

Ken,

 

I understand that the cases are identical apart from the machining for the diff lock actuating mechanism.  I will try to get confirmation on that.

 

Les

 

PS I had a phone call from Old Bar just a few minutes ago – sounds like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves!

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Ken Garratt
Sent: 02 October 2009 20:15
To: Syncro Oz Forum
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Locking Diffs Retrofit?

 

 

Thanks Les ... interesting. Always wondered about the extent of the differences.
 
Just to confirm it further, I take it then that the 6P and 6PA transaxle cases are physically identical i.e., no strengthening at all for the 6PA locking diff case?
 
Ken