Gday BenT and Les and ALL,
Sorry guys but I deliberately didn't mention in my first post about the
decoupler as I believed it to be assumed knowledge by attentive readers
that anyone who has a solid shaft would automatically have a decoupler,
hence no need for me at that stage to mention it nor to be asked about
it. In my research, I've certainly not read anywhere to the contrary
either.
My view on the pros and cons of VC v solid shaft are adequately
documented on this forum. As well, it makes sense to me that syncro
owners would not need to address this particular issue until such time
as their VC became defunct, as in my case. As an aside though, it was
testament to my syncro that I breezed through most of the Batemans Bay
2007 Syncro Tour in 2WD only + G gear. I just lurv the G gear!
Having participated in and read ad nauseum the for and against theories
expressed here and elsewhere on this topic, I came to the conclusion
that for the VC and SS alternatives, both have numerous but different
advantages and disadvantages. For me, it came down to what I prioritised
as most important and also added to the mix such considerations as how
and where I drive and what my needs are for this vehicle, the SS came
out tops, despite the added initial cost for the decoupler.
I also had the benefit of being talked through the alternatives one on
one with Rudi, arguably in my view Australias foremost and experienced
hands-on mechanic for the syncro drivetrain components in particular. It
would take a very brave or else foolhardy person to disagree with that
statement. Anyone who hasn't dealt with Rudi I suggest has no idea of
what I'm talking about. The east coast of Oz is indeed very fortunate to
have him, virtually on their doorstep. And a nice bloke to boot.
So now, compared with how my 2WD + G gear syncro was before, the
transformation is quite incredible. Now with a solid shaft plus
decoupler plus rear difflock, the instant responsiveness, surefootedness
and smoothness off-road is very rewarding and reassuring. Nevertheless,
I am aware of and do accept the need for discipline and caution in the
judicious use of this SS system, certainly NOT on bitumen/grippy
surfaces.
My only regret is I didn't have these mods done sooner, it certainly
would have saved me some angst. And to keep it all in perspective, I
reiterate what I've said on a previous occasion, it is my own preference
and intention to continue driving as I always have done, predominantly
in 2WD. Now I, not the machine, will decide when and where the need
arises to engage 4WD, in similar way as for judiciously engaging the
rear diflock.
In conclusion, may I suggest that for the benefit of all interested
syncro owners in Australia and our syncro knowledge base, there may now
be the opportunity on future syncro tours to carry out A-B off-road
performance comparisons between VC and SS equipped vehicles. Mind you,
I'm aware of only 2 x SS syncros in Australia at the moment that
could participate. The question remains then, are there any more SS
syncros around? Maybe we need another register to keep track of such.
Cheers BenT and Les and ALL,
Ken
--- In
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "BenT Syncro" <syncro@...>
wrote:
>
> On 10/23/07, Les Harris leslieharris@... wrote:
> >
> > Ken,
> >
> > This subject has been very thoroughly covered on the world's Syncro
> > sites. Are you also running a decoupler or is it just a solid shaft
> > replacing the VC? If it is a solid shaft on its own, DON'T EVER run
it on
> > dry bitumen. You will destroy the entire drive train very rapidly
because
> > the front and rear axles will be running at the same speed. Every
change of
> > direction, however slight, results in the two axles running at
different
> > speeds. If they are prevented from doing so by a solid shaft, the
load on
> > the entire drive train is immense and immensely expensive breakages
always
> > follow. Even on gravel, a solid shaft runs second to a VC
functioning
> > normally. The only situation in which the solid shaft will
out-perform the
> > VC, and this is anecdotal evidence drawn from many of the world's
Syncro
> > websites, is in deep sand.
> >
> > Les
> >
>
>
> Les,
>
> It's fabulous on 100% grades too. That's not saying a properly powered
> Syncro with a VC can't do it but I have seen & riden in both types in
the
> same afternoon. The solid shaft equipped rig just went straight up the
hill
> w/o a burp. The VC equipped Syncros had to choose a more deliberate
path to
> keep from slipping backwards. Nevertheless, I prefer the VC in my
Syncro 16
> for the more useful flexibility in all types of weather.
>
> Note that here in US, it is not unsual to drive several hundred miles
of
> pavement to go to a proper Syncro playgrounds. Solid shaft or not, a
> decoupler can be quite handy to get you home should you have tire
problems
> or have a broken CV/axle on one end.
>
>
> Cheers,
>
> BenT
>