Well, for the past four months I have traversed Queensland (N/S/E/W) in my Syncro 2200 and have just arrived in NSW Mullumbimby to visit a mate. During that time in QLD I spotted only one Syncro (near Herberton), one T2 in Mission Beach and now one T2 in Mullumbimby. Admittedly, I travelled many remote and challenging (4WD) areas/roads. However, I did see a noticeable number of T4s, T5s and T6s, mostly campervans, but none were observed on 4WD roads/tracks. This has left me to think that the days of the Syncro T3 being out there mixing it have passed. I have surmised that whatever cohort is left is probably consigned to showroom status, or constant repairs, or ongoing restorations, or idling in gunnerdoo ranch somewhere, or all of these.
Open for debate/comment:…
The recent pandemic has cause quite a few including myself to not get away anywhere in the last 2 years.
My mum is in aged dementia care and hence so that I can visit her, I cant get sick so keeping away from everyone has been a priority.
Im sure others have relatives in vulnerable positions and need to do the same thing.
However, I do get around to a few VW shows and the odd VW T3 syncro turns up other than mine - at the Valla VW Spectacular this year there was around 9 syncros getting around the place at any one time and some discussions were being hatched about a planned adventure off-road - talk was of Fraser Island which would be loads of fun.
I do have to admit mine spends a lot of time in the garage these days - something I am looking at changing soon.
Heading to Old Bar NSW for the Festival in Late September - so thats the next adventure for me but that is basically camping only at this stage.
Your comment certainly gives a broader perspective regarding ‘where the art thou’ and I thank you Scott.
Now, about the 4WD stuff - on two separate occasions (Kroombit and Expedition Nat. Parks) I came across an extremely steep, horribly rocky narrow awkward cambered track (high clearance only) and in both situations a Toyota (different in each case) was perched atop not willing to venture down. When I removed the visionary fear from my thoughts and listened to the practical logic of what Syncro 2200 was ‘specced’ to perform I ventured forth and succeeded, including climbing back up. In the first instance that Toyota ventured down after seeing I made it. In the second instance the other Toyota refrained. So, the Syncro is a very capable beast indeed.
Specs: front and rear Peloquin diffs, decoupler/solid shaft, rear diff lock, 2" lift (fully loaded camper clearance 257 mm) Porsche 930 rear axles/cvs, crawler gear/billeted gear lever, 15" steel rims, Goodrich KA02 215/75 tyres, Fox multi adjustable shocks.
Not cheap to arrive at these specs, but truly great when needed.
Oh, and a specific tuned for torque (grunt) engine helped (cam, rockers and 2200cc. Slight sacrifice for less top end highway speed.
Which track at Kroombit?
Down to the Wall? Or west to Callide?
Down to the wall (track was pretty chopped up) and then later the track (again chopped up and totally wonky) to exit the Nat Park onto Monto. That track was one with lot!
Any videos or photos for us to drool over?
Thanks for that. I’ve been down to the wall in our touareg but haven’t been in the syncro.
I’ve heard the track to Monto is rough.
One day.
Knowing you have limited slips and a locker how do you think a normal syncro would go. I’ve got clearance.
About to head out from Duranbah to Broken Hill, Flinders Ranges, Alice Srings, Halls Creek and Broome.
Colin. Sounds great.
Do you share your travels anywhere?
Neil
Unfortunately not, needed to concentrate to negotiate the tracks and navigator (wife) eagle-eyed every rock/boulder/slip away/loose dirt/tree root/dip/camber change - so, no camera work, sorry.
Neil, ground clearance is essential (good to know you’ve got that). The exit track to get out of the Nat. park is about 20kms (rough stuff) and is a narrow twisty downhill challenging track which at times cambers towards the drop side of the track, making it precarious (wouldn’t want to be top heavy). So, with good ground clearance AND definitely crawler gear use you should be ok - rear diff lock not essential because the track is virtually all downhill and your VC set up should give you enough traction. The key is to use your crawler gear (be patient) and lightly feather your brakes when necessary to not gather any momentum and, of course, pick your path. Any sniff of wet weather FORGET this track - you won’t make it!
Colin, fantastic to know you’re ‘out and about’ enjoying the benefits of Syncro touring.
Thanks for that. I’ll give it a go next time we are out there.
Haven’t thought about this aspect some comments and photos here.
Great photo out in the red dirt scrub.
Is that paint or dirt to the lower part of your drivers side?
Old basic rust repair where bumper strip was.
Change of plans after Kintore blew a rear shock limped back to Alice without it.
Meet the most beautiful person Seb who has some spare Trail Masters (Discover ? Something)
Two days of repairs cause he saw some rubbing on front cv boot various other things and such a pleasure to have fun with the syncro with. Now a Yulara goings Great Central Hwy to Perth
Great characters met and looking forward to the trip.
Was a bit despairing in the Kintore dump hunting for a shock
Cokin
Sensational Colin.
You did meet the famous Sebastian who has the most modified syncro I have ever seen with every gadget under the sun - love it!
Cant wait to get out to the Alice to catch up with him on his own turf!
Enjoy the rest of your travels…
Keep us updated.
He is the most generous man a joy to work with on syncros.
Plus he has a fearsome G40 polo