VC verses Straight shaft.

Hello All,


As some may remember I installed a bostig conversion to Ford 2lt Zebec and at the same time put in a reco- transaxle from GoWesty. But I failed to notify them that I needed a 5.43 diff so they sent me a 4.86.


Thanks to Neil I now have a 4.86 Ring and Pinion to go in the front diff. I got the fron diff out today which I will take to a diff specialist to get installed correctly.


That's the background that gets me to my question. Whilst the front diff is out I'm consifdering puting a Straight Shaft in to replace the Viscous Coupling. 


I Have a decoupler.


So any thoughts on the merits of getting rid for the VC.


Pro's

Cons


Cheers


Peter

Gold Coast

Hi Peter,

Speak to Rudi, he has a solid shaft in his own, seek his A-B thoughts on this topic especially given he's the guru on all things syncro drivetrain.


I have a solid shaft, had it for many years now and ever since remained happy to have seen the last of VC silliness. By comparison, having the ability to instead select and engage REAL 4WD as needed, I find terrific.

Never missed the VC. Never want it back. 

Cheers.

Ken




From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of peter.kolevas@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, 11 February 2018 4:36 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.
 
 

Hello All,


As some may remember I installed a bostig conversion to Ford 2lt Zebec and at the same time put in a reco- transaxle from GoWesty. But I failed to notify them that I needed a 5.43 diff so they sent me a 4.86.


Thanks to Neil I now have a 4.86 Ring and Pinion to go in the front diff. I got the fron diff out today which I will take to a diff specialist to get installed correctly.


That's the background that gets me to my question. Whilst the front diff is out I'm consifdering puting a Straight Shaft in to replace the Viscous Coupling. 


I Have a decoupler.


So any thoughts on the merits of getting rid for the VC.


Pro's

Cons


Cheers


Peter

Gold Coast

Hi Peter,
My reasons for keeping my VC were twofold, wanted to keep the truck as original as possible and secondly my VC is very agressive and hence it's 
almost like a solid shaft anyway. 
My preference today would be a s/s, as Ken says, it provides real 4x4.
Hart

Sent from my iPad

On 11 Feb 2018, at 7:08 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi Peter,

Speak to Rudi, he has a solid shaft in his own, seek his A-B thoughts on this topic especially given he's the guru on all things syncro drivetrain.


I have a solid shaft, had it for many years now and ever since remained happy to have seen the last of VC silliness. By comparison, having the ability to instead select and engage REAL 4WD as needed, I find terrific.

Never missed the VC. Never want it back. 

Cheers.

Ken




From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of peter.kolevas@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, 11 February 2018 4:36 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.
 
 

Hello All,


As some may remember I installed a bostig conversion to Ford 2lt Zebec and at the same time put in a reco- transaxle from GoWesty. But I failed to notify them that I needed a 5.43 diff so they sent me a 4.86.


Thanks to Neil I now have a 4.86 Ring and Pinion to go in the front diff. I got the fron diff out today which I will take to a diff specialist to get installed correctly.


That's the background that gets me to my question. Whilst the front diff is out I'm consifdering puting a Straight Shaft in to replace the Viscous Coupling. 


I Have a decoupler.


So any thoughts on the merits of getting rid for the VC.


Pro's

Cons


Cheers


Peter

Gold Coast

I agree with both Hart and Ken but I do like the fact that if I accidentally left my 4wd on lock with the de-coupler it wouldn't do any damage to the drive-train even with an aggressive VC.

However with a solid shaft maybe you would?

My VC has never been replaced in my 22 years of ownership and its not noisy yet...(touch wood) and works well as a 4wd.

Let sleeping dogs lie unless it needs a rebuild - then I would consider it closely.

Cheers,

Skot



On 11/02/2018 9:30 PM, Hartmut Kiehn hartis@live.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Peter,
My reasons for keeping my VC were twofold, wanted to keep the truck as original as possible and secondly my VC is very agressive and hence it's
almost like a solid shaft anyway.
My preference today would be a s/s, as Ken says, it provides real 4x4.
Hart

Sent from my iPad

On 11 Feb 2018, at 7:08 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hi Peter,

Speak to Rudi, he has a solid shaft in his own, seek his A-B thoughts on this topic especially given he's the guru on all things syncro drivetrain.


I have a solid shaft, had it for many years now and ever since remained happy to have seen the last of VC silliness. By comparison, having the ability to instead select and engage REAL 4WD as needed, I find terrific.

Never missed the VC. Never want it back.

Cheers.

Ken




From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of peter.kolevas@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, 11 February 2018 4:36 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.

Hello All,


As some may remember I installed a bostig conversion to Ford 2lt Zebec and at the same time put in a reco- transaxle from GoWesty. But I failed to notify them that I needed a 5.43 diff so they sent me a 4.86.


Thanks to Neil I now have a 4.86 Ring and Pinion to go in the front diff. I got the fron diff out today which I will take to a diff specialist to get installed correctly.


That's the background that gets me to my question. Whilst the front diff is out I'm consifdering puting a Straight Shaft in to replace the Viscous Coupling.


I Have a decoupler.


So any thoughts on the merits of getting rid for the VC.


Pro's

Cons


Cheers


Peter

Gold Coast


--
Best regards, Scott Pitcher SPB Consulting
Skot, i had on my mind but forgot to mention to have installed a blinking red light into the instrument cluster. Is there one spare spot to put one in??
Would also be beneficial with a agressive/vicious CV. Can do the same damage.Looks like a new project....hart



Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.


-------- Original message --------
From: "Scott Pitcher spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Date:11/02/2018 21:38 (GMT+10:00)
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Cc:
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.

 

I agree with both Hart and Ken but I do like the fact that if I accidentally left my 4wd on lock with the de-coupler it wouldn't do any damage to the drive-train even with an aggressive VC.

However with a solid shaft maybe you would?

My VC has never been replaced in my 22 years of ownership and its not noisy yet...(touch wood) and works well as a 4wd.

Let sleeping dogs lie unless it needs a rebuild - then I would consider it closely.

Cheers,

Skot



On 11/02/2018 9:30 PM, Hartmut Kiehn hartis@live.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:
 

Hi Peter,
My reasons for keeping my VC were twofold, wanted to keep the truck as original as possible and secondly my VC is very agressive and hence it's 
almost like a solid shaft anyway. 
My preference today would be a s/s, as Ken says, it provides real 4x4.
Hart

Sent from my iPad

On 11 Feb 2018, at 7:08 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi Peter,

Speak to Rudi, he has a solid shaft in his own, seek his A-B thoughts on this topic especially given he's the guru on all things syncro drivetrain.


I have a solid shaft, had it for many years now and ever since remained happy to have seen the last of VC silliness. By comparison, having the ability to instead select and engage REAL 4WD as needed, I find terrific.

Never missed the VC. Never want it back. 

Cheers.

Ken




From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of peter.kolevas@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, 11 February 2018 4:36 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.
 
 

Hello All,


As some may remember I installed a bostig conversion to Ford 2lt Zebec and at the same time put in a reco- transaxle from GoWesty. But I failed to notify them that I needed a 5.43 diff so they sent me a 4.86.


Thanks to Neil I now have a 4.86 Ring and Pinion to go in the front diff. I got the fron diff out today which I will take to a diff specialist to get installed correctly.


That's the background that gets me to my question. Whilst the front diff is out I'm consifdering puting a Straight Shaft in to replace the Viscous Coupling. 


I Have a decoupler.


So any thoughts on the merits of getting rid for the VC.


Pro's

Cons


Cheers


Peter

Gold Coast


--
Best regards, Scott Pitcher SPB Consulting

Hi Hart,

Yes there is a spot for an LED on the dash in that centre panel.

I installed an LED from Jaycar in there for my check engine light and it is fairly easy to do. Just pull the speedo cluster out and remove the backing plate which also helps hold the ribbon in, then drill out the hole for the LED and install.

Works well.

Cheers,

Skot


On 12/02/2018 8:01 AM, Hartmut Kiehn hartis@live.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Skot, i had on my mind but forgot to mention to have installed a blinking red light into the instrument cluster. Is there one spare spot to put one in??
Would also be beneficial with a agressive/vicious CV. Can do the same damage.Looks like a new project....hart



Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.


-------- Original message --------
From: "Scott Pitcher spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Date:11/02/2018 21:38 (GMT+10:00)
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Cc:
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.

I agree with both Hart and Ken but I do like the fact that if I accidentally left my 4wd on lock with the de-coupler it wouldn't do any damage to the drive-train even with an aggressive VC.

However with a solid shaft maybe you would?

My VC has never been replaced in my 22 years of ownership and its not noisy yet...(touch wood) and works well as a 4wd.

Let sleeping dogs lie unless it needs a rebuild - then I would consider it closely.

Cheers,

Skot



On 11/02/2018 9:30 PM, Hartmut Kiehn hartis@live.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:
Hi Peter,
My reasons for keeping my VC were twofold, wanted to keep the truck as original as possible and secondly my VC is very agressive and hence it's
almost like a solid shaft anyway.
My preference today would be a s/s, as Ken says, it provides real 4x4.
Hart

Sent from my iPad

On 11 Feb 2018, at 7:08 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hi Peter,

Speak to Rudi, he has a solid shaft in his own, seek his A-B thoughts on this topic especially given he's the guru on all things syncro drivetrain.


I have a solid shaft, had it for many years now and ever since remained happy to have seen the last of VC silliness. By comparison, having the ability to instead select and engage REAL 4WD as needed, I find terrific.

Never missed the VC. Never want it back.

Cheers.

Ken




From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of peter.kolevas@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, 11 February 2018 4:36 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.

Hello All,


As some may remember I installed a bostig conversion to Ford 2lt Zebec and at the same time put in a reco- transaxle from GoWesty. But I failed to notify them that I needed a 5.43 diff so they sent me a 4.86.


Thanks to Neil I now have a 4.86 Ring and Pinion to go in the front diff. I got the fron diff out today which I will take to a diff specialist to get installed correctly.


That's the background that gets me to my question. Whilst the front diff is out I'm consifdering puting a Straight Shaft in to replace the Viscous Coupling.


I Have a decoupler.


So any thoughts on the merits of getting rid for the VC.


Pro's

Cons


Cheers


Peter

Gold Coast


--
Best regards, Scott Pitcher SPB Consulting

--
Best regards, Scott Pitcher SPB Consulting
Interesting comment Rrudi made years ago to me regarding the drive forces being better distributed in the gearbox when driving through a good vc
don't know how the drive distributes front and rear but that was his take of the loads in the perfect VC world which I think would now be very small
Cheers Ken Peter

On Sun, Feb 11, 2018 at 6:08 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Hi Peter,

Speak to Rudi, he has a solid shaft in his own, seek his A-B thoughts on this topic especially given he's the guru on all things syncro drivetrain.


I have a solid shaft, had it for many years now and ever since remained happy to have seen the last of VC silliness. By comparison, having the ability to instead select and engage REAL 4WD as needed, I find terrific.

Never missed the VC. Never want it back.

Cheers.

Ken




From: Syncro_T3_Australia@ yahoogroups.com <Syncro_T3_Australia@ yahoogroups.com> on behalf of peter.kolevas@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@ yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, 11 February 2018 4:36 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@ yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.

Hello All,


As some may remember I installed a bostig conversion to Ford 2lt Zebec and at the same time put in a reco- transaxle from GoWesty. But I failed to notify them that I needed a 5.43 diff so they sent me a 4.86.


Thanks to Neil I now have a 4.86 Ring and Pinion to go in the front diff. I got the fron diff out today which I will take to a diff specialist to get installed correctly.


That's the background that gets me to my question. Whilst the front diff is out I'm consifdering puting a Straight Shaft in to replace the Viscous Coupling.


I Have a decoupler.


So any thoughts on the merits of getting rid for the VC.


Pro's

Cons


Cheers


Peter

Gold Coast


Thank you all. For your input. I have instructed my diff guy to go ahead with the installation of the solid shaft.

I will now have a rear diff lock, decoupler, solid shaft and a Peloquins LSD front diff. Hopefully that will get me in and out of most places.

Cheers

PK
Gold Coast


Sent from my iPhone
Yes Pete, but sadly relevant only to syncros still running factory spec VCs. To retain ongoing factory spec condition, VW requires this service component to be replaced every 100,000klms. How few syncros manage that?

27 years down the track, most are running aggressive or passive VCs or solid shafts with/without decouplers and driving mostly in 2WD ( my preference anyway), so that ideal above can no longer be retained.  Instead we accept the Russian Roulette system and try to go easy on the drivetrain system and hope like hell we can delay our next visit to Rudi for an expensive transaxle rebuild.
Touch wood, been lucky so far.

Pete, I'm sure both Rudi and I are still chuffed reminiscing how we both demonstrated to you our solid shaft equipped syncros agility and traction negotiating your steep and undulating back paddock! Nice memories.
Cheers.
Ken




From: Peter Wilson peterw1000@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]
Sent: Tuesday, 13 February 12:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.
To: syncro_t3_australia@yahoogroups.com


 
Interesting  comment Rrudi made years ago to me regarding the drive forces being better distributed in the gearbox when driving through a good vc
don't know how the drive distributes front and rear but that was his take of the loads in the perfect VC world which I think would now be very small
Cheers Ken    Peter 

On Sun, Feb 11, 2018 at 6:08 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 
Hi Peter,
Speak to Rudi, he has a solid shaft in his own, seek his A-B thoughts on this topic especially given he's the guru on all things syncro drivetrain.

I have a solid shaft, had it for many years now and ever since remained happy to have seen the last of VC silliness. By comparison, having the ability to instead select and engage REAL 4WD as needed, I find terrific.
Never missed the VC. Never want it back. 
Cheers.
Ken


Sent: Sunday, 11 February 2018 4:36 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.
 
 
Hello All,

As some may remember I installed a bostig conversion to Ford 2lt Zebec and at the same time put in a reco- transaxle from GoWesty. But I failed to notify them that I needed a 5.43 diff so they sent me a 4.86.

Thanks to Neil I now have a 4.86 Ring and Pinion to go in the front diff.. I got the fron diff out today which I will take to a diff specialist to get installed correctly.

That's the background that gets me to my question. Whilst the front diff is out I'm consifdering puting a Straight Shaft in to replace the Viscous Coupling. 

I Have a decoupler.

So any thoughts on the merits of getting rid for the VC.

Pro's
Cons

Cheers

Peter
Gold Coast




Hi Peter,
May I suggest you retain the VC once removed, these are valuable/essential as an exchange component in the event that you or a future owner has a change of mind and want to install a reconditioned unit purchased from overseas. Until then, they serve well as an excellent door stop in windy weather and/or conversation starter to the curious!
Cheers.
Ken


From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of Peter Kolevas peter.kolevas@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 7:25:00 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.
 
 

Thank you all. For your input. I have instructed my diff guy to go ahead with the installation of the solid shaft.

I will now have a rear diff lock, decoupler, solid shaft and a Peloquins LSD front diff. Hopefully that will get me in and out of most places.

Cheers

PK
Gold Coast

Sent from my iPhone

Hi Scott,
I think Hartmut and I would both agree that it's prudent to view aggressive VCs and solid shafts as being equally complicit and deletarious and high risk of drivetrain component premature failures if driving in 4WD on hard surfaces. Unless instead myou get a buzz out of playing Russian Roullette and own a gold mine!

I find the act of manually engaging REAL 4WD tends to concentrate the mind and so helps me remain alert to change back to 2WD as soon as possible. So no, I tend not to forget it's in 4WD, then again I don't have a bunch of kids in the back yelling at me ....... ARE WE THERE YET!!!!
Cheers.
Ken


Sent from my Samsung GALAXY S4 on the Telstra mobile network


-------- Original message --------
From: "Scott Pitcher spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]"
Date:11/02/2018 9:38 PM (GMT+10:00)
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.

 

I agree with both Hart and Ken but I do like the fact that if I accidentally left my 4wd on lock with the de-coupler it wouldn't do any damage to the drive-train even with an aggressive VC.

However with a solid shaft maybe you would?

My VC has never been replaced in my 22 years of ownership and its not noisy yet...(touch wood) and works well as a 4wd.

Let sleeping dogs lie unless it needs a rebuild - then I would consider it closely.

Cheers,

Skot



On 11/02/2018 9:30 PM, Hartmut Kiehn hartis@live.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:
 

Hi Peter,
My reasons for keeping my VC were twofold, wanted to keep the truck as original as possible and secondly my VC is very agressive and hence it's 
almost like a solid shaft anyway. 
My preference today would be a s/s, as Ken says, it provides real 4x4.
Hart

Sent from my iPad

On 11 Feb 2018, at 7:08 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi Peter,

Speak to Rudi, he has a solid shaft in his own, seek his A-B thoughts on this topic especially given he's the guru on all things syncro drivetrain.


I have a solid shaft, had it for many years now and ever since remained happy to have seen the last of VC silliness. By comparison, having the ability to instead select and engage REAL 4WD as needed, I find terrific.

Never missed the VC. Never want it back. 

Cheers.

Ken




From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of peter.kolevas@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, 11 February 2018 4:36 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.
 
 

Hello All,


As some may remember I installed a bostig conversion to Ford 2lt Zebec and at the same time put in a reco- transaxle from GoWesty. But I failed to notify them that I needed a 5.43 diff so they sent me a 4.86.


Thanks to Neil I now have a 4.86 Ring and Pinion to go in the front diff. I got the fron diff out today which I will take to a diff specialist to get installed correctly.


That's the background that gets me to my question. Whilst the front diff is out I'm consifdering puting a Straight Shaft in to replace the Viscous Coupling. 


I Have a decoupler.


So any thoughts on the merits of getting rid for the VC.


Pro's

Cons


Cheers


Peter

Gold Coast


--
Best regards, Scott Pitcher SPB Consulting

Hi all, thought I might add a comment and let you know that so far I've been winning at that Russian roulette. Six hundred plus thousand KMS and my VC is still working. Possibly a little aggressive, but still does a U turn on the pavement no probs. Gearbox had a refresh at about 200,000 KMS and is running fine. I do however do yearly oil changes on the box. Cheers, Eddie
Agreed 

Sent from my iPhone

On 13 Feb 2018, at 5:29 pm, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi Peter,
May I suggest you retain the VC once removed, these are valuable/essential as an exchange component in the event that you or a future owner has a change of mind and want to install a reconditioned unit purchased from overseas. Until then, they serve well as an excellent door stop in windy weather and/or conversation starter to the curious!
Cheers.
Ken


From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> on behalf of Peter Kolevas peter.kolevas@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 7:25:00 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] VC verses Straight shaft.
 
 

Thank you all. For your input. I have instructed my diff guy to go ahead with the installation of the solid shaft.

I will now have a rear diff lock, decoupler, solid shaft and a Peloquins LSD front diff. Hopefully that will get me in and out of most places.

Cheers

PK
Gold Coast

Sent from my iPhone

I prefer VC myself as I often use AWD on the pavement for better handling / stability in crosswinds and also much better on gravel. Better braking also and load distribution if towing. And no risk of tranny damage. Can't say I've ever noticed any lack of 4WD ability with this system either but I do run difflocks also, and VC was replaced a couple years back.
Mark
Mark,

I would agree with that - the braking and handling with the VC working is impressive.

Stock syncro brakes are terrible and the stock 4wd system makes them bearable.

Cheers,

Skot

On 14/02/2018 10:16 AM, mark hallett m.mullet@yahoo.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:
I prefer VC myself as I often use AWD on the pavement for better handling / stability in crosswinds and also much better on gravel. Better braking also and load distribution if towing. And no risk of tranny damage. Can't say I've ever noticed any lack of 4WD ability with this system either but I do run difflocks also, and VC was replaced a couple years back.
Mark

--
Best regards, Scott Pitcher SPB Consulting
Hi Peter

I always wondered what they were thinking when they added da rear diff lock to a VC - as the VC doesn't engage until you are digging a hole with the back wheels, its TOO DAMN LATE!

VC's are great for inexperienced drivers in the snow country. Everywhere else, manual control is better.

Will be interested to hear your report on the Peloquin front diff - they sound like a good thing.

Roger.