Philippe,
Good choice,
particularly since it is a known Syncro.
I would suggest that you
curb your enthusiasm to change anything until you have received the Syncro and
thoroughly tested it in a variety of conditions, including bush tracks.
It is common for a lot
of new owners to assume that they can ‘improve’ the Syncro before
they have any idea of what a bog standard Syncro is capable of.
The standard Syncro is
a highly capable vehicle as originally designed. It was designed as a
multi purpose vehicle that will go just about anywhere that any sane person
would like to take it and it will do it in comfort and safety. It will
also go a lot of places that “real” four wheel drives can’t
cope with. Please be mindful of the fact that where any off road vehicle
will go is determined more by driving ability than anything else.
It has very good
arrival and departure angles, it has a very good ramp over height, it has a G
gear that will get you up any incline that one would sensibly need to climb, it
has a very controllable descent rate thanks to the viscous coupling, it has a
perfect weight distribution laden or unladen, and much more.
If you need confirmation
of what standard Syncros will do, dig into the archives and look at the
pictures of the trip to the extreme north of Cape York .
The Syncro was not
designed to rush up moraines at 50kph whilst grossing 4 tonnes. If that’s
what you want to do, you have bought the wrong vehicle. You need a
Pinzgauer at least!
The only beneficial change
to the Syncro is one driven not by its abilities – or perceived lack of
them – but by tyre availability. As Phill has mentioned, about the
best tyre for the Syncro is the B F Goodrich All Terrain. It was
available in 14” and has a gripping ability well beyond the driving
skills of most people. Unfortunately, BFG have stopped making 14”
but mercifully still make the 15”.
Therefore, to be able
to use what most of us regard as the best tyre for the Syncro, you will need 15”
wheels. There are some good alloys available that have the required load
rating and the correct offset.
So, before you rush in
to ‘improve’ anything, first establish what it can do and what
actually needs ‘improving’. You can expect to be very
surprised.
Les
From:
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
[mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ]
On Behalf Of philtyack
Sent: 26 November 2011 09:24
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia]
Wheels/Tyres
Hi all,
After much deliberation I am now the proud owner of one of Rodger Bells
Syncros.I have not as yet seen the vehicle but from all reports and videos ,the
vehicle is in excellent condition.(Rodger has sent me a few videos and photos
of every nut and bolt)
I live in Perth
and will have it transported up and should have it in about 3 weeks as Rodger
is busy bulking up his frame on a bicycle ride
The vehicle has the standard 2.1 motor with 14" wheels and would like to
go larger - 15" or 16" and also raise it - New springs or spacers ?
What brand and size of tyre ?
I nearly acquired Pete Wilsons machine but he has decide to hang on to it -
can't fault you for that Pete - will pop in to see you when I go East.
All advice will be appreciated
Regards
Philippe