Syncro lock diff panel and vacumn system alternatives

GoWestyYoungMan

Surely, the modern air-locker fittings/eletrical harness is a much better option than the old 87-91 system installed by VWOA, right?
How is the vacumn achieved on the modern system?
Thank you for your help and comments.

insyncro · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 10:56 am Post subject:

Diff lock as an option or standard was installed at the factory, not the dealer.

It is a very simple system and once made operational, with minor upkeep should work for a very long time.

GoWestyYoungMan · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 11:27 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 11:32 am Post subject:

$400, is less expensive than I have sold that complete system in the past.

It works fine for me.

Vacuum and switch signals are all that is really needed to make it operate.

There are upgrades to stock wiring that will flash the lights on the dash.

Other than that, I think most just bite the bullet and run stock parts.
They haven't dried up completely yet.

tencentlife · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 11:46 am Post subject:

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jordauto · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:04 pm Post subject:

If you're adding a diff lock and want to avoid buying the panel from a syncro.You can mount the vacuum switch anywhere on the dash. the system is very simple and works well with very little upkeep. I just replaced my 2WD manual trans and added a diff lock.GTA supplied the vacuum switch with the trans. Local parts store supplied a 50' roll of 5/32" vacuum tubing,vacuum hose and a warning lamp.Went to the local Pick a Part for a vacuum tank.I had an unused A/C control panel and used that to mount the control and lamp.The local engraving shop made the panel for about $10.00. It works well and I think it looks like it belongs there.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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GoWestyYoungMan · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:06 pm Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:07 pm Post subject:

Nice rework of the late AC dash panel Exclamation

joseph928 · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:09 pm Post subject: diff lock

Wow that is cool , considering the price of the stock ones , way to go. But alas I have more then one button! Very Happy

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GoWestyYoungMan · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:26 pm Post subject:

Farfrumwork · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:52 pm Post subject:

I added a vaccum locker system to my 2wd when I added the locking syncro tranny.

things you need (may not be a comprehensive list, and could be altered):
- Vaccum accumulator, "3-bulb chamber" (ebay - lots to choose from)
- Check valve (at manifold)
- 1/4" vaccum line (I used blue/black/white to help connections)
- 5-way switch. I used a ~$60 SMC switch (no PN right in front of me)- you can get twist/pull/push/etc.. knobs (colors too)

I mounted a pull switch (valve) under the heater controls, and I have a custom insrument panel insert that has a diff lock symbol in the lower right (unused) indicator. It lights up when I have the lock engaged.

I'll hacve pics posted when I finally get an install thread posted... it's only been a year Rolling Eyes

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GoWestyYoungMan · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:08 am Post subject:

Zeitgeist 13 · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:12 pm Post subject:

Funny, I was thinking about this the other day...for no particular reason. Actually, Mercedes uses lots of vacuum solenoids, so a simple toggle switch on the dash could be used to trigger one of these in the engine compartment that then sends a short run of manifold vacuum to the pod on the trans. Quite simple, and no need for the long runs of vacuum all the way up to the front.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

I've collected a bunch of these over the years, so if anyone needs one, I can let them go for cheap.

The top port is NC and the side port is NO
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Howesight · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 2:53 pm Post subject:

Audi 5000 Quattro cars used a vacuum actuator system to lock the center diff and the rear diff. The dash unit looks sexier than the Syncro unit. The actuators at the diffs might even be the same part numberS.

Here's an advert from Audi Fans for a dash diff lock panel which can operate two diff locks:

http://www.audifans.com/marketplace/show.php?

Here are pics of the Audi 4000 and 5000 Quattro dash panels to help you decide if that style is for you:

img]http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/909150.jpg[/img]

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

img]http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/909147.jpg[/img]
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Syncroincity · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 5:01 pm Post subject:

This would work nicely for a decoupler switch...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/86-Grand-Wagoneer-4x4-4WD-...mp;vxp=mtr

Also, any thoughts on adapting the on-demand vacuum central locking system components found in just about every '90s VW/Audi/Benz cars?

A trawl thru Ebay reveals an astounding array of vac components... lots of HVAC, headlight pop-ups/covers, wipers etc were vac operated on earlier cars.
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Zeitgeist 13 · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 5:12 pm Post subject:

I thought VAG cars used electric door lock actuators, while MB definitely uses an electrically switched vacuum pump setup.
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danfromsyr · Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:41 pm Post subject:

could update to that great US car 80's indicator look.

I've been eyeing these legend idiot lights for some installs.

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morymob · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 4:56 am Post subject:

On my '86 i got a 12V sol locally and ran a 2pair wire to front for a sw/ind led. Sol mounted in eng compartment,check valve, vac tank a vw wiper/washer fluid bottle and some short vac hose runs to actuator.

SyncroGhia · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 1:07 pm Post subject:

I'm looking at using some of the VW modern boost solenoids like the N75 etc and just running an extra set of wires up to a switch on the dash so that there are no vacuum pipes to the front.

I have had to replace the front vacuum switch on my syncros in the past.

MG
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Zeitgeist 13 · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 1:28 pm Post subject:

Did you see my post up above about the MB vacuum solenoids? They're perfect for doing exactly what you're describing. With one vacuum inlet and a NO and NC port, they're perfect for these dual stage actuator pods.
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Syncro lock diff panel and vacumn system alternatives
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