TheSamba.com :: View topic - Syncro Off-Road Abilities vs. Competition

Tue Nov 05, 2013 1:32 pm

some od viewing here

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=9653&start=15

Tue Nov 05, 2013 1:38 pm

hans j wrote: You can buy a very well equipped syncro for the cost of a sportsmobile!
That's why I bought one initially. For 1/3 the price I can camp anywhere a Sportsmobile can get to. Now, of course, I'm hooked and couldn't imagine trading for an SMB. I'd much rather invest more in the platform I have.

Tue Nov 05, 2013 1:47 pm

danfromsyr wrote: how about comparing a Syncro van to a AWD Dodge caravan or AWD Chevy Astro?

Caravans and Astros have no rear locker, so a Syncro would beat them if the terrain provided traction to only 1 rear wheel.

Subaru wins the AWD comparison

A syncro Locked rear will pass that test only if one rear wheel has traction. It will fail if only one front has traction. Advantage to Subaru AWD.

The trooper has no lockers, so it would fail the single wheel traction test, either front or rear. If I'm mistookem, post a video.

Fwiw, the original question was never fair to begin with. But, it has dug up some relevant variables in Offroad traction controls.

Thu Nov 07, 2013 6:16 pm

Saw this over on Club 80-90. Pretty cool!

Thu Nov 07, 2013 6:44 pm

Jon_slider wrote: danfromsyr wrote: how about comparing a Syncro van to a AWD Dodge caravan or AWD Chevy Astro?

......Astros have no rear locker.....

Insanely cheap (by comparison) to add lockers and HD drivetrain and big hp motors to a Astro/Safari since they are based on widely available mass produced GM parts! :wink:

Mon Mar 17, 2014 6:32 pm

[quote="euromog"]I drove my syncro across the Golden crack without being winched or use of a tow rope 10 years ago. It did take several tries though. I also did Pritchet Canyon but did require a tow strap in several spots. Now that I have a solid shaft instead of a VC I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Could you enlighten us on your solid shaft. It sounds very interesting!

Mon Mar 17, 2014 9:27 pm

Steve M. wrote: Could you enlighten us on your solid shaft. It sounds very interesting!
http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_179_1248/syncro-solid-shaft.html

Thu Mar 10, 2016 5:37 pm

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Thu Mar 10, 2016 6:52 pm

That Doka driver is wise. Once you're stuck, take the strap versus burying the vehicle and making recovery harder. Plus, spinning components with aged seals in muddy, gritty water is a great way to put 5000 wear miles on them in about 5 minutes. He seemed to know his vehicle well enough to make an immediate good decision. Shows common sense and a lack of ego.

Our new Outback has a cool feature to enhance offroad traction. It's got Xdrive, which is activated by a button on the console. It seems to act like soft lockers as I can even put a tire in the air and it will continue climbing. The system only works at low speeds, shutting off at 10mph or so. It causes odd steering, so not good to move faster. It provides a lower gear ratio, and makes the threshold for allowed slip very low, and makes the clutches that restrict different shaft speeds very aggressive. Pretty cool system that has practical uses, and probably again widens the gap between the Subaru system and other AWD types.

Doug