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Tue Jan 26, 2016 6:33 pm

I'm trying to get opinions of those who have it or don't, had it or installed it?

I have it, like it but worry that it's one more potential problem? My old air cooled vans never had them, I got around fine!

Thanks

Tue Jan 26, 2016 6:40 pm

I drove around a syncro and 2wd for a short while without power steering, it absolutely sucked. Offroad I really wouldn't want manual steering.
If you want to change over to manual steering you need to source a new manual rack and bigger steering wheel.

Tue Jan 26, 2016 6:54 pm

My syncro tintop has manual steering and it is a work out when parking or manuvering at slow speed. My 2wd Westy has power and is a pleasure to drive in comparrision. The only downside to power is when your steering rack craps out and cost big bucks. If I had a choice I would go for power. Think the Bays Windows were lighter and manual was adaquate.

Tue Jan 26, 2016 11:30 pm

My German import Syncro is as bare bones basic as it can get (no clock and a 5 digit odo). I went from a GL with PS to no PS with the Syncro. Hard turns in a parking lot without PS requires serious muscle. The bigger diameter steering wheel doesn't help much either. The only trick is to keep moving forward for easier steering. I would like PS, but that would be another cost above an beyond the pile of $$$ I've already shoveled into it.

Wed Jan 27, 2016 5:32 am

PS is a good idea for a Syncro.
Not hard to install if it didn't come equipped.
Yes, it will cost $yncro though.

Wed Jan 27, 2016 7:12 am

Wed Jan 27, 2016 7:59 am

If planning on it, I'd just do it. I don't have P/S in my syncro westy and I manage just fine, including serious off roading. But maybe I'm used to it or have strong arms. I'm considering an electric P/S steering column though, because, honestly P/S is nice. But it's not happening any time soon because I have other stuff to do first...

Wed Jan 27, 2016 8:17 am

It will kill your resale, absolutely do not remove it over concerns of expense. I've had two Factory Syncros that had no PS. Ive owned five Syncros with it. Power Steering is nice to have. I do fine with out it but there are those times you wish you had Power Steering. I have never wished I did not have it.
dkoesyncro I just reviewed your build, its cool. You've got the skills to handle any issues your power steering might throw at you. Are your lines rusty? If not just enjoy it.

Wed Jan 27, 2016 9:16 am

i would say that power steering is and absolute must have. it make the whole experience of driving these old busses a pleasure rather than a chore.

living in the uk and having a rhd doka with out power steering it was always on the list of wants but rhd t3 power steering racks comarnd a high price, i do not like the idea of eps so anouther solution was sought.

the rack has the same stroke as the standard t3 ps rack so there is no loss of turning circle. it was sourced from a very popular and common car. which makes them cheap and easy to source, there is no reason why this could not be done with a lhd t3 and lhd rack if the origional ones are becoming costly and hard to source.

neil

Wed Jan 27, 2016 9:40 am

Quote: the rack has the same stroke as the standard t3 ps rack so there is no loss of turning circle. it was sourced from a very popular and common car. which makes them cheap

Are you going to tell us what car or is it a secret?

Wed Jan 27, 2016 10:18 am

I would find it extremely difficult to navigate the pit at Mogfest with a beer in one hand without power steering...

Wed Jan 27, 2016 3:13 pm

It's difficult holding a beer with two hands while in the pit at mogfest!

I have PS , I'm wrestling the fuel tank and noticed all the parts in the way and just got caught up on the thought. My lines are good.

Axeman, I'd like to know what PS rack you've found that works?

Bavarian wrench, thanks for the compliment.

Wed Jan 27, 2016 5:26 pm

Years ago I converted an '88 sinka syncro from manual to power and never looked back. I was especially glad to get rid of that larger steering wheel.

I did drive a friends doka with M/S though and it was easier than mine was before conver.

But I simply don't rec. going to manual until such time as the power gives out and you can't find or afford a replacement.

Wed Jan 27, 2016 6:04 pm

A big +1 on power steering for a Syncro, drove a Tintop around for a couple months and ended up dropping the drive shaft until I had a buyer.

They are a bit of a pig around town without power steering

Wed Jan 27, 2016 8:59 pm

Well I've got to dissent from the majority. My '81 Westy did not have power steering and it took a lot of brute strength to turn. My '89 16" Westy syncro also lacks power steering yet is quite easy to manuever, go figure.

The syncro is very heavy beast, I never crawl under it without 3 jack points supporting it, but it turns so much easier than the old '81. So I'd never consider adding power steering, one more thing to break.

Wed Jan 27, 2016 9:40 pm

I'm with you, man. I've owned four of these guys, and my syncro is the first with MS.
I don't miss it.

Wed Jan 27, 2016 10:25 pm

My first van had manual so I thought I could always go back no problem.
When my p/s belt snapped on the trail and I went from power to manual instantly I missed it right away!

Wed Jan 27, 2016 10:33 pm

photogdave wrote: My first van had manual so I thought I could always go back no problem.
When my p/s belt snapped on the trail and I went from power to manual instantly I missed it right away!

The ratio inside the power rack is different and significantly harder to turn with no assist than a manual rack. You want to steer something hard, try a Mk5 jetta with no electric assist! It's like steering bags of concrete...

Thu Jan 28, 2016 7:20 pm

Microbusdeluxe wrote: Well I've got to dissent from the majority. My '81 Westy did not have power steering and it took a lot of brute strength to turn. My '89 16" Westy syncro also lacks power steering yet is quite easy to manuever, go figure.

The syncro is very heavy beast, I never crawl under it without 3 jack points supporting it, but it turns so much easier than the old '81. So I'd never consider adding power steering, one more thing to break.

Something is not right then. I had an 81 with manual steering and it was not a problem...and I don't exactly have gorilla-like biceps.

Thu Jan 28, 2016 11:34 pm

Microbusdeluxe wrote: Well I've got to dissent from the majority. My '81 Westy did not have power steering and it took a lot of brute strength to turn. My '89 16" Westy syncro also lacks power steering yet is quite easy to manuever, go figure.

The syncro is very heavy beast, I never crawl under it without 3 jack points supporting it, but it turns so much easier than the old '81. So I'd never consider adding power steering, one more thing to break.

Having owned that 16" rig, I have to agree that driving it never felt like a chore, however I've also owned a 14" Syncro Doka without p/s and two with (Syncro Tristar and 14"Syncro Westy) and I would definitely keep the p/s.
The Syncro Tristar was by far the more fun with p/s. It felt really light and sporty compared to the non-p/s Doka.
One other consideration is a decoupler. If you don't have p/s (and if the VC is aggressive) decoupling sure makes it easier to park.