Front Locker - Would you if you could?

[HSThing]

For those who took a peak at Dante in my previous post, this will make more sense. For others, I'm in the process of importing my German spec T4 Syncro California.

And, before I put in on a boat, I'm debating about adding a front locker. VW never offered a front locker, relying instead on the EDL system, including Syncro models. (I do have the factory rear locker.) There is a speciality shop in the Czech Republic that developed a front locker in house and has been installing them on T4s for several years. The system is only available for Syncros due to how the locking system engages. It's a cool bit of engineering.

But would it serve any practical purpose? I'm fully aware the T4/Eurovan isn't an off road beast and I'm on the fence about this modification. Would you do it if you could? All opinions welcome!

[EuroTec]

I would not. I wouldn't have a need for it in my travels. The beast does pretty well for traction as is.
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If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[jjvincent]

It all depends on what you are going to do with it. If you are going to be doing some serious rock climbing then you'll need it. If it's for a daily driver, then no need.

[HSThing]

I don't plan to do any technical wheeling with it. Where I am in Western Massachusetts we get a lot of snow. As is, it's quite capable on the highway under slippery conditions. However, there are some beautiful forest service campgrounds in the Green Mountains that are technically open all year, but the roads in are not plowed or maintained during the winter months. That's where I'm thinking the added capability of a front locker might come in handy.

The Syncro Vanagon folks with a rear locker have a couple advantages I don't have with the T4. Weight in the rear, and more importantly, the rear axle is the primary drive axle. With mine, the rear locker is behind the viscous coupler. Unfortunately, even though I have a lot of experience with the van, it's all been on-highway. I'm not going to be able to test its limits before I have it shipped over to the States, so I'm flying blind and guessing whether it's worth the effort to add the front locker. I need to decide soon or lose the opportunity.

[mikemtnbike]

If I was shipping a unicorn to my house, I wouldn’t try to make it more unique first.
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[HSThing]

[shirk]

A set of tire chains on the fronts and the rear locking should easily get you through any snow you'd consider.

For non snow tech you'll run into ground clearance issues long before the need for a front locker.

I'd think a Haldex conversion to replace the viscous coupler would be more suitable. You then have the ability to fully lock the center or run it with any level you desire.

[HSThing]

Can you fit tire chains if you're running, say 215/70R16 with a 3/4 inch lift? The syncro is geared like a tank and fitting slightly oversized tires is a cheap way of getting taller gearing. Plus, it looks cool.

I dug into the Haldex swap, and I like the idea in theory. I got a little spooked when it seems to involve reengineering the prop shaft to better handle the torque transfer. Eurotuning, who also does the front-locker, offers the Haldex retrofit and they replace the flexi-discs with CVs. My thought was having the option to lock the front would actually put less stress on the system overall - at least until I turn the steering wheel.

On the plus side, the Haldex swap is potentially something I could do here in the States at some future date - which likely means never...

[germanoldschool]

Chains will not fit. Don't do the Frontlocker. It is just not worth it. People (here in germany) just dont get how well the EDL works. Your Van is already toptier by having a rear locker. The only thing i would recommend depending on the mileage is rebuilding+upgrading your viscouscoupling by WerkstattKern. Another thing i would highly recommend ist NOT to drive your Syncro on salty roads and to buy a Metris AWD from Peace Vans
I just found the Dantes thread where i will respond separatly