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Bassyaks
Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2010
Posts: 1137
Location: S.E. Connetitcut
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 Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 11:47 am Post subject: Syncro's first snow |
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We're getting dumped on and the snow plow hasn't come around yet so I took the syncro out for the first time in the snow . What a friggin blast !! it was like riding around a large quad. Power siding around the horseshoe corners with a straight shaft engaged was very controllable and fast, disconnect the front drive and it was the typical 2wd van in the snow, not so good.
I have to put it away before they put down the salt and chemicals for icing .
That stuff will eat up the seams so fast, it's not worth driving it in the winter. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32632
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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DAV!D
Samba Member
Joined: September 10, 2013
Posts: 979
Location: EL CAMINO
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| Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 3:47 pm Post subject: Re: Syncro s first snow |
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Not sure why you would say the typical 2wd van isn't good in the snow. My syncro conversion is still just half done (haven't don't the front swap yet) and it's still extreemly capable in the snow. I've driven it all winter snow or not..
It bets the hell out of my 2wd Taco a that I had up in New England.
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86 Syncro Build - Ecotec Motor Swap - Pop Top Conversion - Camper Build & Syncro Conversion |
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MsTaboo
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 4098
Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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| Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 3:52 pm Post subject: Re: Syncro s first snow |
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I don't want to start a fight, but did you ever drive the Syncro in snow with the stock VC?
With the exception of dedicated rock crawling and driving in sand I just don't understand the idea of dropping the VC in favor of a solid shaft. I really like the the instant, no driver needed input of the VC for slippery road conditions.
I have a 4x4 Geo Tracker as my daily driver. It has a true 4x4 system with a transfer case and low range. It's a great little truck/SUV. But during the winter and the shoulder months of slippery road conditions I miss the the action of the Syncro's VC. I have to put the thing into 4x4 for bad roads and then take it out for dry conditions. A bit of a pain when the road conditions are a mix of slippery and dry. I end up using the 4x4 only when I really need it to keep from getting stuck in deeper snow and drive as a regular 2wd the majority of the time, losing out on the added traction.
With the VC equipped Syncro there are no worries. With a solid shaft equipped Syncro you can only use the 4x4 properties when the road is fully slippery. You lose that AWD quality.
Lately I've been thinking about replacing my Tracker with an Audi TT Quattro. Not as much ground clearance, and definitely not an offroader, but good for the three season road conditions we get around here. (and a lot more fun on fast winding roads!)
Curious why you chose to install a solid shaft?
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Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
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MsTaboo
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 4098
Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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| Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 3:56 pm Post subject: Re: Syncro s first snow |
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| DAV!D wrote: |
Not sure why you would say the typical 2wd van isn't good in the snow. My syncro conversion is still just half done (haven't don't the front swap yet) and it's still extreemly capable in the snow. I've driven it all winter snow or not..
It bets the hell out of my 2wd Taco a that I had up in New England. |
After owning two 2wd Vanagons and a few Syncros, I will say without a doubt that the Syncro is better in snow hands down. Of course a rear engine Vanagon with good snow tires is gonna beat the pants off a Taco!  (had a TRD 4x4 one of those also, and many times wished it had a VC!)
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Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
Help the fight against Truth Decay.
Defend democracy, support Ukraine. |
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vanonimous
Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2013
Posts: 362
Location: Burien, Center of the Universe
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| Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2016 10:41 am Post subject: Re: Syncro's first snow |
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Frankly I was expecting a bunch of "syncro in the snow" videos from back east but instead they are getting parked. 
If I wasn't as old I'd have my wife pull me on skis trough the city with our syncro. Sliding in corners!
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AKWesty
Samba Member
Joined: April 12, 2014
Posts: 680
Location: Haines, Alaska
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| Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2016 5:43 pm Post subject: Re: Syncro's first snow |
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I drive my 2wd Peloquin with designated studded winter tires every day here in AK. Snow, slush, ice, most of the time its all three. I drive in up to 8-10" no problem. Deeper than that and your front tires are not able to get up on top of the snow with out the 4wd effect. I would love a syncro but my Westy is a BOSS in the 6 month winter here. I have more confidence in it than my Suburban. No salt or chemicals here. Roads only plowed once a day Monday thru Friday.
Not here to argue, only to share my experience. Without proper winter tires it is impossible to form an opinion on how well a vanagon is in the snow. Add a peloquin and some time behind the wheel and the 2wd vanagon is absolutely winter capable (up to about a foot) Syncro rules from there up. With my 2wd as soon as I start pushing snow with the front bumper or front tires.....time to shovel.
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84' Westy 2wd
EJ22 - 4spd - Peloquin TBD
GW +1.5 Springs
215/70-16's
www.CatchTheKraken.com
"Never go to Alaska as a young man because you'll never be satisfied with any other place as long as you live." -John Muir |
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IdahoDoug
Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010
Posts: 10251
Location: N. Idaho
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| Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2016 6:01 pm Post subject: Re: Syncro's first snow |
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Agree with the tire comment. Dedicated winter specific snow tires change everything and many people have never felt the difference because few live in a climate that requires winter tires. Worth the investment.
I also have good luck in deep snow with my 2WD. However, it depends greatly on the snow. If its fresh - no problem. Older and crusty I agree with AK that you need the fronts driven to climb the constant wall of crusty that's against the front of the front tires. Or, you need speed
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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AKWesty
Samba Member
Joined: April 12, 2014
Posts: 680
Location: Haines, Alaska
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| Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2016 6:18 pm Post subject: Re: Syncro's first snow |
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Absolutely Doug, I agree with the depth of snow and consistency as being my only issue. We don't get dry powder here at sea level often. Most of the time the snow is wet and provides substantial resistance to the front tires to get up on top. I was going to shoot some video last week when the snow was 12" and fresh but we chose to rip it up on the snow machines instead 
I do plan on doing some video and posting with the next substantial snow. The insane spiderman grip the soft rubber heavily siped Hakka's is crazy.
2wd vanagons have gotten a bad rap for driving in the snow. I get it as my van was terrible without the right tires. I feel that even without the peloquin the van would do great on plowed snow pack or slushy icey roads... with true winter tires. The peloquin gives more push for front tire resistance and incline.
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84' Westy 2wd
EJ22 - 4spd - Peloquin TBD
GW +1.5 Springs
215/70-16's
www.CatchTheKraken.com
"Never go to Alaska as a young man because you'll never be satisfied with any other place as long as you live." -John Muir |
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AKWesty
Samba Member
Joined: April 12, 2014
Posts: 680
Location: Haines, Alaska
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| Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2016 6:22 pm Post subject: Re: Syncro's first snow |
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Sorry Bassyaks, I totally derailed your post. I would love some Synco snow porn if you get the chance. Maybe you will get another chance for some fresh white stuff this winter. Cheers
_________________
84' Westy 2wd
EJ22 - 4spd - Peloquin TBD
GW +1.5 Springs
215/70-16's
www.CatchTheKraken.com
"Never go to Alaska as a young man because you'll never be satisfied with any other place as long as you live." -John Muir |
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Mountain1.8t
Samba Member
Joined: January 20, 2013
Posts: 340
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| Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 10:51 am Post subject: Re: Syncro's first snow |
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| AKWesty wrote: |
2wd vanagons have gotten a bad rap for driving in the snow. |
What snow tires are you running? My geolanders slide around a lot, so I'm looking for the best dedicated studded snow tire for our Montana winters. |
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