Syncro Driveline Question

[Bassyaks]

I'm planing on a long trip with some 6000 ft elev., I won't be using or needing the 4WD, My question is I have a de-coupler and a locking rear. If I was to snap an rear axle or CV , could I remove that axle and lock the diff and still proceed and in the same idea if both rear axles are removed will the front diff still move the van.
I always have a spare front and rear axle in the van . but I was thinking about removing the driveshaft for better performance. Of course with the front the driveshaft will have to be inplace.

thanks

[GWTWTLW]

I was in a situation this summer where one of my options was to remove the broken axle and drive home locked with the decoupler on. I was told by someone who's advice I trust that it was perfectly OK to do so. I did not however choose that option so I can't comment from real world experience...
_________________
89 Syncro Westy - GW 2.5, now with a double knob job
@gwtwtlw

[jberger]

Yes, you can absolutely run with the axle removed and the locker engaged. For as long as you want, with or without the driveshaft. Typically the front axles will not grenade unless they are filled with sand or under torque.. so I would not worry about it.

[Bassyaks]

Thx.

[Sodo]

[87vanwes]

If you are thinking of traveling with your driveshaft out, locking your decoupler is a must. There were no per visions by vw to run a driveshaft decoupler with out a drive shaft lubrication wise. My first three road trips were without a drive shaft. I ran with it coupled and the sender unplugged so I didn't have to look at the light. I guess that's an aviation thing.
_________________
Kevin


1987 westy syncro tdi conversion and restoration.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...highlight=

[mrshrimp]

I drove 120 miles with rear axle removed and rear locker on, decoupled engaged. Was fine and had no issues. But you should just bring a spare rear as they are easy to swap.

[BavarianWrench]

I just took my dad on a four day 1000 mile run through Colorado. We were running from storms and chasing the turning Aspens. We climbed over seven Passes between eight and twelve thousand feet. We used the Syncro off road a bit, showed him the joy of camping wherever. It was primarily highway and dirt roads. I took tools, but no extra parts. It was in the twenties in the evenings, so we carried extra sleeping gear. We were a little heavier then when its just me and the dog. The van made a few new sounds due to the extra three hundred pounds.
You can run with your diff locked and an axle out. If your axles are good and you're not weighing a ton over the vans usual weight, you will not break an axle. Just enjoy your trip. I would leave the drive shaft. You may see something off road worth looking at. All the best. Give us a full report, with some fine photos.

[Sodo]

It takes some effort to bust an axle....
.... but less if you cracked it somewhere else.
_________________


'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb