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goffoz Samba Member
Joined: May 09, 2007 Posts: 1486
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2015 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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Damn
Thanks Alika, appreciated |
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kiomon Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2012 Posts: 97 Location: chicago
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2015 4:42 am Post subject: |
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goffoz wrote: |
I always worry about overloading my bumper and swing out, when offroading, so keep it pretty conservative weight wise and as close as I can to the body.
Do you know what part of the frame moved to put that wrinkle there?
Is it mirrored on the other side?
Just guessing, I would think rear frame(engine carrier) bent pivoting on the shock mounts
I would think this could affect driveline balance causing vibration
...anything you noticed? |
That thread Alika Referenced is a great one with all the theories. I wish I had seen it earlier because I would have jumped in. I love people theorizing on the interwebs, particularly with Microsoft paint . I remember exactly when this happened. We were in Moab testing another setup and we bottomed out HARD, with about 200 extra lbs in the back on a utility tray. I am a bit OCD when it comes to BO, so I pulled the entire interior so the guys could really get in there and review. One shop was old school taking measurements and the other was high tech with lasers. They couldn't find any signs of 'permanent deflection of the unibody'. Both of their theory was that it flexed temporarily and that caused the sheet metal to distort there because it's unsupported. They both thought that it could happen again in the same circumstances and that the best approach was preventing that much force from getting transfered. There are no vibes in our driveline at all, no issues closing doors or hatches.
For me the big takeaway Vanagon takeaway is about spring rates and suspension to prevent this from happening. If you build up the van, then I think it warrants weighing it and getting a knowledgeable person to customize your spring rates as a minimum. Burl was our key to getting it dialed in, unfortunately this happened before we got together to do that.
The other big thing to remember is that our vans are lightweight vehicles, that are capable of amazing feats, but they are still lightweight. The reason we ended up with a Mog is because as filmmakers we simply had too much stuff for SyncroBo. To load him with all of our equipment makes him too heavy. It was nice to come back to states this summer and take Bo out for a two week US trip without all the film gear. It was a revalation actually, as I was considering selling him, I fell in love again. These vans are the ultimate Swiss Army knife of campers, but keep them as light as your mission allows. i am writing more about it in an upcoming post of lessons learned that may help future builders and over landers. _________________ SyncroBo - 1987 VW Syncro Expedition Camper
MogTug - 1987 Mercedes Unimog Expedition Camper
Build & Travel Blog - www.nicknameinternational.com |
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Sodo Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007 Posts: 9517 Location: Western WA
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Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2021 7:10 am Post subject: Re: Meet SyncroBo our Expedition Syncro build |
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Enjoyed these posts and the videos were fun.
Where's SyncroBo now?
Regarding that transaxle cover, current opinion says it will overheat the transaxle and the mainshaft bearing bore will wear out quickly.
Any feedback on that notion?
Did you ever try to pull that crease out of the rear body?
Does that require 'pushing the rear section' back up with a frame machine? _________________
'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 |
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MsTaboo Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006 Posts: 4065 Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2021 12:59 pm Post subject: Re: Meet SyncroBo our Expedition Syncro build |
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Sodo wrote: |
Enjoyed these posts and the videos were fun.
Where's SyncroBo now?
Regarding that transaxle cover, current opinion says it will overheat the transaxle and the mainshaft bearing bore will wear out quickly.
Any feedback on that notion?
Did you ever try to pull that crease out of the rear body?
Does that require 'pushing the rear section' back up with a frame machine? |
Might be awhile waiting for a reply. Kiomon hasn't been on site since 12/2016 (at least posting).
About the Bostig transaxle cover. I have one of these, they are bomb-proof but heavy. I only put it on if planning rough treatment.
I did drill a couple holes with a hole-saw to try lightening and maybe better airflow but that's a long slow process, one I'll put off until I can get the rest cut with plasma!
A external transmission oil cooler might be best bet if running the cover full time. _________________ 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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