Locking hubs install on Syncro?

[canasync]

Hi All,


I've got a '87 syncro, 2.5 Suby, lockers front and rear, and a decoupler. I know that there is one guy out there (see picture) that has managed to install manual locking hubs on his syncro and I was wondering if anyone has any info on what parts he used and what mods needed to be done.

I would like to be able to have the front wheels freewheeling without them still turning the axles, diff, and driveshaft. Like a normal 4x4.

So if anyone has played with this idea themselves or accomplished it please speak up. I am open to ideas using any parts and ideas out there.


Cheers, Peter

[Dogpilot]

Actually virtually no modern 4x4 uses locking hubs anymore. They tend to be arranged more like Spraque Clutches or vacuum controlled, run off the limited slip/ABS computer and so on. Locking hubs also had a nasty habit of failing, or in my case, shearing the tip off the front drive axle. I di look at my hub and think if it could be done. Did a quick blueprint in my head and said, way too much machining to go backwards in technology. You might gain a few MPG in the long run and have a bit less turning machinery, but it would cost a bunch to do, unless your real handy with a turning NC machine. It is already a PIA to get rims to fit, now you would have even less selection without enlarging the center bore a lot.

Gads, I rant to much sometimes.
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Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[syncrodoka]

Jack's locker hubs took lots of skill to get them under the syncro. Nobody else has attempted it that I know of.

[Syncrozilla]

Plus no speedo. need to use gps or something else.
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Please do not message me on TheSamba. Use my email, [email protected]

[canasync]

I realize that most new 4x4's don't use the locking hubs anymore except for some like my buddies '05 Land Cruiser hzj 78.

I just think that with over 90% of my time being on road not offroad , I would be able to save the extra strain on the drivetrain. Well that and I also like projects with a challenge.

I saw some Superwinch locking hubs for a Vitara and they were very compact. They would definitely require new hubs to be machined for the syncro and maybe some creativity with the axles. Just ideas.

If anyone has any more ideas please post them.

[7thing3]

Isn't the decoupler accomplishing 90% of what you want?
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'73 Thing--Ted
'77 Super Beetle Convertible
'87 Vanagon GL Syncro
'84 Mercedes 280 CE

[canasync]

Yes the decoupler keeps the front axle from being driven by the motor however the front axles, the front diff and the drive shaft still spin. They just aren't driven from the back.

[wjjr]

Been thinking about the same thing and I was brought back to my buuddy's Samurai in school, just throwing it out there

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://zukioff...lweJrsjiCg


Seems "adaptable" to me?
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'90 Vanagon Carat auto x2
'87 Vanagon Gl Syncro
'85 Vanagon Wolfsburg Weekender (poptop)

[tjet]

[IdahoDoug]

I don't see the cost/benefit of doing this. A fraction of an MPG for a lot of cost and time.
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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

[SyncroChrick]

[alaskadan]

I think about this every time i turn the hubs on my little nissan truck. I would like to know more too.

[gears]

If you install Warn-style hubs with the intent of also decoupling (so that the front diff remains stationary), you will fry the tip of your transaxle's pinion shaft (regardless of decoupler type). So, there's little point in free wheeling hubs.

It's an either/or choice, and easier to install a decoupler.
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aka Pablo, Geary
9.36 @ 146 in '86 Hot & Sticky
'90 Syncro Westy SVX
'87 Syncro GL 2.5
https://guardtransaxle.com

[MarkWard]

[vw4wd]

It is the tip of the rear pinion shaft that would be affected.

That is, the two halves of the decoupler, although not transmitting drive, would still be in contact through a small bearing (or is it a plain shaft?) and the front half would be stationary whilst the pinion shaft is rotating at road speed. Lots of relative motion means lots of heat.
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Garyd

1990 Transporter syncro camper with 2 litre AGG 'GTi' engine

[MarkWard]

Got it.
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☮️

[gears]

Exactly. The plain shaft type decoupler would fry pretty quick, while the needle bearing type would last longer, but still fail.
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aka Pablo, Geary
9.36 @ 146 in '86 Hot & Sticky
'90 Syncro Westy SVX
'87 Syncro GL 2.5
https://guardtransaxle.com

[DAV!D]

As I've been working on my engine & syncro drive line swap.. I was looking at the front frame work of the 2wd van I'm converting. I can't help but notice how a straight axle from a something like a bronco II or something along those lines could be fit under the front of the van with out a lot of hassles.

Ok, yes steering would take a bit of figuring, but assuming you went leaf springs, you could put an axle under a Vanagon with out a lot of engineering.

This leads to the next issue.. How to fit a front engine in the van and the rest of the drive line..
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86 Syncro Build - Ecotec Motor Swap - Pop Top Conversion - Camper Build & Syncro Conversion