Winter Driving: Tips, Tricks, & Mods (2WD & 4WD)

insyncro

OK,
Ready to move on and open up some new topics about winter driving.

Tire size
Studded vs non
Frozen throttle cables
Keeping snow and ice from building up under your van
Windshield wipers
Helping others out of a sticky situation: towing and pulling with a Syncro
Alignment
Driving skills

Looking forward to any questions or comments on each listed above.

********
Moderator notes:
1) This topic has been split off from the original.

2) This is not the thread to discuss Syncro components. Please do that here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=613115 .

3) This is not the thread in which to post your snow photos. Please do that here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=276517 .

4) This is not a thread in which to discuss snow conditions (i.e. leave the idle chit-chat to PM's).

WestyBob · Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:21 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:34 am Post subject:

I have been very pleased with Nokian tyres.
They make reinforced sidewall versions in 14", 15" and 16".

My 185r14 C2s are studded, the larger ones can be studded, but I don't stud them as they see more highway use.

insyncro · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 10:25 am Post subject:

The compound of the true winter tire is very soft and has many more sipes than an all season, mud or offroad tire.

I do not even bother trying to make a BFG work for nasty winter use.
They will surely spin, slide and increase braking distances on ice.

Many feel unstudded winter tires are superior to studded.
I have multiple sets of both, in various sizes and the jury is still out in my book.

The WBX powered Syncros I own, still with stock brakes get the Nokians C2 with Eco studs.
My first set from so long ago are still going strong as they see only the nastiest conditions and temps below 40 degrees only.
They studs do make more noise for sure, but you need to take three dirt roads to get to my home once off pavement.
The studs really help the van as my town plows my road last due to its extreme grade.

This winter I will be supporting an ice racing team running Honda 250rs and Suzuki Quadracers on the ice.
After the event I have been promised that I will be able to run the course with my Syncro.
Studded of course.

I will capture some video of the experience and try to post it up.

Syncro Jael · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 10:54 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 11:39 am Post subject:

I have been running studs for years, but last year, after many commented about new tech studdless tires, I bought a few sets.

They do grip well, I'll give them that, and they really don't have the annoying sound related to studs.

BUT, at very low speed, when the ultimate traction is needed, the studded tires are much better IMHO.

Speed is the key to me.
If you are like one of the Citidiots around here in a new SUV, with traction control and low profile tires, you quickly find out that not exceeding 45 mph in conditions like we are seeing today is highly advised.

I was driving to the shop this AM and saw Mr City coming up on the Syncro at warp 9, flashing his highbeams to get out of his way, so I did.
Not even a mile down the road, there he was out in a field with bare road marks for a considerable distance.
He was flagging me down to assist...I just waved and kept on truckin' by at 40mph and did my best to hit him with a tidal wave of slush Laughing

Direct hit Captain Exclamation

I don't think people realize that they are putting other drivers in danger when they do not change their driving style in varying conditions.

I did call my Buddy who does AAA recovery in the area and told him to take his sweet time for the SUV on RT 66 and I had a 30 pack with his name on it at the shop.

FYI, I was going slow enough to see that no pregnant women were in the vehicle Wink

WestyBob · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 11:54 am Post subject:

IdahoDoug · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 3:07 pm Post subject:

Bob,

As to snow packing up in the treads. Here's a fun fact: That helps the tire grip. Yep, snow on snow under pressure is gripper than rubber on snow under pressure. Years ago I was at the snow and ice driving school in Colorado. It was about the time studless snow tires with winter compounds were taking over. The guy who ran the school and I became buddies over the years. One day a couple years later after running studs for 10 years, I was in the market again. Asked him straight up if it were his wife and kids in 4X4 SUV what would he put on. Studless came the answer. Since then studless have continued to get better. I still run studs on the Quattro but will switch when they run out.

Snow tires and their properties are a fascinating discussion. Tire Rack has some great info on their site, I think. At least they used to.

Slush is a very tough thing to deal with as Bob notes. Especially the fine mashed potato like slush that doesn't evacuate like wet slush. Its like playdough kinda and the layers don't grip with each other under pressure. Weird stuff.

DougM
_________________
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

Syncro Jael · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 3:35 pm Post subject:

I believe slush conditions are the worst. Skinny tires and weight will keep you safer than wide tires. It must be something to do with the contact patches? I am usually coupled up and the slush still pulls but the 215 skinny tires plow through ok. I think the Syncro's heavy weight helps also. Truckers seem to love slush roads! Confused

All I know is that when driving in slush headed up a canyon last winter my shift linkage froze in high gear. It would not budge!

After stopping and ascertaining the situation the front tires threw the slush into the front of the transaxle packing it in until the colder temps up the canyon froze it solid. I guess the tranny was running really cool!!! I used the handle from the hi-lift jack to break it up and with stopping the heat from the transaxle also helped. That would really suck if you needed to downshift on a steeper grade Sad

My Syncro is an 87 and I want the tube around the shifting linkage now. Shocked

That is on the later models. Now I know why they added it.
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat)

WestyBob · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 5:55 pm Post subject:

IdahoDoug · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 6:59 pm Post subject:

Ah, all fits in the winter driving, eh? The newer generation BFG you have is much better than the older couple which were atrocious in snow. In fairness to a tire I actually love, it was not intended as a specific winter tire and its a high water mark tire.

But a lot of people think their tires are great in snow, and I often think "Hmm, I bet they've not been on a set of dedicated winter tires." The difference between all season tires for example, and winter tires is remarkable. I got a neat example of that a couple days ago. My 16yo daughter has been driving one of the Cruisers and its on new Michelin M/S tires. Then last weekend I put its Michelin X-Ice tires on, and the first time she was on snow she came home and said "Wow Dad, I didn't know what a difference winter tires make - I couldn't make the Cruiser slip at all". I was very proud.

They're amazing and the massive difference is on glare ice when a normal tire simply gives up.
_________________
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

tjet · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 7:31 pm Post subject:

Not to derail this v/c thread, but this looks like a decent winter tire with a load & size that may work ok for a 4.86 RP syncro (215-70r16 XL)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=P...mpare1=yes

Might be a nice winter tire (only) setup with the new GW steels wheels....

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=24092&category_id=&category_parent_id=

& add that "sport" v/c to go with 'em Cool

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_109_1248/rebuilt_viscous_coupler__coupling.html

insyncro · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 7:57 am Post subject:

http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-blog-northeast-roadways-s/38706452

Logging plenty of Syncro Slush driving Exclamation

I should have about 120 miles in the worst of it before it is done.

This particular van is testing Fluid Film as a pre storm treatment that will be washed off with hot water after the precipitation has stopped.

An extraordinary amount of Syncro praise and questions by those also out and about with me.
The #1 question has been, "where can I get one"? Wink

Two of the Chaps are swinging by the shop next week.

flomulgator · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:05 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:30 am Post subject:

Yes, the late Syncros have the linkage tube and it is a easy addition to the early vans.
Make sure that you get the metal shroud that is connected to the cross member as well.

I have posted pictures of the setup in other threads and have hooked quite a few up with these harder to find parts, but will be keeping all the spares I have saved for my vans and Syncro builds.

They could be made easily, but the bulbous portion that covers the universal joint in the linkage would be the one part that might present a slight bit of extra thought.

Along the same lines as the linkage protector is the throttle cable and pedal linkage protector.
MAKE SURE that the water drain hole is free of debris.
If not, your snowy feet will melt, the water will drain down into the pedal protector and make its way into the white plastic throttle cable housing and when the temp drops, freeze your cable solid.

Once you have the drain hole working perfectly, try sealing up all of the unions with clear RTV...especially at the transmission crossover where the white housing meets the black cabled portion.
There should be a piece of 8mm fiber covered hose making the union of the two parts.
This area get direct road spray when the wheels are turned and heavy buildup happens in this area in slushy conditions.

insyncro · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:39 am Post subject: late linkage protector

Late linkage protector:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

hans j · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:50 am Post subject: Re: late linkage protector

insyncro · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 10:00 am Post subject:

A few 89s, and all 90&91 Syncros have them.
Not many will want to part with them and now that it has been established as a hard to find $yncro part...the price just rocketed up Wink

Another one of those "worth every penny" parts if you ask me.

Syncro Jael · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 3:21 pm Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 5:41 pm Post subject:

Well, lets add this part and all of the others that come on the late models as one of the reasons that they are more sought after, perform better, carry higher price tags and very rarely come up for sale.

If anyone tuned in has ties to plastics manufacturers who could make these, send me contact info.
I will send a set to them for reproduction.
I was going to ask Terrawagen if they wanted to give it a try.


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