| Author |
Message |
swissarmychainsaw
Samba Member
Joined: March 02, 2019
Posts: 366
Location: San Francisco
|
 Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 7:00 am Post subject: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
 |
|
I have a syncro and I'll be off roading with it.
Did syncros have a stock bash plate for the engine? I have the bars that run front to back, with only some cross-over plates under the motor. Non for the trans.
I was going to get some armor to protect the underside and I noticed that there are no transmission skid plates.
Go Westy does not sell anything for the trans but I see that only Bostig has one.
I've read that they can trap heat, what do you say, yea or nay on a trans bash plate?
My Van has an SVX Subaru 6 and only has like 9" of ground clearance!
Link
EMPI sells a generic plate:
https://www.appletreeauto.com/standard-skid-plate-...MTk7WO1h2U
[/img] |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
RawUmber
Samba Member
Joined: June 23, 2019
Posts: 330
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 8:20 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
You might find 'Voyages dans des conditions difficiles' (~'Travels in difficult conditions') interesting, as it shows some protective undercarriage designs for transaxles on pages 18 and 20. That said, I'm uncertain which transaxles they are for.
https://web.archive.org/web/20231224035316/https:/...ionnes.pdf
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 19084
Location: Retired South Florida
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 8:48 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
I can appreciate an aftermarket bolt on solution, but a local metal fabrication shop could likely fabricate something specific to your setup. You could mock up with construction paper or cardboard to use as templates.
Keeping in mind, it should be sacrificial. You wouldn’t want it so stout it transferred damage into an expensive to repair spot. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10831
Location: Western WA
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 8:55 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
Rawumber, at least that skidplate has access to the drainplug.
Syncro skid bars blocked drainplug access.
With their complicated assembly/disassembly procedure....
rather than protect the trans, the added maintenance difficulty,
Syncro skid bars have ruined tens of thousands of Syncro transaxles from the inside-out.
Methinks the most important "mod" to protect your trans would be protection to the internals.
Easiest is cutting out E-Z access to the drain-plug.
More difficult is a mod to make it "easy" to remove the skid-bars.
Delete any impediment to maintenance.
Whatever you do, don't make frequent mainteenance "more difficult".
I would add a temperature gauge before reducing the cooling.
A gearbox can already overheat with full-flow (no covers) at 90hp
If you have a big engine already, you probably already drive fast&heavy in which case reducing cooling is gearbox suicide.
Know before you go. (temperature gauge!)
Isolate your gearbox from electricity too, that's easy, offer several permanent future benefits, and only $15.
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
swissarmychainsaw
Samba Member
Joined: March 02, 2019
Posts: 366
Location: San Francisco
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 11:35 am Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
| Sodo wrote: |
Rawumber, at least that skidplate has access to the drainplug.
Syncro skid bars blocked drainplug access.
With their complicated assembly/disassembly procedure....
rather than protect the trans, the added maintenance difficulty,
Syncro skid bars have ruined tens of thousands of Syncro transaxles from the inside-out.
Methinks the most important "mod" to protect your trans would be protection to the internals.
Easiest is cutting out E-Z access to the drain-plug.
More difficult is a mod to make it "easy" to remove the skid-bars.
Delete any impediment to maintenance.
Whatever you do, don't make frequent mainteenance "more difficult".
I would add a temperature gauge before reducing the cooling.
A gearbox can already overheat with full-flow (no covers) at 90hp
If you have a big engine already, you probably already drive fast&heavy in which case reducing cooling is gearbox suicide.
Know before you go. (temperature gauge!)
|
How about a couple of 6" cooling fans like you find on an oil cooler?
| Sodo wrote: |
Isolate your gearbox from electricity too, that's easy, offer several permanent future benefits, and only $15. |
Do you mean by grounding it, with a ground wire? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MsTaboo 
Samba Member
Joined: June 02, 2006
Posts: 4624
Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 1:05 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
I have the Bostig transaxle bash plate (and engine bash protection), the transaxle plate is bomb proof! BUT, very heavy. It's fairly easy to mount/dismount so I only install when I figure I'm heading into rough country (and to access the drain plug - so no big deal).
Tried to cut some weight reduction holes into it but without cutting torch it was gnarly work. Plan to find a shop to do the cutting.
The thing is WAY overbuilt, but ample protection!
As far as mating it up with your SVX that may take some extra fabrication as the Bostig plate is designed to work with their engine cradle.
Considering the scarcity and expen$e of a nice Syncro transaxle I think the protection worth the effort.
_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
When you stir up shit you're bound to get some on yourself.
Resist Kleptocratic Oligarchy (and Idiocracy)! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
syncrodoka
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005
Posts: 12415
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 1:17 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
Gowesty has offered engine/trans skid plate in the past, you can see pictures of it in their other skid plate ads.
| swissarmychainsaw wrote: |
| Did syncros have a stock bash plate for the engine? I have the bars that run front to back, with only some cross-over plates under the motor. Non for the trans. |
You don't have the stock engine crash bars?
Pic stolen from the gallery
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
swissarmychainsaw
Samba Member
Joined: March 02, 2019
Posts: 366
Location: San Francisco
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
| MsTaboo wrote: |
I have the Bostig transaxle bash plate (and engine bash protection), the transaxle plate is bomb proof! BUT,
<snip>
Considering the scarcity and expen$e of a nice Syncro transaxle I think the protection worth the effort. |
I actually just ordered the Bostig transaxle skid plate! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
swissarmychainsaw
Samba Member
Joined: March 02, 2019
Posts: 366
Location: San Francisco
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 2:39 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
[quote="syncrodoka"]Gowesty has offered engine/trans skid plate in the past, you can see pictures of it in their other skid plate ads.
| swissarmychainsaw wrote: |
| Did syncros have a stock bash plate for the engine? I have the bars that run front to back, with only some cross-over plates under the motor. Non for the trans. |
You don't have the stock engine crash bars?
Pic stolen from the gallery
<Snip>
Yes this is exactly what I have, and that open section is where I fear large rocks will break my trans/motor. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10831
Location: Western WA
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 3:36 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
| swissarmychainsaw wrote: |
| Sodo wrote: |
Rawumber, at least that skidplate has access to the drainplug.
Syncro skid bars blocked drainplug access.
With their complicated assembly/disassembly procedure....
rather than protect the trans, the added maintenance difficulty,
Syncro skid bars have ruined tens of thousands of Syncro transaxles from the inside-out.
Methinks the most important "mod" to protect your trans would be protection to the internals.
Easiest is cutting out E-Z access to the drain-plug.
More difficult is a mod to make it "easy" to remove the skid-bars.
Delete any impediment to maintenance.
Whatever you do, don't make frequent mainteenance "more difficult".
I would add a temperature gauge before reducing the cooling.
A gearbox can already overheat with full-flow (no covers) at 90hp
If you have a big engine already, you probably already drive fast&heavy in which case reducing cooling is gearbox suicide.
Know before you go. (temperature gauge!)
|
How about a couple of 6" cooling fans like you find on an oil cooler? |
I suspect fans blowing air could help a little, especially when grinding up a long hill in low gear, low speed.
But to KNOW this, you would need a temp gauge installed prior.
To know if they help.
| swissarmychainsaw wrote: |
| Sodo wrote: |
Isolate your gearbox from electricity too, that's easy, offer several permanent future benefits, and only $15. |
Do you mean by grounding it, with a ground wire? |
Yes ground the starter directly then delete that forward ground so electricity is never again drawn thru the internal shafts.
Currently electricity exits at the mainshaft bearing via the VW forward ground strap.
Delete that strap.
| swissarmychainsaw wrote: |
| Yes this is exactly what I have, and that open section is where I fear large rocks will break my trans/motor. |
Have you ever seen pics of a broken tranny case on theSamba or anywhere?
I have never seen a pic of a gearbox damaged by rocks.
Engine sumps damaged....yes I've seen that.
There's lots of known damage by gearbox overheat.
Too much power, too heavy, too fast. etc.
Ask any gearbox builder they see damage from, rocks or internal heat?
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
syncrodoka
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005
Posts: 12415
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
| swissarmychainsaw wrote: |
| Yes this is exactly what I have, and that open section is where I fear large rocks will break my trans/motor. |
That is a valid point. I have had a large stick jam itself up near the shift lever that took some doing to get it dislodged.
I welded plate steel to the stock engine crash bars many years ago and the definitely have taken some impacts. If I was redoing it I might consider putting in rivnuts or timeserts to unbolt the plate vs unbolting the entire skid plate to service. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
swissarmychainsaw
Samba Member
Joined: March 02, 2019
Posts: 366
Location: San Francisco
|
| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2025 6:55 pm Post subject: Re: Vanagon syncro Trans skid plate? |
|
|
| syncrodoka wrote: |
| swissarmychainsaw wrote: |
| Yes this is exactly what I have, and that open section is where I fear large rocks will break my trans/motor. |
That is a valid point. I have had a large stick jam itself up near the shift lever that took some doing to get it dislodged.
I welded plate steel to the stock engine crash bars many years ago and the definitely have taken some impacts. If I was redoing it I might consider putting in rivnuts or timeserts to unbolt the plate vs unbolting the entire skid plate to service. |
Link
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dougnlina
Samba Member
Joined: January 19, 2016
Posts: 316
Location: San Francisco, CA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
