From my intermittent memory:

When the syncro's were introduced, vw put two or three vanagon's on a
"round-the-world" drive with the rear half shafts removed, using only the
vc and front drive train. This was their show to prove the reliability of
the syncro system on the vanagons. I remember seeing photos of the caravan
across the deserts and snow and other various hostile terrains. They all
passed this test with flying colors. However, with all the syncro folks
talking about their vc's melting down now with some miles on them, I'd
think carefully before driving exclusively on the vc/front end.

I don't have a syncro, so these are just observations from a lurker...

steve
'85 westy
kent, wa

>
>Rich,
>I recall reading that one or more Syncros were driven across the country
>with no
>rear axles, front drive only, no problems. Can't recall where I found
this, but
>maybe someone else will come to the rescue with the source.
>Larry