On the type 2 list, as well as this, this has been a lot said that the
2WD Vanagon pales to a 2WD Bay in the off road traction.   I believe that
this is primarily from weight distribution.  One crazy idea I had was to
install a Syncro gas tank over the rear tranny (you need a few mods to
get the clearance) and use a Syncro tranny or Porsche tranny.  The added
rear weight bias would give the traction needed, but of course then the
Vanagon would be as bad as a Bay is in cross winds.  Ideally, having both
 the front Vanagon gas tank (that gives the Vanagon good weight
ditribution and cross wind performance) and the rear Syncro one would be
ideal.

One alternative to the rear tank is a rear carrier with gerry cans of gas
(or balast like water) and move the spare form the rear to the front -
Air lift springs would likely be needed then.

Just my thoughts and dreams

J REynolds
81 Westy

>>However, likeI said, you can get almost as much off road mobility
(unless you really want
>>to do some wild 4 wheeling, which most people do not) by just
installing a
>>syncro tranny with a locker (about $3K).