>the 2WD Vanagon pales to a 2WD Bay in the off road traction.   I believe
that
> this is primarily from weight distribution.

I've had both and I always thought the loaf was better than the 2wd vanagon
off road because of the suspension rather than the weight distribution...
maybe the suspension and the weight in general.  my old 76 loaf was so light
and nimble she would climb over almost anything.  but then, that was a long
time ago... maybe my memory is fogged.

mick
hilo, hawaii

----- Original Message -----
From: John Reynolds <kayakjr@JUNO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001 2:36 PM
Subject: Re: converting to 4 wheel drive

> 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).
>