Dennis,

I'm not an expert or a mechanics, just a syncro owner (have also owned
5 westy vanagon before and 1 other syncro) but I was under the
impression that the trail arms weren't  the same, neither the coils
spring or the shocks.

Plus last summer I've been on unpaved road more than once, with both
my regular westy and later with my syncro. What I can tell you is that
the syncro handled the vibrations much better than on my westy.

Even if a bough my esty from Benny boy (fully restored) a couples of
things broke along the way as opposed to none with my syncro. Could be
a coincidence but I would make it on 1200 unpaved road with my 23
years old 2WD westy. Remember that these road are mainly used by bigs
trucks which transport lugs out of the wood.

Also, the comparison with a recent 2WD sedan does not stand!

Anyway, I did want to star a debate just to let peoples knows that
these are not "easy road" and that they should be prepared.

My advice would be to bring some spare parts and a mechanics with you.

JP

>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date:    Sun, 7 Jan 2007 20:16:44 -0500
> From:    Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
> Subject: Re: Baie Comeau to Labrador to Newfoundland-Seabreeze
>
> How is a Syncro suspension any more abuse resistant than a 2 WD? If you
> don't need the 4 wheel drive traction, the 2wd fine. What can be an issue on
> unpaved or gravel roads is the shocks and of course the tires.
>
> Dennis
>