Controlling the diff lock isn't the real main issue.
( and scrounging the parts from a syncro would handle it, and so would a
small valve from a hardware store, it's basically a 'this' or 'that' choice
with vacuum lines, nothing tricky really) 

It's the different front trans mount system that's a bigger issue, but a
non-issue really I think...............
Two forward side mounts on a syncro trans, ..........and come to think of
it,  the brackets for those bolt to are bolted to the frame of a syncro ,
and your frame may have the 3 bolts per side threaded holes there already.  
And if you have a 4 speed say, you'd want the syncro shift linkage, ALL of
it from a synco. 
You can modify or adapt 4 speed linkage to work but it wouldn't be as good. 

It's been done before, probably quiet a few times......but syncro parts are
not usually just laying around cheap at the local pick-n-pull, put it that
way.
But .........just get the parts off a syncro donor .........and its' easily
doable. 
And people syncro-ize 2WD vanagons too, so very do-able. 
Scott
www.turbovans.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Kim Brennan
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 5:04 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Install a 5 speed syncro tranny in my 2WD Vanagon

Yes, you could use a Syncro transmission on a 2WD. However the diff
lock actuator is controlled via vacuum switch. And yes, those switches
on a Syncro are vacuum switches, with corresponding lines going the
length of the vehicle with a vacuum reservoir, check valve, etc. The
LIGHT on the dashboard is controlled by an electrical switch on the
transmission. That wiring won't be there on a 2WD. So you'll just have
to go on faith that it's working, unless you want to source those
connectors, et al.

On Jan 28, 2008, at 7:39 PM, Todd Olson wrote:

> Hello Fellow Vanagon Pilots,
>
> Has anyone installed a 5 speed Syncro tranny with diff lock in a 2WD
> Vanagon? How difficult is this? Any unforeseen challenges? I tow a
> light
> weight boat behind my 2WD Westy in the summer and I need the granny
> gear and
> the diff lock to get out of some boat ramps. Do I have to locate a
> syncro
> dash module with the locker switches or can I just rig up a regular
> switch.
> Is there any shift linkage modifications? Any other additional parts
> I need
> to purchase?
>
>
>
> Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
>
>
>
> Anyone have a syncro tranny for sale?
>
>
>
> Wishing you many miles of smiles!
>
> Todd Olson
>
> Buses By the Beach
>
>
>
> Coming Events:
>
> Bus BRR! February 9th - 10th 2008 Angola, IN
>
> Bus Benefit! May 15th - 18th 2008 Grand Rapids, MI
>
> Bus Boo! September 12th - 14th 2008 Grand Rapids, MI
>
> For more information go to:  <http://www.busesbythebeach.com/>
> www.busesbythebeach.com
>
> http://www.myspace.com/busesbythebeach
>
>
>
> What song is stuck in my head these days?
>
> Daisy May, "A Letter from Downstream"
>
> Listen at: http://www.savethewildup.org/downstream/
>
> Check her out at: http://www.earthworkmusic.com/daisyMay/