Hi Alistair,

I've waiting to try the Volvo test and have just completed it.  The van was
cold however, and I'm not sure how much that comes into play.  I believe the
test suggested the vehicle be driven for 20 minutes or until warm.
Regardless, I was over 40 ft lbs.  I am looking to attempt the 2x4 test but
am waiting to borrow a larger floor jack.  I guess my question is whether
you tested your van cold or warm?

That being said I still have fairly noticeable binding issues when turning
into a tight parking stall after driving several hours on the highway - so
the verdict on the VC is not in by any stretch of the imagination.

BT

86 Syncro Westy

On Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 4:54 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:

> hi,
>
> background: purchased '86 syncro this last summer, prop shaft out
> because of vibrations, vc was assured to be ok. U joints on prop
> shaft looked suspect, but i installed and yes, vibrations at 50-60
> kph. Also vc was weak, not passing 2x4 test.
>
> I replaced u joints on shaft (precision brand, #813), checked the fit
> of the shaft and bushings on guibo end (nice and tight), and popped
> shaft back in. Still vibrated at same speeds. Loosened front diff
> mounting bolts, drove around, no difference.
>
> Removed shaft, examined u joints, one was loose so I replaced circlip
> with thicker one (u joints came with 2 sets of circlips). Checked
> bushings and shaft fit again.
>
> Today i put it back in, but before it was installed I did a quick
> check on vc by using the volvo method outlined on document on my blog
> (http://shufti.wordpress.com/). I got a value of 17 ft/lbs. Not much
> eh? Confirms vc is weak.
>
>  It would would be interesting if others would do this simple and
> quick test and post results, I bet there is a range of values.
>
> Oh, and as well as putting prop shaft back in today, I replaced the
> uniroyal laredo tires the van came with with some Nokian
> Hakkapeliitta CS tires.
>
> Road test: tires louder and firmer. Vibrations almost gone, A very
> slight vibe at 60 kph, but its a narrow band and not bothersome (that
> said, I will work to eliminate it).
>
> Mud test: on the farm here there are ample spots to get stuck, and it
> has been raining pretty hard the last 2 weeks. Last week with prop
> shaft out and laredo tires on, I tried going up a curving, maybe 20%
> hill, grass and clay/mud. I never made it, even with rear diff lock
> on. Today, even wetter conditions, I made it up no bother, and no
> diff lock.
> i toodled around lumpy, uneven, sloping ground, grass over North
> Saanich clay. Didn't get stuck, but the front wheels didn't "feel"
> like they are doing much.
>
> Conclusion: prop shaft vibes mainly due to "loose" u joints, either
> when they were old worn out units, or new ones, not installed with
> correct circlips. The "off road" performance I attribute mainly to
> the great tires. Perhaps the vc is allowing a little torque to get to
> the front, probably wishful thinking.
>
> cheers
>
> Alistair
> '86 syncro 7  passenger
> '82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
> http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/
> http://shufti.wordpress.com
>