FWIW, I have a Peloquin torque biasing differential in my van, and if you can afford it, I highly recommend it. I have yet to get the van stuck since installing it last summer. Absolutely wonderful traction, and you can actually accelerate through corners, it really makes the van drive totally different. All of the power goes towards propelling the van forward, and what a difference!  I had German transaxle in Bend do the install on mine. I do know about the emergency brake trick, although when I was stuck in the driveway before installing the new differential, it didn't help me. I guess the trick is to lock up the spinning wheel so that the other one engages. Since I've adjusted my emergency brake it may work a little bit better. Do try the go claws, they will get you out of most situations. Well worth the $$ IMO. Of course, the right tires are always a good ideal;) Dropping the PSI a bit may help as well.

Troy
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Don Hanson
  To: colorworks@gci.net
  Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
  Sent: Monday, December 07, 2009 5:53 AM
  Subject: Re: 2WD Westy sucks in mud

    Also, it's been said that if you pull your E-brake partially on you will transfer drive to the spinning wheel of your open diff and get some needed traction.  Haven't tried this yet.     I have been stuck on my lawn on wet grass, trying to back up on a slight (<1% grade)  with all season tires, even.  Sucks for traction, the van.  I have done some good with Hakapelitika (sp) tires and putting about 150lbs right at the tailgate,  I too haul my carpentry tools around, and I now take care to get stuck turning around +before+ work, not when I get ready to go home...
    Syncro locker rear end, anyone?
    Don Hanson

  On Mon, Dec 7, 2009 at 12:23 AM, Troy <colorworks@gci.net> wrote:

    Check out Go Claws for the sitution you're talking obout. Good investment and fairly easy to install--about 3 mins.
    Just google go claws, they have a video and price list on their web site.

    Troy