Using that spare should destroy the viscous coupling in about 10 miles or
less. Calculate the difference in circumference. Then lift one front wheel
and try to turn it and you will see the impact that difference will have on
that coupling.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Dick Wong [mailto:sailingfc@dslextreme.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 12:29 AM
To: 'Dennis Haynes'; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: New owner questions-Syncro ownership costs.

So how much difference in tire size is considered a mismatch?  I have
27x8.50-14s all around and the spare is 205/70x14. According to my tire
calculator that's a difference of 1.63" between the two.
-Dick-

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dennis Haynes
Sent: Saturday, November 24, 2012 9:19 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: New owner questions-Syncro ownership costs.

Clip>

Fuel economy, you do loose about 10%. 16 to 18 mpg is about normal.
Tires, you need to maintain a matched set. I use 5, rotating the three on
the right side as the right front seems to wear the fastest. If I have to
replace 1 or 2 I place the new ones  one front-rear to keep the axle speeds
matched.

Clip>

Dennis