Thank you Dennis and David.

What are the other options exactly? I didn’t know there was more than one!

As to the tires, I have new 15” wheels from Van-Cafe with Nokian WRG’s, which right now are doing quite well in the Chicago snow (we’re getting hit with sub zero temps, and I mean sub zero Fahrenheit - brrrrrr). I don’t really want to go any knobbier if I can help it.

Steve.

> David Boan wrote:

> I had my transaxle rebuilt a few years ago at German Transaxle, and did the "super-differential" upgrade.  I dont tow anything, but notice improved traction when climbing on steep forest service roads, and on snow and ice.  I dont have any hard numbers, just my impression.

> On Jan 1, 2018, at 11:07 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> If willing to go for that kind of coin you may want to look at one of the other limited slip differential options. That would offer something more useful than just locking the rear at low speeds and extreme conditions. I would also ask what you are using for tires? Without traction sufficient for the task you could just end up with 2 tires spinning sinking you into the sand even faster. The Syncro lockers are robust but they do take a little tricking to get them locked when needed. Engage at low speed while swerving gently side to side to get the fingers to line up and slide in before you get stuck. Some side to side is sometimes needed to get them to unlock. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Stephen Edwards
> Sent: Monday, January 1, 2018 11:38 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Locking differential
> 
> Vanagon list:
> 
> What’s the verdict on lockers? I have an 88 GL with a Subie installed and occasionally need to pull a boat out of the water. The place where I go has a sandy beach and the rear wheels get stuck every time. I need a rebuilt tranny anyway, but I’m told that adding a locking diff will add $1500 to the cost. Is it worth it? And aside from the cost - are there any other downsides to having one?
> 
> Steve, in Chicago.