On Thu, 11 Apr 1996, Eric Zeno wrote:

>         LIMITED SLIP REAR END
> 
>          Cory,
>             I have installed a Locking axil from a Syncro into
>             my 2 wheel drive Vanagon GL.

A good idea.

>	      It by experence improves
>             your tracsion about 20%. The problem with Vanagons is
>             mainly 2 things. (1) Vanagons are front heavy. Yes even
>             with the engine in the rear. Mine doesn't have air
>             witch even makes things worse. (2) Vanagons don't flex
>             as much as the average car. Yes bend in the middle.
>             All cars flex. This helps keep the drive wheels on the
>             ground. Go around a slow bend that has a bad hump in it
>             and you loose tracion. VW new this thats why we have the
>             Syncro.

A bad idea.  You don't want to have your diff locked when cornering,
this will cause one or both wheels to lose traction whether or not
there's a hump.  That's what diffs are for.
I've driven many makes and models of vans and minivans (I was a mechanic)
and find the suspension in my vanagon far better at keeping the wheels on
the pavement than most vehicles.  German vehicles in general are great for
suspension, I find.  Do you have proper tyres inflated to the proper 
pressures?

Oh and please don't drive around slow bends with your diff locked, it's
hell on your CVs.

Cheers,

SStones,  Toronto Ont. 
<sstones@io.org>