At 11:15 3/25/98 -0500, Gary E Thaxter wrote:
>Getting my Syncro on the road Today!  I've had it since november but
>finally got enough money to get it certified and lisenced.
>
>First week I had it I went playing in the swamp with my brother who just
>bought a 68 Chevy K-10 short box 4x4 beast.  I was havin a ball seeing how
>far I could go before he would have to pull me back out again.  I got it on
>video and might get it on a web site in the future.

What?  I usually pull my friends Ford F150 4x4 out!  :)

>I was doing pretty well for the way the van was running, but I only had old
>snow tires on and the diff lock wasn't working.  Diff lock is now fixed and
>I was wondering can I engage it when the vehicle is moving, or do I have to
>be stopped?  How much of a difference does does a locker make?

The rear lock should only be done while stationary so I was told be the
dealer.  I *have* engauged it while getting into a holly s#!t situation and
I had no ill effects (knock on wood).  The locking rear diff has saved my
bacon more than once.  I think a Syncro without one has a serious handicap.

>Next question is about tires.  There have been a lot of posts and a lot of
>opinions.  I am pretty much decided on the BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A's,
>but I plan to do a couple of "fun" weekends this summer and I wondered how
>these tires are in the mud?  Also how are they for road noise and wear?

Currently I run 225/60 16" mud and snow tires. These are about 26.5" tall.
This summer I am getting some 215/70 16" BFG ATs these will come it at
about 27.7" tall.  I personally want to venture over 29" as there are some
people with 235/70 15" that have problems with rubbing when cornering.
Perhaps 235mm is too wide at that height.

>I have a spare set of rims (one alloy set and one original steel set) and I
>was wondering if there was a good set of "really" off road tires that I
>could switch to (a friend suggested looking for Mickey Thompsons to fit?)
>and keep a set of just road tires. . . or are the BFG's good enough for all
>round everything?

My friend with the Ford has 33x10.5 BFG Mud Terrains and he swears but
them.  He also says that they are horrible if not dangerous in the winter.

>If anyone has any other tips for mud "syncro-ing" they would be
>appreciated. . .
>thanks a bunch eh!

Tire Chains, Bear Paws, Tow Strap, Hand Winch and some spair belts!  Have fun!

>Gary Thaxter
>78 westy
>85 kombi
>86 syncroGL  putting it on the road TODAY!!

-- David Marshall        Email: david@volkswagen.org --
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