Budd:

You and kyle were right...the moderate-low rpm shudder/flutter/vibration
in the rear of my syncro was the u-joints.  Both joints have a flat
spots that bind.  I found out this mornionjg after I drove down to
Volks-MotorSport Cafe where Kyle was waiting for me (he had just
returned from surfing since 5:30 a.m.).  I pulled into one of his well
appointed garages...he wheeled under the van. ...checked everything
over...the drive shaft seemed like something was loose inside of
it....Kyle jumped and ran to grab an old shaft he has lying around so we
could cut it open and see what could possibly be in there....but no
saw...out on a job...damn

After I removed the shaft, it became apparent that there was nothing
loose in there...(Kyle still wanted to cut that old one open,
though...what is inside of them any way?)...but the U-Joiint bearings
were obviously shot...of course, vw won't sell just the joints...only a
completely rebuilt shaft for $700...as you well know, Budd.  I would
like to confirm that you were able to get the shaft to balance after you
put those farm tractor joints in.  I would also like the U-joint part
number you used if you have it (as I am sure would others.)  I want to
do the same job you did as long as you got it to work flawlessly.  Tim
Smith replaced his U-Joints, too.  It sounds like it cost both of you
less than $200...lots better than $700 for a rebuild or $1000 for a new
one.

Kyle lived up to his reputation by spending a lot of time with
me...checking everything over for me...finding a used rear wiper motor
for me and some other stuff...and charging me nothing for his time after
giving me a good deal on the parts.  You gotta like that.  Got a free
liecnse plate frame, too.  Thanks Kyle!
steve

Budd Premack wrote:

> Steven,
>
> With a Syncro, you always need to be aware of the u-joints in the main
>
> driveshaft.  They can be easily checked by putting the van on a hoist
> and
> seeing if there is any looseness.
>
> As a check, remove the driveshaft (by taking out 4 bolts in front and
> 4 in
> the rear) and try a test drive.  If the symptoms disappear, then you
> have
> the culprit.
>
> If the driveshaft u-joints turn out to be bad, do not go to VW for a
> rebuilt unit ( $ 700 ), but contact me re info on obtaining
> replacement
> u-joints for a total cost of about $ 150.
>
> I spent last summer resolving this matter with my Syncro,  so I have
> hard
> earned experience with this issue.
>
> Budd Premack
> 87 Wolfsburg, 84 Vanagon,  86 Syncro
> 73 Super, 64 Bug
> Minneapolis, MN