More than likely one of the ring and pinion sets is failing or there is a
bad bearing somewhere.  Under power, things will seem to work but when
coasting,  it locks up sorta like a ratchet.  I've seen this a number of
times.  My first experience was in a 70 bus.  It didn't go too far before it
wouldn't go no more.

Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Leif <Leif_Abel@T-THREE.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, March 12, 1998 8:44 AM
Subject: Reverse Gear in Syncro

>I bought an 86 Syncro last week and today when I was backing out of the
>driveway something strange happened.  I went in reverse for about 20 yards
>and was getting ready to stop so i put in the clutch and let it keep
>rolling back a bit when the van just stopped really hard all on it's own
>(no Brakes on my part) It was as if the transmission locked or something.
>I've been able to replicate it since but not every time.  Something else
>related possibly (this is my first syncro) is the fact that the knob on the
>console for locking the rear diff.  seems to be exactly opposite of what
>the owners manual says.  When the knob is PUSHED IN the rear diff. locks
>and with it pulled out the AWD works.  I deduced this by lighted
>Transmission diagram.  The light on the rear axle lights up bright when the
>knob is pushed in and when it is pulled out the light on the front axle and
>in the middle of the diagram are light up ( somewhat more dimly ).  I pray
>the Trans is not royally messed.  Any help or experience with the syncro
>would be greatly appreciated.  I know that they require more care and
>service vigilance that their 2WD brethren.  Thanks, Leif
>