Tim's post got me thinking about that too.  My traction-impaired 85 has the
thick starter wire connector and extended soleniod post.  This feature
caught my eye, as my scirroco and pickup use cheapy crimp-ons and short
posts.

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Rokus <marokus@VOYAGER.NET>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 1998 7:38 PM
Subject: Re: <syncro> starter differences

>Tim Smith wrote:
>
>> Syncro starter is same BUT the solenoid is different!!  Enough that a 2WD
>> one WILL NOT FIT!  Problem is that Syncro has very heavy cabling to
starter
>> and the 'terminal' that goes onto the starter is about 1/2" thick, not a
>> cheapo crimp on type eye-lug like the 2WD.  The main post on the solenoid
>> need to be about 1/2" longer than normal, and although extensions are
>> avaialble to bolt on, they are for repair of sheared posts, and are
actually
>> no longer once on. So don't buy the line that they are the same as 2WD.
>
>I'm not sure that the big connector was unique to the syncro,  my '84 2wd
had
>the same arrangement before it got lopped off in favor of a standard
connector.
>One bit of advice is to apply "NO-OX" type of grease to the connectors when
>reinstalling.  Its sold where electrical supplies are and is designed for
using
>aluminum wire in house wiring.
>Mark Rokus