I sure as hell don't 'coddle' my VC.  My '86 Syncro (GL, non-Westy), aptly
licensed "Rancid", doesn't get coddled at all!  Sure, I'm gonna be careful to use
a flat-bed if I ever need a tow, and I watch my tire pressure religiously and,
like you, my spare matches up with the other 4 tires, but 'coddle'?  Maybe I'm
just the lucky one whose VC and other drive-line components are solid.  Count me
in as one who no way is "sick of my viscous coupling"!

Scott McDonell
Ogden, Utah
Click here to see the "Rancid" plate

Cory Zumbrennen wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> After having the fear of god instilled in me I went to great lengths to get a
> 5th alloy and a BFG A/T 27 x 8.50 14 so that my spare would match up with my 4
> rolling tires so that I could actually use the spare without risking damage to
> the Viscous Coupling. (BTW I am sick of my viscous coupling.  Don't do this or
> you'll hurt the viscous coupling, don't do that or you'll hurt the viscous
> coupling.  It's shocking how much coddling these viscous couplings need.  I've
> never heard about this with other AWD vehicles)
>
> Anyway,  it seems that the tire rubs against part of my steering linkage.  Has
> anyone else had this problem?  There have to be some people here who have
> BFG's on alloy wheels.  Is there a remedy to this propblem.  TIA
>
> Cory
> '86 Syncro Westfalia