The front diff won't turn if you pull the front axles.  Just use the outer
CV joint housings to hold the bearings together.
Right?

-----Original Message-----
From: Yi-Ruey Wei <ray.wei@US.PWCGLOBAL.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Tuesday, August 11, 1998 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: 2wd Syncro?

>Bill,
>I wouldn't do it.  Comparing my gas mileage to other non-Syncro I can't see
>you can save too much on gas bill.  Even if you removed the drive shaft,
>your front differential will be still turning (so your speedo still works)
>by the front wheels.  The wear and tear are still there.  And that's why
>the gas mileage won't improve too much.
>
>Regards,
>Yi-Ruey Wei
>87 Vanagon GL Syncro  w/leaking cylinder head
>85 Jetta GLI  w/165,000 miles
>Dallas, TX  (Back to 100 degrees)
>
>
>
>
>Bill Shanklin <BillS@MATRIXOZ.COM.AU> on 08/11/98 07:30:20 AM
>
>Please respond to Bill Shanklin <BillS@MATRIXOZ.COM.AU>
>To:   Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
>cc:
>Subject:  2wd  Syncro?
>
>
>
>
>G'day Syncronauts -
>
>I'm new to owning a Syncro. Wanted one for years and have had many VWs
>in the past.
>Realistically, I don't plan to drive it seriously as a 4wd for a year or
>more.
>
>I have just had a local ex-Syncro owner suggest that if I'm not  using
>the 4wd then I could get better fuel mileage and have more fun driving
>with the main back to front drive shaft removed. He promised that the
>front gearbox would live longer as well.
>
>Any experiences? how much is true? Should I / shouldn't I??
>
>Thanks from Down Under
>************************************************************
>   Bill Shanklin                                   bills@matrixoz.com.au
>   Matrix Australia Pty. Ltd.
>   38 Pearse Street                           Tel  +61   (0)  8
>9430-7819
>   North Fremantle WA 6159            Fax  +61  (0)  8   9430-7809
>   AUSTRALIA
>
> 88 Transporter Syncro (Camper to be)
>
>
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