I did this years ago. It is NOT a bolt in job, unless you order
a special trans. case from VW. This is just as easy and cheap as
using a Syncro trans. in you 2WD Vanagon. So foget that. The only
other option is to weld a block on to the side of your existing
trans. This is what I did. THen machine to fit all Lock axle
parts in place. A big pain. Not worth the effort!
    Axle locks don't work like most people think. Yes you
get more traction, but only in a straight line! If I were to do
it all over agian I would try a limited slip axle.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler

On Mon, 19 Jul 1999, C&S Gibbs. Alaska. USA. wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> Been thinking about the possibility of fitting a diff lock to my *2WD 88
> Westie*.  Why, well for the odd occasion that I cannot get up the local
> hills in the wintertime (6 months of the year).
>
> I did see a diff lock advertised by LockRite for the Vanagon but it is
> one of those mechanically actuated varieties.  I have been warned off
> these in the Vanagon due to safety and wear issues (hard on the trans
> axle I'm told).  The *air or vacume* operated variety seem ideal,
> switching then on and off as needed makes sense to me.
>
> Anyway, would the Syncro locker just bolt into the 2WD tranny or is it a
> different beastie?  If so, WHAT EXACTLY is needed to be taken from the
> donor vehicle?  More importantly, would this be a relatively pain free
> project or a right royal pain in the @%$?
>
> Any and all suggestions welcomed on this one as I feel this would be
> worthy addition to a 2WD van if at all feasible that is!  Many 4WD
> enthusiasts do say that a 2WD vehicle *with* a diff lock will go places
> a 4WD vehicle *without* will not.......
>
> Regards,
> Chris Gibbs
> 88 Westie
>