A Syncro setup can be bolted up to a 2WD Vanagon, but the stumbling block comes from the fact that the factory mounts for the front suspension must be torched out in order to accommodate the 4WD attachment points--so, there's no going back once you've started. Additionally, relocating and mounting the fuel tank above the tranny takes some modifications. You essentially require an entire donor chassis in order to pull it off correctly.
Mounting a Syncro assembly into a T2 bus seems way beyond what I'd ever want to tackle, and a T3 chassis is far far superior anyway. The 1.9L IDI engine can be reliably modified to approximately 150hp, so there's plenty of power available, which should help to increase longevity in a Van. The VE pump isn't as robust as the inline versions, but I've never had a single instance of failure in my dozen or so VW/Cummins engines, so I'm not too worried about them. They're simple and relatively easy to work on should one need to...unlike the inline pumps. Any rig I'd use out in the boonies would have a full complement of gauges, so monitoring the engine conditions would be key. I drove down to nearly the Guatemalan border and back in a '70 T2 with idiot lights and a handful of tools and spares, so I ain't too worried about the ruggedness of these units. They can handle it. On 12/3/06, Tyler Backman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Casey, I would be interested in knowing what the stumbling blocks are, if you have time. Do you think the syncro running gear could be installed on a pre-vanagon bus as easily? It might be worthwhile finding a diesel westfalia, and putting a syncro junkyard suspension on it if possible.
Casey Olympia, WA Biodiesel: "I drive in a persistent vegetative state" '87 300TD intercooler/propane #22 0-60mph 7.3sec (220k) '84 300D (218k) Gashuffer: '89 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition (187K) http://users.zhonka.net/zeitgeist/Misc/IMG_0171.JPG
