convince me...

Syncro 4&4 Discussion and Q&A last answered over 2 years ago.
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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

???

If you can lock both diffs at will, from the cab, then it matters a lot less if one wheel of each axle isn't fully loaded against the ground. And physics says that its not usual to have both on one axle off the ground very often, or for very long!

If the approach angle limtation is such a problem, not only would we find there many places we can't go, but syncros would have a much lower reputation as useful practical off-roaders. It ca be a problem, although the front bash-plate and bit of momentum often helps out in high approach angle situations - of course, we're hopefully not talking circus antics here or deliberately chosen artificial situations.

It just so happens that VW based this vehicle on an existing one with a large forward overhang, because that was a good vehicle already in so many respects. It's certainly strong, and doesn't suffer the continual breakages and serious chassis rot that seems a feature of Landie ownership (vintage for vintage)... so VW acknowledged the problem, and with the front bash-plate (skidplate in practice) and the production of the Syncro 16, alleviated it as much as possible. The std syncro with 15" wheels and tall tyres goes nearly as far in garnering ground clearance and approach angle, but not quite. Others have taken this further - i.e. The SyncroMog
Image

And you won't appreciate the advantage of the tight truning circle until you have witnessed it in practice, somethibg else that can be used to avoid the challenge of the approach angle from time to time, as well as get places the Landie can't (or not without a lot of ridiculous shuffling to and fro, digging and damaging the undergrowth!)..

So let's stop theorising till kingdom come, best to come and see for yourself, a picture is worth a thousand words, either it will suit your purposes or it won't, but a lot of hot-air on here will never answer all your questions, whether hypothetical or based on realistic situations. We do challenge them, approach angle incuded, and they usually pull through...

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Syncro Kastenwagen / 16" Kombi Camper
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Ye Olde Syncrospares
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Post by Ye Olde Syncrospares »

if it wasnt for lockers syncro's would very average off road,there too long in the front,too long at the back,and ramp over is poor,you cant get big enough tyres on them,the motors are too small and theres little articulation,and not forgetting rubbish low gearing,for what they were intended for there ideal,they can be capable with some mods but there not even close to being as good as some other vehicles,they never were designed to be,there ok just dont think your gonna start doing rain forest challenges with them,cj
bought some real off roaders!!!!!!!

Russel
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Post by Russel »

Any vehicle with enough money thrown at it can be used for any chalenge.
U cant compare it to a purpouse built rain forest chalenger.Give me the finance and ile build u a single cab that can though.
And a very big point everyone has failed to mention is driving skills
and experience.Give the best equiped vehicle to an idiot and heel be stuck in seconds.

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toomanytoys
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Post by toomanytoys »

I suppose it boils down to what you want to do with it really..
as an everyday vehicle, it still cuts it.. easy to go to the shops/school run/park outside yer house without upsetting the neighbours...

Camper/Caravelle/Bus.. do everything in everyday life, with the family..
van/Doka/single cab.. use it for work and the above.. ok a single cab/van is not so good for the family unless there is only the 3 of yer..

If only as a toy for green laning, then maybe its a bit too oddball for some.. a Suzuki jeep is prob a better bet as smaller, lighter and cheaper..

Go see it in the flesh... then decide if its what you want.. its a way of life choice really and as already said, you'll either love it or hate it..

AN also as mentioned, they have there faults.. but its "character" really... :lol:

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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

www.bowler-offroad.com

Fantastic engineering, great web site, shame about the spelling errors littered throughout, but hey, compared to a few £m invested in the engineering, a £100k or so on the website, proof-readers must be darned expensive these days...

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Syncro Kastenwagen / 16" Kombi Camper
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missusjen
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Post by missusjen »

You spelt nemesis wrong.....
Image

"HEY, LOOK AT MY CAR"


I bid you farewell.......for now.......

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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

Hehe, I assumed Nemisis was typo of 'NewMissus' :shock:

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syncro4wd
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Post by syncro4wd »

Hi ,

Syncros have there good sides and there bad sides. Here in sweden I do offroad with my syncro now and then. The syncro is fantastisc in the snow . I can drive steeps hills with snow and ice without to much problems, I have studded tires and use only the rear difflock. Last time we went offroading we had a Landy and a Nissan Terrano with us..both couldnt make it to the top. So fantastic in snow and steep hillclimbing.
On the otherhand...if you are offroading in the mud...the syncro is sometimes a very helpless elephant...
But like CJ said they were never be designed to be an extreme offroader.
If you want an offroader which puts a landy in the shade buy a Volvo C303...these are stock extreme offroaders and also gives you enough room ta make a campervan, these also have both lockers and they have portal axles.

Erwin

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Louey
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Post by Louey »

A Volvo C303 before anyone asks

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Louey

▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄█▓▒░ Camping is in my blood! ▒▓█▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀

KarlT
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Post by KarlT »

newmissis wrote:, if money wasn't a consideration i think i'd be tempted by one of these

www.bowler-offroad.com

If I give you the money for one of these, do you promise to go away? :wink:

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Post by Horza »

And I can't seem to find one for sale anywhere Louey, on first inspection they seem rarer than mint Syncro 16s.

Shame coz it would make a nice camper.

BTW are we sure nemisis isn't just a Troll from a Landrover club, possibly disturbed into action by someone?

:D
Last edited by Horza on 13 Mar 2006, 10:57, edited 1 time in total.
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syncroand101
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Post by syncroand101 »


Locked