Has anyone tried to ......

Post by **syncropaddy** » 06 Apr 2006, 21:16

.... fit a diff lock to a 2WD gearbox or fit a syncro box to a 2WD?

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Apr 2006, 21:38

2WD Difflocks > Castings are different, but changing that should be possible. SB may have done this or tried it..

Syncro > 2WD Nose mounts are different of course, and possibly the selection linkages. O-wise should think so...

Post by **andysimpson** » 06 Apr 2006, 22:24

I am planning to do this if i don't find an LSD first, should be straight forward just swap all bits from 2wd gearbox into the 4wd casing except for the diff and then put normal 2wd nose cone on.

I have had my panel van stuck at 2 shows and been passes by bays both times, any other vehicle i would not mind.

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Apr 2006, 22:45

T25s have their c.g more forward than a Bay perhaps (of course a Syncro's is not far from the middle of the axles 48/52?)

Post by **andysimpson** » 07 Apr 2006, 19:00

HarryMann wrote:T25s have their c.g more forward than a Bay perhaps (of course a Syncro's is not far from the middle of the axles 48/52?)

Yes the bay has the fuel tank over the gearbox and the battery in the back. My panel van has a 28 gallon lpg tank between front and rear wheels which was three quarters full, that should of put a bit of weight on front and back.

Post by **airhead** » 07 Apr 2006, 19:25

Ive heard of people converting 2wd T25s into 4wd's. I wouldnt think theyd be up to as much as a syncro though. Suspension, reinforcing etc. What are you planning, Andrew??

Post by **HarryMann** » 07 Apr 2006, 19:38

There's not a lot if any ectra stiffening on the 14" Syncros, the 16s have a bit here and there and better driveshafts and CVJs, bigger brakes etc. But to be honest the 14 is a strong beast already. The main thing is fitting the tank and the front subframe inexactly the right place - but really there are a few syncros still to eb had, so it soundsman acdemic exercise.
What you might look into are the torque biasing diffs being used in the States and now available for T25s - people are raving about them!

http://www.club80-90.co.uk/forum/viewto ... ght=torque

Post by **airhead** » 07 Apr 2006, 19:42

Are they centre diffs or what?

Post by **syncropaddy** » 07 Apr 2006, 20:58

I would be into fitting a Positraction Diff to the front and a diff lok at the back. I saw how good a 'two wheel drive' syncro was recently and was surprised just how good it was. I am trying to buy back my old 87 T25 TD from the guy I sold it to and was thinking of fitting a diff lok to the box for the winter

Post by **HarryMann** » 07 Apr 2006, 21:35

Yes, that would be the configuration alright, just at the front...

But Orms, cannot agree a 2WD syncro is worth a fart, driven them a lot with no prop (if thats what you mean) and with difflock, or not, good tyres or not, they're useless... or did I get you wrong on that

Post by **airhead** » 07 Apr 2006, 21:47

I think what he meant was a 2wd T25 with a retrofitted 4wd system of some description.

Post by **andysimpson** » 07 Apr 2006, 22:07

I don't plan on doing anything daft with mine, i just want it so it can get out of muddy fields under its own steam.

I like the idea of a LSD as it would be of benefit with my idea of normal driving and would sort the muddy field problem. Its just the cost, i looked the other day and it worked out at about £600+postage+import tax.

One of these diffs in the front of a syncro would be a big improvement over the locker, just think power going to both front wheels and you can turn the steering.

Post by **HarryMann** » 07 Apr 2006, 23:39

By far the biggest improvement is as you say, to have all 4 wheels sharing the traction. I know exactly what 2WD with a locking rear is like, I just have to take the prop off, or have a VC installed that's failed open. Done both... abs. sucks as the weight distribution is 50/50 as near as dammit. Your mileage may vary, with say 40/60 on a 2WD.

The only way is surely with Sycnro gear... and its been done a few times. Ian at SyncroNutz or CJ down West would be able to sort all the bits out, I bet. It's the transaxle that'll cost you, and a diff with a proven VC, else there goes another 4 or 5 hundered sponds.

But buy a driveable syncro that's rusting to bits for £700 or so, if you can get a lead on one, and you might get 2/3 of the bits in good nick. You'd need a Caravelle or panelvan to get a decent diff ratio front and back though I shuold think.

In fact, difflockless syncro transmissions are what you are looking for. And they're cheaper than the lockers... Beaker and SyncroAndys NATO wagen came like that, now changed over. Most if not all UK dealer Syncros had both locks. Looking on eBAY.de you'll not find many chasing lockless syncros, if they must coem up from time to time...

Post by **andysimpson** » 08 Apr 2006, 08:55

HarryMann wrote:By far the biggest improvement is as you say, to have all 4 wheels sharing the traction. I know exactly what 2WD with a locking rear is like, I just have to take the prop off, or have a VC installed that's failed open. Done both... abs. sucks as the weight distribution is 50/50 as near as dammit. Your mileage may vary, with say 40/60 on a 2WD.

I know what your saying a rear locker is not going to be ideal but its going to be an improvement over a standard diff.

Post by **HarryMann** » 08 Apr 2006, 11:00

Yes, certainly on flattish muddy fields, but as soon as any incline comes into play, the limitations are all too obvious...

Look at this field, behind this Motley crew...

Slight incline left to right where we stand, but more severe behind the camp at edge of field.
ScoobyDrew, the tall guy with the Billabong hat, Martin, big guy with the camo top, and then towards top right corner... 3 positions driving up the field from the left to the right. Its incline increases steadily.. and curves up to the far right edge a fair bit over last 10 yards or so...

Good firm grass field, after a drop of rain,
Without front drive, road tyres, no lock > About level behind where Scoobs is standing
Without front drive, road tyres, lock on > barely much difference
Without front drive, Machos, lock on > About level behind where Martin is standing
Without front drive, Machos, lock on, and a good run at it > nearly to the top edge, but losing traction and certianly couldn't creep right up to the fence
All 4 wheels, no lock > drive anywhere without a problem in this field