Just a thought.........

[..lee..]

best to have a weak spot thats cheap. ask Al, sure he`s glad its a cv`s all around rather than a new gearbox.

[KarlT]

This time!!

[silverbullet]

To the OP, take a look at some of the original syncro publicity shots that VW put out. There's a well-known one of a Tristar (or maybe its' a Jagdwagen? Can't remember right now) climbing a rocky trail and lifting a front wheel just like many of us have done in our wagons.

If well-serviced, mechanically and structurally sound and driven respectfully there's no reason why they can't still perform surprisingly well on or off-road. It's only when pushed to the limits on offroad playgrounds that the vehicle's limits are found.

The trouble is that quite a few are now basically expensive toys, not daily transport, so they only get playtime treatment...