T4 - from Caravelle to Syncro Multivelle

[Marlow]

have you ever come across any info on the 16" t4 syncro vw produced ?

The Seikel 16" suspension was out before VW did any of this. When VW actually introduced their 16" chassis in and around 2000, there was no more ground clearance than before. The VW 16" chassis also included better brakes. It's standard on the TD red I (non-Syncro) and V6 (VR6 24V) (non-Syncro).

To get more ground clearance VW doesn't do anything different than Seikel. They use a plate under the spring to increase the ride height.

There's a list of springs, leaverage plates/spring plates etc. (in german) here: http://www.gaskutsche.de/neuefedern.php#vwfedern

The same page has a list of T4's and combinations of plates etc. with what ground clearance they have at the rear axle. This is measured from the center bolt to the wheel arch. With the Seikel suspension, I have 480 mm there currently on mine. And it was at 380 mm with the Eibach Pro lowering springs. This is with a bench and 2 captains chairs in the rear, otherwise unladen.

A lot of the german lads use the red-brown Doka springs (2t rated) to raise their T4's and ensure they have enough load rating for the camper setup, if they don't buy the Seikel suspension.

/M

[Marlow]

Here's a picture to compare a few springs.


The first spring is what was in my LWB T4 from factory. I'm not sure, what they are, as they are quite light.
The second spring is the Eibach Pro spring for the T4. It results in a 45mm lowering.
The third spring is marked white and out of a LWB T4 Syncro.
The fourth spring is the Eibach HA spring supplied by Seikel and specificly branded for Seikel.

/M

[Marlow]

Murphy's law has kicked in again.

When we changed the suspension, I realised, that my rear pads were wearing a bit thing. Luck wants it, that the flippin caliper on one side is ceased up. The other one isn't too good either. I guess 13 years and 430000 km didn't help.

I've got a spare caliper flying around, but that's not in a good shape either, so would only be an intermediate stop-gap.

Conclusion: I'm biting the bullet and I'm ordering a new brake system for the bus. VW had a select few of the Business vans fit with Mov'it 4-pot calipers. Turns out, that Mov'it actually makes both a 16" and a 17" brakesystem kit for the T4. So I've send away for a quote ont he 16" system, as 17" wheels might be a bit fragile offroad.

My plans are to use the 16"'s for mud terrains and 17"'s for all terrains.

/M

[dirty-syncro-lover]

Sounds good share the links when you find out !

[poshbuggers]

I'm interested in your conversion. Just picked up a very tidy Caravelle and would love to know how much work is involved in the Syncro swap.

I guess it's complete rear subframe, prop, exhaust, gearbox etc but any sheet metal need adding etc?

[Marlow]

I'm interested in your conversion. Just picked up a very tidy Caravelle and would love to know how much work is involved in the Syncro swap.

I guess it's complete rear subframe, prop, exhaust, gearbox etc but any sheet metal need adding etc?

NO subframe changes.

Gearbox, maybe oil sump, depending on year, hangers for the propshaft, toolbars for the diff. Everything else then just bolts on.

You have to take a few things into account though. You have to match the donor parts.

If your bus is from '96 or before, then you need parts from a vehicle '96 or before.
If your bus is from end '96 or later, then you need parts from a vehicle '96 or later.

Also, be aware, that you also need to check, if your vehicle has ABS or not and then get the parts from a vehicle that has the same spec.

Beyond that, it's a straight forward gearbox-swap and bolt on job. No subframe involved.

/M

[poshbuggers]

Thanks for that. Not as scary as a T3 for sure - but the donor age information is very important.

[Marlow]

Thanks for that. Not as scary as a T3 for sure - but the donor age information is very important.

Af for the oil sump. If it has an oil-level sensor, then it fits for the Syncro. If it doesn't then you most likely need a Syncro sump. There's a 3 mm difference, that prevent you from fitting the transferbox.

/M

[poshbuggers]

I'll be carrying out the conversion bit by bit.

In terms of suspension is it simply rear springs and shocks that are different a some change to the front torsion bars?

I have uprated springs and could wind it up easily to get things moving

[Marlow]

I'll be carrying out the conversion bit by bit.

In terms of suspension is it simply rear springs and shocks that are different a some change to the front torsion bars?

I have uprated springs and could wind it up easily to get things moving

The only suspension difference between a normal FWD T4 and a normal Syncro T4 is zilch, zero, nada, nothing. Well the Syncros have the uprated front anti-roll bar, which is slightly thicker. On FWD T4's you can have that, or you can have the one that is a tad softer.

However, if you want to lift the T4, then you need rear springs and shocks all round.

Oh, and you need the Syncro exhaust, too, as the FWD exhaust is routed in the center, where the propshaft goes. The standard torsion bars will lift about 40-50mm. If you need more, then you need to change them for the purple ones I think. I can look that up.

/M

[poshbuggers]

Please do