Club 80-90 Forums

In general how well do syncros perform in wet,mud,snow and ice?

Would you say there better than the average 4x4?
Are they better than land rover defenders?

My syncro doesnt have the prop fitted but i can still put the rear diff locks on, would the performance still be good in conditions such as snow and ice?

Now I'm sure some of the guys from Finland can probably answer this but here is my experience....

When I lived in Colorado I had a F0rd Expedition 4x4 with studded snow tyres. We'd drive up and down the i70 at 65mph in packed powder all winter long with no problems. It was great on the local back lanes in drifting powder, but in i did once come unstuck with a clearance issue where I ran aground on spring snow that packed under the chassis. That was a long dig out! Anyhow, three winters ago I got to really try my Syncro in some big snow on Exmoor. I think we must have had two weeks of subzero temps, I seem to remember -17 on one day with snow drifting to four or five feet in places. The Syncro, fitted with BFG's AT's, absolutely powered through the drifts and held the road like the Expedition. It felt totally competent, safe and really opened my eyes to its capabilities in winter weather. That said, I can't wait for snow this year!

this could get messy after yesterdays little session.



neil

axeman wrote:this could get messy after yesterdays little session.



neil

oh dear, I must missed that, I'm off then!

Here we go again....

with only rear drive and difflock on you may find yourself going sideways, not a good idea

get the VC tested and get it sorted if necessary, refit the prop and get it back into standard syncro spec and it is an extremely capable vehicle as noted, excellent in snow and icy conditions when driven with due care and understanding

Jenny imho you must go and see Clive, sooner rather than later, and come along to one of our events where you can learn what these vehicles can and can't do and some skills and techniques for getting the best out of them. We don't bite, apart from Alex obviously , we are all on your side and will help you to enjoy syncro ownership, but just engaging with us occasionally online won't really get you any closer to enjoying and having confidence in your bus and until you achieve that you'll continue in the state in which you are - the spring event is particularly aimed at new owners wanting to learn some skills and is likely to be within a couple of hours of where you live

We?went up to Newlands Corner in the snow last year with Neil and Ian for a bit of sledging. After we left Ian had to be pulled out by a Fiat Panda!

I'm so glad it wasn't me!

Sorry Ian.

I do not bite! well maybe just a little nibble..

ninja.turtle007 wrote:We?went up to Newlands Corner in the snow last year with Neil and Ian for a bit of sledging. After we left Ian had to be pulled out by a Fiat Panda!

I'm so glad it wasn't me!

Sorry Ian.

A 4x4 panda? Actually not totally rubbish I believe...

max and caddy wrote:

ninja.turtle007 wrote:We?went up to Newlands Corner in the snow last year with Neil and Ian for a bit of sledging. After we left Ian had to be pulled out by a Fiat Panda!

I'm so glad it wasn't me!

Sorry Ian.

A 4x4 panda? Actually not totally rubbish I believe...

Yes, I thought I would leave that bit out.

I think it's Roger that has one. It seemed very capable at Coney Farm.

Incredible for any fiat offering to be of any use!

max and caddy wrote:Incredible for any fiat offering to be of any use!

Italian and over 6 years old!

ninja.turtle007 wrote:We?went up to Newlands Corner in the snow last year with Neil and Ian for a bit of sledging. After we left Ian had to be pulled out by a Fiat Panda!

I'm so glad it wasn't me!

Sorry Ian.

Still one of the highlights of my short time in the club. Genius.

ghop99 wrote:Now I'm sure some of the guys from Finland can probably answer this but here is my experience....

When I lived in Colorado I had a F0rd Expedition 4x4 with studded snow tyres. We'd drive up and down the i70 at 65mph in packed powder all winter long with no problems. It was great on the local back lanes in drifting powder, but in i did once come unstuck with a clearance issue where I ran aground on spring snow that packed under the chassis. That was a long dig out! Anyhow, three winters ago I got to really try my Syncro in some big snow on Exmoor. I think we must have had two weeks of subzero temps, I seem to remember -17 on one day with snow drifting to four or five feet in places. The Syncro, fitted with BFG's AT's, absolutely powered through the drifts and held the road like the Expedition. It felt totally competent, safe and really opened my eyes to its capabilities in winter weather. That said, I can't wait for snow this year!

My syncro has Bfg's At's fitted. So hopefully that will help.

Yeh im really looking forward to the snow. Winter is my favourit time of year.