Club 80-90 Forums

hi wonder if anybody could help on a few bits recently bought a 89f rhd camper standard syncro,after always been brought up on landrovers love winding my dad up..buttt!
i think my vc"s on its way out all transmision gets real tight in sharp corners,
i have read various bits on the net but bit new to all this and the net so be gratefull for some honest advice
would i be better off getting a de coupler device or a new/replacement vc
i dont plan on doing much off roading in this one (going to save for another dont want to wreck interior in this). so wont need 4x4 much,
also want to go for the big foot ish look can i get bigish a/t m/t tyres for 17" merc ml wheels, and if so what sizes can i put on,
and was thinking about lifting the van what would be best way of aceaving this
sorry for all the questions but great site and seems some very knowledgeble people. thanks lee

How tight is tight ?

Put it into first gear, let it crawl along on idle and then turn into full lock.
If it manages the full circle without stalling, the viscous coupling should still be ok.

If it doesn't , then your first line of defence is to take out the propshaft.
Continued tightness in the drive will sooner or later kill your diffs.

Then you can think about getting either a new visco or a switchable 4WD (utislising your tight coupling).

For mostly road usage I'd go for the new visco, otherwise your Syncro is just 2WD and a bit pointless.
(and yes, a working permanent 4WD system DOES make a difference on the road)

What engine have you got?

Before you go done the "bigfoot" path, consider your engine power.
A TD will struggle on hills and on takeoff if the wheels get too big (never mind lifting and cutting that may have to be done)

Does this tightness occur after a long drive?

Are you Tyres all the same size and wear?

The VC can get a little stiff after a long drive, I only get minor scuffing on mine. If for some reason your tyres are a different size then it could be locking up the VC the whole time you drive rather than just when there is a difference in rotational speed.

As peasant says, if indeed your VC is "tight" the 1st and easiest port of call is to drop the prop (if its never been off, might be work soaking the bolts (8 close thread 13mm bolts) with some penetration fluid for a little before...

Have a good read of the http://wiki.80-90.co.uk under the syncro section if you haven't already...

Or here too:-

http://www.club80-90syncro.co.uk/Syncro ... es/vcs.htm


Don't over react to a tight VC, they can be tight when cold but very tight when hot is really the sign.. checkout what Jake said, tyre sizes and pressures etc...

17" wheels are usualy too large, why so much emphasis on ground clearance when they're already good? 15" wheels with All or Mud Terrains are just fine

hi cheers all for the advice
it does stall on a tight circle and really try"s to pull the wheel out of my hands.
it sounds tho be better replacing the vc
how much am i looking at ?
going to look at 16" wheels dont want to be cutting anything
whats the biggest tyres i can put on?
i also think im going to just put some spacers on to lift it anyone any advice on this..
last thing anybody know were i can get a semi high top roof new or used.
thought about a pop top but would like the permanent head hieght and storage does this make them drive a lot worse?
thanks again very much grate site for info and hopefully look forward to bumping into a few of you one day thanks lee

£400~£500 these days, Syncrospares or Syncro-Nutz will get you one

Don't know much about big tyres...

Any high top will limit cruising speed, as much by side-wind and handling as drag itself I imagine..

You can raise them a bit, but watch the shocker travel on full rebound

Mainly done for big stone steps and very deep ruts, but they will go most places without, accepting that the underrun shi

If you really want to go for big wheels, lookswise I'd go for big rubber - small rim rather than big rim-small rubber. Just looks better on a syncro.

When thinking about a lift, one important thing to consider is the angle of your cv joints. Get too steep an angle and they won't last very long.

Lastly, on tyre width ...unless you got power assisted steering don't go too wide otherwise you'll be cursing yourself every time you need to maneuvre into a tight spot.

Power-assisted steering - what's that

Something to take the fun out of driving off-road, that's what

Clive .... Power assisted steering is the stuff I have on both my Syncros and is also the contents of a box in my shed. I have a complete system up for grabs if any is interested!!

Mmmm... will talk to Jenny, think one of ours might benefit from it - haven't got a power assisted gearchange for a Syncro have you

Yeah I have ....... its called weetabix and take 4 in the mornings !!!!!!!