Improve 2WD offroad performance?

[jhobson]

Initially I was planning on a syncro but someone very sensible convinced me I should stick to 2wd.
Still, I think I deserve a provisional place in the syncro club as I'm probably sinking ££ into my sensible purchase just as quickly. One day though, I may run out of things to fix, so can I get some of the advantages of syncro without actually buying one?
e.g.
Can I just bolt 15" steels with BFGs, for that syncro look, to my Atlantic which has been factory lowerd by 30mm? Do they fit in the spare wheel carrier under the front?
When I need to lose loads more cash, can I fit a diff lock to 2WD? Do you think it would help much (muddy lanes and fields, not serious off road)?

Maybe I should just go for this conversion: http://dvice.com/archives/2010/02/russian-strap-o.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mudlark]

Never listen to anyone sensible; they always end up compromising.

Look where its got you! dreaming about how you can make a syncro look and get 'not quite offroad' performance out of your compromised purchase.

Sell the 2wd immediately and do what you wanted to do in the first place and get the real thing; you wont be happy till you do.

[syncropaddy]

Can I just bolt 15" steels with BFGs, for that syncro look, to my Atlantic which has been factory lowerd by 30mm?

Do they fit in the spare wheel carrier under the front?

I assume you mean 215/75/15 BFG and Mefro 15" rims. If so, the answer is definitely no, not a chance. Your van is simply to low. A Syncro is 2" higher than a standard van and sometimes that size tyre fouls on them

No, too big. 195/14 I think is the largest size.

[..lee..]

we run 205/65/15 offroad tyres on my brothers 2wd with no problems. makes it look a bit capable but really it aint.

lee.

[andisnewsyncro]

we run 205/65/15 offroad tyres on my brothers 2wd with no problems. makes it look a bit capable but really it aint.

lee.

Thats an overall diameter of about 4.5cm less than 195R14 that sycropaddy suggested

It all depends on what you want from your van, Diff lock can I think, be fitted to a 2wd van, there was a thread about it not long ago but basically if you want a Syncro - get a Syncro; If you don't want or need the 4wd set up then it's another story altogether.
But if it's "the look" that you're after theres lots of info available on what wheels/tyres will fit etc.

[syncropaddy]

205/65/15 is almost the same rolling radius as the standard 185/14. What offroad tyres come in 205/65/15 size?

If you want the 'Syncro look' take the lowering kit off and sling it over the nearest hedge and get some height into it ....

[axeman]

was'nt andy simpson at syncropendence last year in a 2wd van with difflocks,

he may be worth talking to,

neil

[jed the spread]

I put the wheels off my syncro doka on my old 2wd camper (converted caravelle) and they fitted but rubbed like a good un. Ditch the 2 wd van, they are bland.

Jed

[Russel]

Or buy a bay they are better of road than a 2WD T3.
Russel

[Simon Baxter]

Get a diff lock fitted.
put some right tyres on it.
Shim the springs.

[jed the spread]

Syncro gear box
front diff
prop
front drive shafts
rest of the running gear
protection bars etc....

Or just get a syncro and have done with it. I was arguing with myself for nearly two years before I realised it was no good untill I bought one. Never looked back since

jed

[Hacksawbob]

think snow (mud) chains got my camper out of many a festival and campsite.

[jhobson]

Get a diff lock fitted.
put some right tyres on it.
Shim the springs.

Says the man currently getting most of my free capital.

[syncropaddy]

Get a diff lock fitted.
put some right tyres on it.
Shim the springs.

Says the man currently getting most of my free capital.

... but he's right ..... so is Jed ..... stop thinking ...... go do it ..... dont think about the money ....... no matter how much you have it isnt enough!

[peasant]

Do not mess up a good Atlantic and do not take it off-roading.
Do the Atlantic up nicely (lots of polishing and all that) and buy yourself a cheap, clapped out, disposable Suzuki or Lada Niva for playing in the dirt.

Sorted.