I could go on and on about the Vanagon, which is a bit odd, since I’ve never owned one. It’s all business here, with that big steering wheel and industrial-grade gear shift. That’s probably why they decided to offer the Syncro. for VW T3 Bus OFF-Road and Outdoor Accessories for VW T3 … Very disconcerting. I love that van. All components are manufactured from the highest quality materials and machined to exacting tolerances. It’s a shame that the diesel was discontinued for the Vanagon. Durability? It was manufactured in Germany from 1979 until 1991. for VW T3 Bus OFF-Road and Outdoor Accessories for VW T3 … A big American van might have a smooth ride on the freeway, but the Vanagon’s supple legs come into their own once the road turns, or turns rough, or one turns off the road completely. For you non Vw guys , Yes our vans have “SYNCHROS” in the Transmission . It was, by far, the best van he ever drove. I can’t really compare it to the VW T3 in that regard, just because I have limited experience with the latter. BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 2WD . It is actually amusing that most of the “Syncro” vans have had the “Syncro” technology removed and are now operating as an On demand system like most conventional 4WD systems . You can modify it to be be better at one or another but the factory got the compromise pretty bang on. Just like a boat. Gowesty VW T25, T3 & Vanagon 2WD Suspension Lift Kit Bundle (Free Ball Joint Spacers & Decals) $ 640.14. Those absorbers are ideal for lovers of sportive but comfy driving experience. Geez, whoever comes up with names for VW should be fired. for VW T3 Bus OFF-Road and Outdoor Accessories for VW T3 Bus The VW T3 was a good workhorse, but it was outclassed by a fellow-German from 1977 onwards. I learned this week that Passat is german for trade winds. Ford Freestyle. Please accept cookies to help us improve this website Is this OK? Sometimes I have to turn around on a narrow road, often there is a lot of brush encroaching. See more ideas about vw vanagon, vw van, vw syncro. None of us want to remove our “Syncro” badges ,but honestly they are just 4WD Vanagons now . The 2.5 L Subaru has become very popular, because it fits under the stock engine lid and has such a significant boost in torque and power, as well as being a rugged engine, generally. . The steering is unassisted, but not really all that heavy, especially once the wheels start rolling just a bit. “inevitably many of the comments (or even the text) will be utterly predictable: it’s so slow…underpowered…unreliable…couldn’t compete with American minivans…it’s so slow…underpowered… Ok; I get it. When these debuted, I thought the Vanagon name was so stupid, that I just refused to like them. It’s not easy to justify to my friends why we drive this vehicle. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wooriegi/7052610561/in/set-72157610911117470. We’ve had numerous Vanagon posts here at CC over the past few years by other authors, and inevitably many of the comments (or even the text) will be utterly predictable: it’s so slow…underpowered…unreliable…couldn’t compete with American minivans…it’s so slow…underpowered... Ok; I get it. This one with a Subaru six was being offered for $70k. I admit it is not for everyone and that is a good thing too. I wonder if an Alaskan type camper on a 4wd Toyota truck would be more useful for what I want. Jan 7, 2017 - Explore Live Work Wander's board "Vanagon 2WD", followed by 496 people on Pinterest. ... VW T3 2WD Suspension Springs Kit Eibach 30 mm... €319.00 * Ready to ship today, Delivery time appr. - Powered by. But parts are a bit harder to come by and there is less living space inside. How I lusted after one back in the day…. Yeah, what can I say, I love my syncro and it does what I want it to do. I easily lost traction in the 2wd vanagon good snow tires were mandatory in the white stuff. That was neat too, but a bit big on the outside and hideously expensive. He was in a newish Cadillac SUV, but the clients were driving their beater Vanagon Westfalia Diesel VW, with British Columbia license plates. http://shufti.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/img_2734.jpg, the pic from last month’s trip (exploring the Klanawa river watershed on the west of Vancouver island). This set VW T3 high performance shock absorbers is proven quality by Bilstein and fits the 2WD (rear). While I’ve never owned or driven a VW Vanagon, I have ridden as a passenger in an 80s rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Vanagon, and while I agree that it is different from the American minivans by Chrysler (Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, etc. It is a daily driver and is a hobby. My folks ended up buying a slightly-used 1991 Fiat Ducato 4WD Camper (4WD also by Steyr-Puch, incidentally). But the Syncros are in a league of their own. Modestly Stiffer & Slightly Taller than Stock moderately stiffer but designed to meet VW specs for vehicle ride height, alignment and shock valving. It just did everything better. GoWesty-designed progressive suspension lift kit for your 2WD T3/T25/Vanagon. Various conversions are done to the engine. Single tires at the back, but sometimes with the heavy-duty rear axle with dual tires. Great article as always. I am not sure you can use the words, “durability” and “VW Van” in the same sentence, JP. I still think Vanagon is the dumbest name ever, except for maybe Routan or Toaureg or how ever the hell you spell that. Yes, it’s not perfect; but it has a number of qualities that are unique, which convincingly convey greatness upon it. Well, the Vanagon really wasn’t a minivan; it was a European full size van, the equivalent of our Econolines and such, despite being less than 180″ long. The Volkswagen Type 2 T3 is the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter named the Transporter or Caravelle in Europe, Microbus in South Africa, T25 in England and Ireland, and Vanagon in North and South America. Which makes it eminently suitable for a long life, in the right hands. Consistent with the Vanagon’s seemingly infinite upgrade-ability, aftermarket power steering is available. I remember saying to my friend, “Dave, this van handles almost like a sports car! The VW T3 was a good workhorse, but it was outclassed by a fellow-German from 1977 onwards. No doubt roomier and more capable than US vans but so are most things including the very expensive Benz mentioned above. I’ve crawled in and out of Highlanders (barely made it), Traverses, Pacificas, and more since then, and only the Ford FLEX (gag on name again) trumps it for solid three row access. VW T3 2WD Radflo Shock System Like all Burley Motorsports products, their Radflo shock absorbers are deliberately overbuilt. And which is of course the important first step in a well-suspended vehicle. Speaking of engines, that is obviously the Vanagon’s weakest link. Of course, the optional front differential locker (which this one seems to lack) is desirable in these extreme terrain situations, but then this isn’t exactly the kind of use most Vanagons will ever see. :o), Your email address will not be published. But the added crash protection is a big plus. That second clip shows up a lack of the drivers ability rather than the lack of a locking axle and in real off road conditions a Mitsubishi L300 van can always be called on for a tow, those really will go places Jeeps fear to tread unless extensively modified. Alistair. Kia does not offer a Pongyang. My old 72 westy, with its torsion bar suspension was more compliant on rough trials, better traction compared to my 2wd 82 vanagon westy. But it couldn’t wait, so blame yourself for its deficiencies . The compact size of the syncro is a plus on many of the logging roads I go on. VW Spring is coming! Actually, come to think of it, a somewhat eccentric friend years back in San Diego acquired one of these Vanagon Westfalia Syncros. We all like to gripe about the tsunami of alpha-numeric model designations (240D, 740i, XR4Ti, etc) but the counter argument is the never ending stream of stupid model names from Volkswagen. Vanagon are now inevitably in the hands of its lovers; anyone who bought one naively decades ago and moaned about the performance or lack of power amenities or reliability and wished they’d bought a Caravan has long passed it on to more appreciative hands. As can its driver. Diesel may not be for everyone, but if you want good fuel economy, I would think there’d be nothing better. I am from South Africa and don’t have all the options you have. They were called the T25 all through their life, and VW only decided to use T1, T2, and R3 as retronyms after the T4 was introduced…. The Ultimate spring and suspension set ups for your VW T3/ T25 2WD or Syncro . Reviews of the Vanagon back in its day consistently raved about its stellar handling and ride, unlike any other van, full-sized one or minivan. Getting into the back of a Vanagon through its giant sliding door is more like walking into a genuine bus than clambering into a glorified station wagon. (there was also a 4×4 BTW), These were great vans, but at least a class bigger (or two) than the Type 3. That’s  a picture of CC reader Alistair somewhere in the back woods of British Columbia with his Syncro Westy. Not original at all. The VW inline gas engine is the easiest swap by far, but its power curve is not ideal, especially for a Syncro. I guess these are the fuel injected models. i’ve never been in one but i’d love to try it out. It also had a 2.4 liter diesel engine with perfect gearing for towing jobs. Accessories: Offroad / Campinng / Special Parts / Adhesives and Sealants for VW T3 Bus Specialties: Cruise Control / Rear Light / Mirror / Roof Rack etc. Jul 8, 2020 - Explore laminatemarket's board "Volk transporter T3", followed by 118 people on Pinterest. Paul, I don’t think VW sold any syncros with front lockers in the US. In 2005 it was the best 7 seat wagon I could find that got reasonable gas mileage. Fuel Facility for Diesel VW T3 Bus; Fuel Facility for Petrol / Gasoline VW T3 Bus; Tank and Components for VW T3 Bus. My dad and me once test-drove one of those, and that was pretty impressive. More typical might be in the low-mid  twenties and up, depending on equipment and condition. Learn how your comment data is processed. I couldn’t tell you jack about VW’s, other than the fact that they were omnipresent all over SoCal, but while looking at a townhome for sale yesterday in the Palm Springs area, there “arose such a clatter” out in the driveway, which turned out to be another realtor arriving with his clients to show the place. I compare owning a vanagon westy, and especially a syncro to owning a small boat. So, I’d have to pass on these as too slow, expensive, difficult parts and service, etc. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=156366&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0, http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=498427&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0. It’s quite an experience to consciously buy a vehicle where you are embarrassed by the name. Home; Shop; Services . And if I was a bit younger and less spoiled by the space and bathroom of our Dodge  Chinook, it’s what we’d be using for our backwoods haunts. That being said, all VW vans and busses have relatively high ground clearance in their stock configurations. Eliminate the sag Schwenk Springs for all 2wd and syncro campers, vans, Dokas and singlecabs I rode with him on a few deliveries, and he let me get behind the wheel once or twice. Still have the 2.1 wassrboxer engine in it. I was, what, 12? I can do a cheap one, since I need neither the Westy package nor the Synchro. My son’s scoutmaster toted a group of hyperactive younguns all over Texas in one of these. Das erste und bis jetzt einzige Gewindefahrwerk für den T3 mit TÜV-Teilegutachten! I guess there is something to be said for the alpha-numeric names after all. More information 30% harder as original absorbers ideal... €299.00 *. But it still is semi-hippie, happy campers, REM’s Shiny Happy People, the B52’s Love Shack, beer drinkers ‘n pot smokers, peace signs all over the van. considering the Mercedes T1: those are pretty great. BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 2WD . One thought is that they worried about misuse/liability. Suspension Lift Kit for all T25 Type25 T3 Vanagon 2 Wheel Drive Models. Larger joints can be fitted which allows more travel and allows you to raise the van without damagingt the joints. With a box, obviously. It also had a 2.4 liter diesel engine with perfect gearing for towing jobs. That’s why there’s more weight up front than the older transporters, and not as good rear drive traction. Pretty often I see an emblem on the back of an old Volkswagen Golf with 2 rabbits mating. Or fired and shot. Anyway, when it comes to sheer “Teutonic virtues” both VW models were outclassed by the Mercedes models. FIAT DUCATO-CITROEN JUMPER -PEUGEOT BOXER, KONI KONI adjustable front suspension for VW T3 2WD, KONI KONI adjustable rear suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 rear suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B3 front spring for VW T3, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B3 rear spring for VW T3. I was comparing it to typical American vans, which really don’t have a comparable suspension. Hansen Motorsport Gewindefahrwerk für den VW Bus T3 2WD in Action. But a really stellar box: Tall, straight, solid, rigid, superbly space efficient, and with nice big windows to boot. All Hail the Vanagon! Was it slow? All manner of power plants have found their way in one, but the three most common and logical choices have boiled down to the VW inline four, either in gas or diesel versions, and the Subaru flat four. But the Vanagon, even completely unloaded, felt reassuringly stable in a way I’d only experienced in passenger cars — and some of the more expensive passenger cars, at that. Yeah, procrastination is no stranger to me. Copyright 2011 - 2021 Curbside Classics. And the fuel economy of a diesel and the all-wheel drive traction of Syncro, there’s the ultimate in off-road vanning. (“Oh Lord, won’t you buy me….”, speaking of hippies), Oh, I agree the Mercedes is a great van and very tough and durable. A lot of these Mercedes TN/T1 models from the eighties are still on the road, doing their daily jobs. Produktinformationen: VW T3 silencer system complete incl. I miss mine daily. But, it’s a price one pays for fuel economy and longevity. I have very limited experience with these — and with all VWs for that matter — but I did have a friend who worked delivering parts for a VW/BMW dealership in the ’80s, and a dark blue one of these (probably 2WD) was their cargo van. The Vanagon is again unbeatable in that regard. But you don’t. The name of the Technology which makes them an awesome 4 wheel drive system is called “Syncro” . The new Explorer is pretty cramped by comparison. That was a rarity (IMO) for any VW van. Thanks for the article. Two Volkswagens In the videos of those syncros off road, the suspension seems to have a pretty decent amount of travel. What better starting point from which to build the ultimate multipurpose vehicle. We also test drove a Westfalia conversion (sold through MB dealers; they called it “James Cook” with decals to match). One sits very tall in the high quality seats, has superb visibility, and one feels very much like at the helm of a bus. Though why the Rabbit was bigger than the Fox is a good question. But the increasingly popular solution is to re-engine the Vanagon, and the options are extensive. Gearbox Rebuild. And that was the Mercedes TN (built from 1977 to 1995). My brother has had one for many years, one of the rare one-year US diesels, which he’s upgraded to a turbo diesel and to run on veggie oil. The seats in the Vanagon are kitchen chair height, as well as very comfortable. Service hotline. And remember, even the newest one ( not counting the South African production) is 22 years old. And it drove like a dream. I remember riding in it once, thinking how slow and underpowered it was. i’ve seen a couple of good examples living on the street of the east village in nyc: this one is a beautiful synchro with round headlights: (T2 gasoline and T3 diesel), two Mercedes vans and two Ford vans. Within the first day of our 10 day trip, we could not find one reason to spend 5 times more. Size-wise, somewhere between the VW offerings and the Mercedes; quality-wise, well…. You need to keep on top of the maintenance and fix the little things. My next-door neighbor actually has a Westfalia synchro; it’s pretty ratty though, and the thing is that most of the synchro parts have been taken off by a previous owner, so now it’s only a 2WD with high ground clearance. Most comfortable car I’ve ever had. I just think that from a practical standpoint, the VW is probably a better fit (if not by much) for most people. for VW T3 Bus OFF-Road and Outdoor Accessories for VW T3 … And it turns out that VW made my dream vehicle, to a T, even if I didn’t pursue it just then. Also the temptation to compare to hard core off road vehicles is there when folk modify the syncro. I just wish the ones around here were not always that brown and beige two tone. Well, and those high prices, of course. I had a chance to ride in one again just recently, and all my impressions formed in the past were reinforced: the solid body, the excellent ride, the superb view, the firm but comfortable seats, despite being thirty years old. The first models (1979-1982) were still air-cooled (like the T1 and T2) but from 1982 … There are just two aspects that have kept me from really wanting one so far: the thought of hitting something head-on without any crumple zone at all, and the fact that they always, always seem to rust at those vertical seams between the body panels. . But size-wise, I’d say that they’re in a different league; great for camping, but a bit too big as a daily driver (alhough my aunt used hers that way for years). VW T3 repair sheet metal side panel behind left WBX . When Toyota introduced their van here, they called it the Vanwagon. Syncro Special Parts for VW T3 Bus Accessories: Offroad / Campinng / Special Parts / Adhesives and Sealants for VW T3 Bus Specialties: Cruise Control / Rear Light / Mirror / Roof Rack etc. Gowesty VW T25, T3 & Vanagon 2WD Suspension Lift Kit Bundle (Free Ball Joint Spacers & Decals) $ 644.68 Read more; VW T25/T3/Vanagon T4 Rear Lower And Upper Spring Seat Set *4* $ 116.64 Add to cart; Koni Adjustable Twin-Tube Shock Absorbers – Rear $ 306.98 Add to cart; Koni Adjustable Twin-Tube Shock Absorbers – Front $ 276.28 Add to cart As we say here, “the sun rises for free”. It, too, was kind of a beater, and not being any kind of a camper, I couldn’t for the life of me understand why he wanted this thing. The VW T3 is a good commercial verhicle, no doubt. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wooriegi/8015451166/in/set-72157610911117470, this one is a nice looking and well used westfalia: For sure there are no affordable and capable 4wd camper vans around. There was one that really stood out. Which of course explains why it made such a superb compact camper, in the form of the Westfalia conversion (or others). there were 4 of us plus 2 large dogs. My experience with these is minimal, but I have to say the idea of a solidly built van has definite appeal. It was better built, more durable and more heavy-duty overall than any other van he drove in the past 40 years. All Rights Reserved. But, with my allergies, I’d have to buy a trailer with AC and a shower to even consider camping (if you can still call it camping). I hate the term T3 for these….. It all depends on the depreciation whether a vehicle is expensive (to buy). There is a cool factor to the camper. In the days of the VW T3 the scrap metal dealers drove Hanomag-Henschels (and the later Mercedes editions, I’m sure you remember them) and the hippies drove a, well…., VW T2 Designed for hwy and rough road travel. And God as my witness, I still OWN one. brought a tent along so the lads could sleep outside if they wanted, and that night they pitched the tent in front of the van. Know what I mean ? This entry was posted in campervanculture.com and tagged mods, t25, t3, upgrades, vanagon, vw, westfalia on October 10, 2016 by Daniel. These vans and light trucks were basically fool- and abuse proof. I hate do this but I have to argue your point on the long spring travel and traction of the vanagon. They added more front crash protection to the Vanagon by installing hidden crash bars around the cab. I did do a head job this last spring, not expecting much more from the old motor, just wanted one more year from it so I can make up my mind wether I put in the subi 2.5 I have taking up space in workshop or go for a 2.0 inline 4 VW motor ( yeah, I know, less horses but I had an 1.8 inline 4 in my old 82 westy for 14 trouble free years). Hersteller: Volkswagen Original. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. You were the one to write this post! It became my dream escape vehicle; the optimum device with which to drop out and roam and explore all corners of the world in a fantasy trip. A TDI four is substantially more complicated because of its electronic engine controls and other aspects, but is very sought after for those looking for maximum efficiency, as well as a fat torque curve. $ 605.10 ARB Flip Flops Size UK Size - 7 to 8 $ 36.30 VW T25 T3 Vanagon Hi-Lift Style Jack Adaptor For Factory Jacking Points $ 36.30 Where to start? try to rewrite history.. Rather like Orwell’s ‘Ministry of Truth’. (In the late seventies VW couldn’t offer a diesel at all), It’s a cliché folks, but the Mercedes TN really was the van-counterpart of the W123 and W124 diesel. Neither T2s or T3s are 4wd vehicles (excepting T3 syncros), so their ability to move over rugged or slippery terrain will be limited compared to something like a Jeep or 4wd pickup truck.

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