T4 syncro question

[DOUBLECAB]

Ok Guys, firstly thanks for your no holds barred responses to my T4 auto trans question.

Now another question please..........." How many, if any probs and extra costs are there associated with the T4 SYNCROS?"

Thanks..............

[jets]

Well there is more stuff to go wrong, & probably not much support for when the viscous coupling for example wears out. You can guess how much VW will want for a new one.That said they are considered very reliable but like all mechanical things will wear out.
The system weighs around 100kg more than 2WD & uses more fuel, around an extra 0.5 lts/100km. In the rear diff. there is a freewheel device which I believe reduces wear on tyres & the transmission.
Tyres need to be kept at the same dias. so more care is needed in rotating & always buying 4 new tyres at a time.
My advice is if you don't think you would ever use the feature of AWD, I wouldn't buy one.

[DOUBLECAB]

Hi Jets.........notice you have a 2001 T4 TRAKKA Syncro 2.5TDI.............like to give me some insight as to your experience/usage/any probs/costs with that unit? How much off road can it handle for camping and fishing spots?

Thanks.........

[Seano]

I have the same vintage unit as Jets except mine is a double cab.

I second Jets comments but add a couple more - oil in the rear diff needs a change out every 80 to 100K but it is not a scheduled service item, the rear CV boots are all unique (and pricey) and only last about 120K.....and that's about it. These are the only points of maintenance that I've had to attend to in the last 160K.

I have read somewhere that the service life of the rear diff is something around 350K, rebuilding is complicated and a new one is $5 to $7K. However, I would treat all that as hearsay.

The syncro can handle a great deal of off road especially when the road is a bit grippy. I have experienced difficulty in sand due to hard tyres and missing torque but elsewhere......very impressive. The limitation off road is the suspension travel rather than the tractive ability of the syncro system.

[jets]

Hi Jets.........notice you have a 2001 T4 TRAKKA Syncro 2.5TDI.............like to give me some insight as to your experience/usage/any probs/costs with that unit? How much off road can it handle for camping and fishing spots?

Thanks.........

I haven't had very much experience with mine, particularly compared with Seano. I live on a small property breeding cattle & our drive to our house is quite steep, too steep if you are towing a heavy trailer. I live in a reasonably high rainfall & the paddocks can get pretty soggy in the winter. I have had a couple of Toyota 4WDs prior to this vehicle & they were more capable than the Syncro as you would expect, the much larger wheels & more aggresive tyres being the most significant.
I tried once to pull a neighbours Falcon ute. full of firewood once up a slippery slope & it wouldn't look at it. A small 4WD 20HP tractor did it with ease in reverse so I certainly know what the Syncro can't do.
Overall our Syncro does what I need it for & was able to get rid of our Toyota.

[DOUBLECAB]

Thanks once again Guys for your input.

[jets]

There is a thread over on the Brickyard where a guy has bought a high mileage T4 Syncro with presumably a VC that is worn out. He has priced a new one from VW.
Replacement viscous coupling for Syncro - The Brick-yard