T4/t5 2.5tdi longevity ?

[DOUBLECAB]

Hi Guys..................me again with another question or two please?

Anybody know the expected Ks a serviced 2.5tdi will do before one can expect major works?

Oh ..nearly forgot............anybody know how effective the diff locks are on a T5?

[Transporter]

Even without the diff locks it's quite good in mud and on the beach. The limitation comes from not enough ground clearance and suspension travel. As far as the engine's longevity, the AXE and AXD engines have cast iron plasma coated cylinder bores that should last long time. I would be guessing with proper maintenance 500,000km +.

[4wheels]

Hi Doublecab.

A difflock (rear) is pretty handy in the sort of rutty off road conditions where you'll be lifting the odd wheel. It generally means you can tackle things steadily, rather than having to charge them. You probably won't use it much, but you'll be glad of it when you need it. They are a relatively cheap option if you're ordering new ($1200-$1300), but might be hard to find second hand. (I presume we're already talking about 4Motion vehicles here). If you are looking at used campers, I believe Trakka have fitted rear locks to all the 4motions they've built since I ordered mine in 2007, so that might be a place to start.

Brian
2007 Trakkadu 4Motion.

[Seano]

Never had a diff lock on the T4 and I've never noticed the lack of it.

Mainly because they are only really effective at low speed which in the T4 means you are typically off the turbo so you don't have much in the way of torque to make headway. They are most effective in T4's on smooth & slippery ground such as wet clay building sites and snowy/icy ground - in fact that's what it was designed for!! Places where both wheels are on the ground but the slippery surface means breaking traction is easy especially when engine speeds are up....and places that don't provide a physical barrier to progress like steep-ish rutted tracks.

So in the end......in the absence of one....you adopt a drive style to suit the conditions. Still I wouldn't turn one down if it was offered but the asking price from VW puts it into the very optional list from my perspective - prefer to spend the money on better suspension travel.