AM -see

[PDQSHIP@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-01-10 15:51:34 EST, you write:

>That magical device gives you all-wheel drive when you need it whether
> you know it or not. The first version I ever saw was in the AMC Eagle,
> but since then it's been used in lots of other vehicles from VW
> Vanagon Syncros and the Honda Civic Real-Time wagons to Chrysler
> mini-vans, Astro vans, and Range Rovers..."
>
>Hey... wait a minute! Are we bunch of surburban housewives (or future, 
>current, and/or ex-husbands)!?
>
>Sheesh -- talking about his first AWD he ever saw -- an AMC Eagle!! (Uh... 
>Joe-Bob? How's your AMC coming along??) I wonder how old this kid is!
>
>
Well, and I will say this very quietly, the significance of the AMC eagle is
this.....  It was THE first production CAR to use a viscous coupling center
differential developed by Harry Furgeson in 1969......   And later used by
just about every AWD auto except the audis..... The advantage of the viscous
coupling is that it is a shear type setup, not a clutch type set up......
 Which means that it is a lifetime part sealed coupling.....  And the v8 uses
a similar setup, cept electrically shear coupling vs mechanical......  The
shear "Putty" used in that firs AMC eagle has been perfected over the years,
and though the content of the putty is different, the concept was born to the
automobile right there with good 'ole billy-bobs Eagle......   Shhhhhh, now,
so no butane leaks.....


Sorry

Scott