Re: Diff lock problem

[Mark Hilbush <markh@clark.net>]

> >Okay... here's the latest "problem" with the Syncro (a.ka. 4kq Avant).
> 
> >It will only go forward (or reverse) now if I have the center diff
> >locked (or the center and rear diffs locked). I can put it into gear,
> >but nothing happens. It just revs, and I hear a grinding/churning noise
> >from the rear (or the center?).
> 
> I think that one of your rear CV joints is dead, (perhaps both). When
> your differentials aren't locked they transfer the most torque to
> the fastest spinning axle. If a wheel has a broken CV that axle is
> disconected from the wheel; thus, encountering no resistance whatsoever,
> it will spin freely robbing the other 3 axles of all their torque.
> However, locking the center diff makes it into a solid connection,
> forcing it to transfer 50% torque to each front and rear axles, so now
> you would have a FWD car with 50% of its original power (and a broken
> rear axle spinning like mad with the other 50%!). Locking the rear might
> give you a 3WD car with 75% power :) Thus, you can drive your car with
> the locked diff(s). However, driving it like this will soon damage the
> rear diff. Please let me know if I was right.

If needed, I can point you to a 1986/7 4kq parts car that has (last time
I looked) an intact rear end and suspension (i.e. struts, half-shafts,
rear subframe, rear diff).  It's been sitting ever since some body parts
were removed to fix a poor rear-ended 4kq.  <grin>  Price might be very
reasonable.  Of course, the million dollar question is whether all this
will fit on a Synchro.  If it works, you'd get the 4kq rear suspension
as an added bene.

-- 
Mark Hilbush

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
        -- Albert Einstein