T5 4motion diff lock option

[thermosc]

Hi,
Just trying to decide if I need the factory fitted electonic rear diff lock in a t5 4 motion transporter. I will be using the van with dirtbikes and possible off roading for camping and dirt bike trips.
Im not totally convinced about the necessity of a EDL as from what I've read in this forum the 4 motion haldex system only drives to the rear at 40% so therefore if your stuck, is it possible to be spinning a single front wheel without any rear wheel motion? Does this mean the electronic rear diff lock would be useless?
thanks in advance.

[4wheels]

I thoroughly recommend the rear diff-lock. (BTW it is a hard core full mechanical lock, just with electric activation, rather than an 'electronic' lock which acts by braking the spinning wheel). In my day it was about $1200, which is pretty reasonable for that sort of thing. Serious old style off roaders will criticize T5's for lack of wheel travel (among other things), but the diff lock pretty much negates that problem. You won't use it much , but very welcome when you do need it, like on rutted uneven tracks where you will be lifting wheels.
I'm not sure about that 40% figure either. Maybe in ordinary driving, but I think the Haldex can lock up pretty completely in slippery conditions. Certainly traction has never let me down in mine. Ground clearance and under-body protection will be your main worries off road.
Brian
2007 Trakkadu 4Motion.

[JB's Dub]

The rear diff lock is a good thing. Im a 4WDer. I have sampled a transporter 4 motion at the VW off road track in Germany and I was shocked to see how far a T5 can get with the diff lock engaged. Yes, clearance is an issue but its cheap insurance off road!

[Murphenzo]

As an owner of a 4MOTION T5 that lifted and running on some big all terrains....but without the diff lock.....definitely get it. The ~$1500 it costs is a bargain. You won't need it the majority of the time, but it certainly will come in useful if you spend a bit of time off road. Have a bit of a read through some of the recent threads on here where a few of us have given a pretty good run down on how these things go off road.

Oh and you'll never find yourself in a situation where it will only spin the fronts. It's pretty quick about getting power to the rear when it's needed.

[Murphenzo]

Definitely tick the box for the factory 30mm raised rough road suspension while you're at it.

[Big Bug]

factory 30mm raised rough road suspension....

Are you sure it is 30mm. When I ordered mine last year no one could till me what the lift actually was so I didn't order it. Saw this on another forum.......Rough road suspension = not able to upgrade/lift...... You would have to try and see what VW say about that.

I did order the diff-lock as I had "diff-lock envy" with my T3 syncro as all my friends have diff-locks.

Bruce CQ

[Murphenzo]

Hmm. When I was looking at new ones last year I seem to recall the brochure said 20mm, but the dealer was telling me there was a 30mm option....and I'm sure I've seen that mentioned elsewhere. I test drove a 4MOTION dual cab with the rough road suspension and diff lock.....and my eye ball ruler reckons it would have been around 30mm higher than stock.

I've seen a few other fitted with the option and they kinda look around 30mm above stock.

[Big Bug]

I couldn't find anything written down that said a number and the dealer after inquiries with VW said it might be 20mm. I couldn't get anything definite so didn't tick the box. Good to know that it looks around the 30mm mark and would be a cheaper option to the Seikel upgrade.

[Murphenzo]

I'm happy with he Seikel gear in my car, but if I were buying a brand new T5, I'd be going the factory option. Maybe it'll sit 10-20mm lower than the Seikel gear would (Seikel is more like 50mm higher in the rear, 30mm front).....but that won't make much difference in the real world. Even then, once you have some all terrains on you'll have better ground clearance than an Amarok.

I was also pretty impressed with how well the T5 dual cab with the rough road suspension drove on road. Super smooth and well controlled.

[Syncrotek]

Requoted from another thread -

1BJ - * suspension / damping reinforced front and rear: This chassis is designed for use with bad roads (eg gravel).
The Multivan here gets stiffer springs and stiffer dampers. This, however, the Multivan is again compared to the standard
suspension 2cm higher and thus on the same level as a closed vehicle (Vans). /end quote

Mine's not a multivan but a LWB, and this suspension at 130,000 kms was shot, sagged, and rode terrible.
.

[bobf]

I had the factory rough road suspension option fitted, more like 10mm lift, on a good day. Again, the dealers didn't know and when I contacted VW tech dept they couldn't tell what lift to expect either, so took the punt, wasn't much impressed with either the lift or ride and have since opted for Lovells HD/Koni shocks on the rear ( gave me a net 20mm lift when fully loaded) but kept the factory coils on the front with Koni shocks for a much better ride. The RR shocks were Monroe's in disguise, the Konis are about twice as heavy and half as thick again if that means anything. Maybe they have a better option available now, mine was fitted 12/10.

[Murphenzo]

Hmm....bugger. Yeah you would have expected better than that.

[Heebee]

I have the factory suspension upgrade (2014 model). When I ordered it the statement was "up to 20mm ride height increase depending on model" or something similar. Aside from a height increase I was interested because it was stated as being tougher than the standard suspension. The dealers didn't have much info, my research suggested there was a difference in the way the shocks were mounted (more heavy duty mounting) or something. From memory it was $400 - $500 option, so much cheaper than an aftermarket suspension job.

I'd say a 20mm height increase is about right. I got under the car with a tape measure at one point, if I can remember right the lowest point on the van is the bottom of the suspension at around 180 - 190mm off the road (I think the factory is stated 165 for the multivan?). Let me know if you want me to measure or photo anything in particular and I'll post it here.

When I ordered the car I was living in a rural town and travelling long distances over dodgy outback roads, broken tarmac and potholes from mining traffic, so I thought it would be a good idea to get something beefier. Between ordering and receiving the car (7 months) I moved back to the city. It is fairly stiff but I don't consider it harsh and never thought about changing it, but I guess it is a personal opinion.

I also have the factory difflock. Haven't needed to use it yet but don't regret getting it. I don't think there is a simple or cheap way of fitting one later.

[bobf]

mine cost $800, plus $1200 for the diff lock. The option available now may well be different specs to my kit fitted 4 years ago.

I noticed that the guy who fitted my gear measured from the bottom lip of the rim to the bottom/centre of the wheel arch, so as to avoid tyre pressure differences etc. Might be a more accurate/consistent measure.

[Heebee]

Ok, so a bit off track from the original topic but maybe this info will help others.

2014 Multivan, 4motion, difflock, factory suspension upgrade. These measurements are with the van empty with a full tank of fuel, 17" alloys with 235/55/R17 wheels @ 40psi (last time I checked):

Front wheel - bottom lip of alloy to wheel arch = 700mm (470mm from centre of alloy to wheel arch)
Rear wheel - same as front
Clearance underneath at various low points:
Rear:
suspension arm - 200mm
diff/spare tyre carrier - 270mm
Front:
front suspension arm - 200mm
front exhaust component (cat?) - 220mm
structural rails either side of engine - 230mm

Attached are a couple of pics showing the front and rear suspension if you want to compare them with the standard. I'd be interested to know if the mounting is any different.

Cheers!