The Vanagon Syncro is an AWD vehicle that provides the sure-footed confidence of asphalt, even on gravel roads. It is a pleasure to drive on wet roads, in heavy winds, and snow. While most Syncro owners prefer to operate in AWD, it's nice to have the option to disconnect to 2WD if necessary. The decoupler kit enables you to disengage the front driveshaft by pulling a knob on the dash to disconnect the driveshaft and the Viscous Coupler (VC) from the transaxle. The decoupler is a safety device that allows the option to disconnect the drive to the front wheels.

An "AWD" vehicle requires all four tires to be the same size and maintained at approximately the same wear diameter. Driving the Syncro with different size tires will destroy the Viscous Coupler, which is very expensive. The decoupler allows you to prevent drivetrain damage in case of an emergency tire problem. Without a decoupler, you have to go under the van and unbolt (remove) the driveshaft.

Disconnecting the AWD system allows easier parking and a lighter, more nimble feel around town. It's also useful for other mechanical reasons while working on the van. The decoupler is a popular accessory that many Syncro owners swear by, even those who rarely drive in 2WD.

Some Syncro owners exchange the VC for a "solid shaft"; for use in soft sand and more hardcore off-road. For those vans which, are 4WD (not AWD), a decoupler is a required component.

Our decoupler is manufactured to the highest standards using quality components deserving to be inside your expensive Syncro transaxle. The shafts are centerless-ground, of high-Q stainless steel, for years of smooth shifts. The spline shaft coupler is made of 4140 steel to exacting tolerances, and extensive testing and monitor of hundreds of units for over 20 years have shown zero wear on the spline coupling.

The front bearing that supports the driveshaft flange is a higher grade ball bearing, "C2" being a tighter-tolerance specification than the other bearings in the transmission (and more expensive too). The rear bearing that fits over the nose of the pinion shaft is a composite power-transmission bushing. The composite bearing was chosen for several specific reasons. Its primary function is to allow the two shafts to rotate un-coupled, which is of low consequence as there is zero-load at this bearing. It's perhaps a more important duty is to accurately center the short decoupler shaft (which only 4 inches long) with the pinion shaft for more reliable and quicker shifts. The composite polymer bushing is superior to a needle bearing in this application. It has tighter tolerance on the short (4 inches!) output shaft can offer better prevention against driveline vibrations.

Contrast this with other decoupler designs with expensive high-torque engagement couplings and needle bearings for marketing purposes, yet shifted by a cheap laser-cut sheet steel shift fork. The expensive high-torque engagement coupling is an unnecessary expense because the tiny vacuum actuator can only shift when conditions are gentle (perfectly matched). There is no clashing of gears when coupling a Syncro, as proven by 20 years of sliding the spline coupler. What is needed to assist this tiny vacuum actuator is the perfect alignment of tight, accurate bearings by quality-machining. The Van Cafe decoupler is purpose-built, with quality in the right places, time-tested and worthy of the honor of installation on your Syncro transaxle.

This decoupler directly fits Syncros that have a rear differential lock function; thus, you already have the vacuum system. Your Syncro also has the dash panel, the LED display, bracket, wiring harness, and dash light, where you will be attaching your switch. The pull knob has a similar appearance to the OEM Diff lock knob. Your Syncro is ready and waiting for the decoupler!

If you look under the van, near the front of the transaxle, you will find the connectors for the decoupler, and in the dash area, you will find the wires for the dash light (on ALL syncros). This is explained in the 7-page detailed installation manual.

If your Syncro does NOT have the rear axle locker, you will have to buy the additional vacuum kit. If you need a solid shaft, please click here. Instructions to install the vacuum kit are in the decoupler install instructions.

Important - There is a $1500.00 core charge when purchasing this product to ensure that you return your old part. Your core must be returned within 90 days of purchase to receive credit for your core charge. Please include a copy of your original invoice with your core return. You'll need to return three pieces to get your full core return: the large end housing, the metal sleeve, and the 90-degree bracket that is used to protect the nipples during shipment.  We've included a heavy duty zip tie with your new decoupler - please zip tie the three pieces of your core return together before shipping it back to us.

Ref ID: Decoupler