I found this 1986 Syncro Vanagon in the parking lot of a grocery store near me. I was able to talk to the owner, who owns a shop that does nothing but vanagon syncro convertions (The shop is Called Tom's Syncro Shop, Tom Lengyel). Here is what it has; 2.5l subaru engine, lifted (not sure how much), rock sliders, full underbody skid plate, Independent suspension front and rear, original transfer case but with redone gearing of 6.17 and a creeper gear of 37 to 1, Vacuum activated front and rear lockers, front seats only, bed in the back, and on the side an extendable awning. Can Single point lift anywhere on the body.

 

 

that makes me have dirty thoughts

holy skidplate

That's pretty cool.

Those are cool.  I wanted one for years, but they've become precious.  People want so much money for them now that, as far as I am concerned, they are no longer a good trail vehicle because of premium purchase price and the last USDM MY was 1991. 

 

That's why I went with a 2003 Chebby Astro AWD.  4.3LVortec V6, based on the 3/4 ton truck platform, shares the drivetrain with (Blazer, Jimmy, S-10, 1500, etc), factory rear LSD, tow-package, IFS, solid rear axle, direct bolt-in 4WD from aforementioned vehicles, suprisingly easy to work on, easy V8 swap if needed, safer...and about 1/5 the price or less of a comparable Syncro.  Of course with the Astro or Safari you want the 2003-2005 MYs.