The differentials in the front and rear of the Syncro are interchangeable. Valdes put Peloquin limited slip differentials inside the factory vacuum-actuated selectable lockers in both axles. He also swapped the factory 4.86 gears for lower 6.17 ring-and-pinions front and rear. In addition to the locking front and rear differentials, the DOKA is also fitted with a driveshaft decoupler for 2WD/4WD selection on the fly.

An incredible amount of work has gone into the interior of this truck, but the quality is so good that it looks factory to the uninitiated. The original, bare-bones DOKA dashboard has been replaced with a more plush Vanagon GL assembly, complete with knobs to activate the center differential driveshaft decoupler, as well as the front and rear lockers. The seats are also from a Eurovan, and the rear window is out of a Ford Ranger. Most DOKAs only have one rear door, but Valdes added a second rear door from a Tristar to his truck on the driver’s side.

Those seats though! Valdes swapped in late-model heated front seats from a Eurovan and had them covered in black leather and vintage 1974 VW camper bright yellow, black, and green plaid that has an uncanny resemblance to our Ultimate Adventure Summer Camp Jeep. For more comfort and legroom he swapped out the rear seat for a much more comfortable and safe Eurovan GL rear seat. Since the diesel Vanagon battery is in the rear rather than under the front seat, the underseat battery boxes were cut away to provide more legroom for rear passengers.

Tech Specs

1990 Volkswagen Syncro DOKA

Drivetrain

Engine:1.9L intercooled turbodiesel

Transmission:5-speed manual transaxle

Transfer Case:Volkswagen decoupler

Front Axle:Volkswagen with 6.17 gears, Peloquin limited slip, and selectable locker

Rear Axle:Volkswagen with 6.17 gears, Peloquin limited slip, and selectable locker

Suspension

Springs & Such:GoWesty 3-inch coil lift springs and Fox remote reservoir shocks (front and rear)

Tires & Wheels:30x9.5R15 Falken Wildpeaks on factory VW rims

Other Stuff:Fourth door added, Ford Ranger rear sliding window, VW Camper plaid/black leather interior, custom diamond-plate bed with sprung-hinged engine compartment door, removable rear side panels, Vanagon GL dash, heated Eurovan seats, power windows, power door locks, sliding sunroof