OFF_ROAD NOOB

[strmrdr81]

Quick question as I am relatively new to off-road. I just got 08 Treg V8 with air suspension. The only thing I didnt get was the Rear Diff (which i wanted) but unfortunately there were none left with them.

My question is will not having the Rear diff lock affect off-road performance? Will I be more likely to get stuck somewhere?

Is it possible to add the rear-diff aftermarket?

[Yeti]

Originally Posted by strmrdr81

Quick question as I am relatively new to off-road. I just got 08 Treg V8 with air suspension. The only thing I didnt get was the Rear Diff (which i wanted) but unfortunately there were none left with them.

My question is will not having the Rear diff lock affect off-road performance? Will I be more likely to get stuck somewhere?

Is it possible to add the rear-diff aftermarket?

It is not a necessary item imo. I don't have air or the rear locker and the the Treg is still quite capable. There were only a couple of Tregs on the Rally in CO this year that had rear lockers, the rest of us didn't and no one got stuck.

[strmrdr81]

Thanks for the info. I originally wanted that item but when I went to the dealer there were only like 5 V8's in the norther east and none had them. Going upstate this weekend Ill post some pictures soon from that trip.


I haven't upgraded anything yet but was thinking the first upgrade would be a set 18" wheels and new tires for off road as I've seen numerous postings that the 19" are not great for off-road use.

I've also notice quite a few people having issues with the OEM tires in the winter, regarding traction etc. Do you use snow/ice tires? A friend of mine can get a really good deal on the pirelli scorpion snow/ice. Just wondering if its worth the hassle.


__________________
08 Black V8, anthracite leather, bi-xenon, Air Suspension, Everything stock at the moment.

[Vegas Matt]

Go with 17's on there for an off-road setup. More sidewall, and tires are more readily available and cheaper.

I've seen many people post who are using winter-specific tires on their Touaregs. A number of others are using the Nokian WR SUV tires (an all-season tire with the "snowflake on the mountain" severe winter service approval.

Also, congrats on the new ride!!! You might want to post some pics, or some people around here are likely to get chafed...

Matt

[strmrdr81]

Thanks for the Info...

I have 2 pictures at the moment taking from my camera phone... I will take some today with a regular digi camera. Had to bring it back to the dealer cause there was a defect in the paint. They told me condensation got under the clear coat (looks like scratches to me though).

[strmrdr81]

I'll have a look at the 17's... can anyplace install them with the sensors for tire monitor?

[imorgan]

Welcome - nice looking Treg !!

[strmrdr81]

thanks I am excited to get out on a trip... Prior to the Touareg I had a Nissan Xterra. Before purchasing I was also considering the LR3 and Cayenne. but for the Money/Options plus looks the Touareg was the choice for me. Pretty happy with the choice. I'm gonna see if the RNS 510 navi is compatible.

[tiresbyweb]

Your Touareg looks awesome! Snow tires will give you the best avalible traction in the slush, ice and snow. Dedicated snow tires are always worth it, especially if you factor how much it would cost to fix your beautiful new ride. +1 for Nokian.

[Arkarch]

You should have no troubles.

As VegasMatt suggested... use 17's for wheels for the max sidewall, then find some large offroad-capable tires (Nitto, BFG AT KO's, etc,, you can find lots of threads here). That should get you up to 9.5" to 10" clearance. [Although again not required... several have run Colorado Rally with streets (29-30")]

The Rear-Diff can be useful.. but almost all trailing you may do wont require it. The Center-Lock takes care of most situations. There are a few instances where I have seen where Rear-Lock was extremely helpful ... but I dont have Rear-Diffs. Mostly for rock crawling - and a Touareg is not that. That said, my next one will have it - I like having all the tools in my toy box.

BTW, Rear-Diff was an "Order-Only" option for 2008. Not likely to find one on any dealer lot.