Date:         Thu, 1 Jun 2000 17:25:55 -0600
Reply-To:     Gary <glee@ULTRALINK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary <glee@ULTRALINK.COM>
Subject:      slipping out of 4th gear
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

Well, it looks like the transmission in my 1987 syncro westy (van has
160,000 kms or about 100,000 miles on it) is going to need a rebuild.  Since
last night it slips out of 4th gear while you are driving.  It is also easy
to pull it out while under load and not using the clutch.  1st, 2nd and 3rd
cannot be forced out of gear under load unless you use the clutch.  I have
checked the shift linkage and that appears okay.  Is this the famed 3rd -
4th hub failure?  Or something else?

I will have to do the rebuild myself, don't have the money to send it out
and get it fixed.
This van is my only transportation right now so I want to start gathering
all the parts and tools before I pull the transmission.  Maybe I'll buy a
cheap car to use in the interim.
My questions are:
- Is a syncro transmission more difficult or time consuming than the 2wd?
- What parts should I order and replace?  I heard that there is an
aftermarket 3 - 4 hub available.
-  I live in western Canada, where do I get parts.  Who sells this stuff?
-  What special tools should I order now, before I need them.  Where do I
order them?  Sizes?
-  Is the Bentley the only resource available for the syncro transmission?

I've invested a lot of time and money in this van so far, I guess I might as
well stick with it.

Thanks in advance

Gary