Date:         Thu, 1 Jun 2000 20:41:56 -0700
Reply-To:     Stuart <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Subject:      Re: slipping out of 4th gear
Comments: To: Gary <glee@ULTRALINK.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Gary,

Do a careful analysis to determine how much you will save with a DIY
rebuild if you don't have the tools or experience.  I'll bet you will be
very close to the cost of a pro rebuild when you add in the cost of
tools, the time it will take, the "ignorance factor", and lack of a
warranty, especially since you are in western Canada and reasonably
close to http://aatransaxle.com in Duvall, WA.  Either way, I'm sure
Daryl will be happy to consult with you.

The Syncro is more complicated, but certainly possible to do yourself.
You will need a press with a selection of lengths of pipe in various
diameters for use as pressing sleeve's, a bearing separator, a brass
drift, and a dial indicator for setting up the differential.  And, of
course, a clean place to work and lots of patience.  Several clean and
labeled bins for parts are essential too.

Be sure to refill with synthetic Red Line MT-90 when you are done, and
change it every 50,000 miles. You will probably get 50% or more mileage
out of the rebuild if you do this.  So far my 2WD rebuild has gone 20%
farther than my original (120,000 mi.), and is still fine.

I do my own MGB transmission rebuilds, they are simple, but I'd rather
pay a pro and get a warranty on the Vanagon transaxles since they are
more complex and expensive to rebuild, especially the syncro.

Have fun whatever you do, and good luck!

Stuart