Date:         Fri, 2 Feb 2001 09:40:37 -0800
Reply-To:     aatransaxle@JUNO.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daryl Christensen <aatransaxle@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Subaru Motors Wreck Trannies?--Vendor Commentary
Comments: To: Syncro@yahoogroups.com
Content-Type: text/plain

 As far as I can tell from watching my customers & their various insundry
problems here in the US (pacific NW)....a jerky and aggressive driver
will tear up a perfectly good trans with a higher powered engine...I have
seen quite a few Porsche & VW I-4 powered vans that are surviving quite
nicely...It all seems to hinge on the care & common sense
factor...Yes..stuff happens...that thoughtless speed shift or the " hell
yeah, I can make it up that hill" scenario...been there done that...
Under most normal driving conditions, they work well and will take that
occasional "oops" with out a complaint...
 There are beefier teeth on the replacement 3rd & 4th gear sets which may
help longevity for "those" who want to spend more money to make sure
thing stay together. As far as mainshafts & the other gear sets..you are
pretty much stuck with the stock stuff, which generally does an OK job.
 I had a core come back from the Yukon Territory and the trans had just
normal wear & the 3/4 problem after 150,000 Mi...He drives his Syncro on
nothing but rough dirt trails & logging roads to take people rafting &
bear watching & the like...He does however, treat his rig with
care...Loaded to the hilt with gear & people, but not being
aggressive....
my .02 worth
Daryl of AA Transaxle
Duvall, WA.(Seattle area)
(425) 788-4070
1-877-377-0773 toll free
http://www.aatransaxle.com (web site)
> Several have 20K+ miles on their conversions.
>
> We'll see what happens to mine.  I'm probably as much of a "lead
> foot" as anyone.  Consider it a test in progress.
>