Date:         Sat, 11 Aug 2001 23:41:57 -0600
Reply-To:     Martin Jagersand <jag@CS.UALBERTA.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Martin Jagersand <jag@CS.UALBERTA.CA>
Subject:      Aircooled (DK) transmission advice.

Dear Listees,

I'm wondering if anyone else is running one of the early
Aircooled DK trannys with 1.9 Turbo Diesel or similar engine
conversions?

Right now I'm facing rebuild or replacement. Gor a cracked 3/4 slider
hub, and noisy main bearing.

Options seem to be:

1. Get a quality rebuilt box. AA transaxle seem to be a favorite choice
   among listees. I'm a bit worried that the DK won't last as long unless
   it's somehow upgraded. Daryl has made several tranny's for engine
   conversions, but they have all been of the later, stronger watercooled
   type (91/1), with the updated 3/4 hub. Daryl doesn't have an updated 3/4
   for the DK box. I could of course change to a 91/1 or 94 tranny, but
   the cost and trouble would be more than my whole engine conversion.

2. Try to get the DK tranny somehow improved in the rebuild:
   Called Chris Weddle. They claim to be able to do a stronger rebuild.
   He also said they are working on their own 3/4 hub improvment.

   Rancho Performance is big on the strengthened trannys for baja's and
   race bugs. Does anyone have experience with their bus trannys?

From what I have heard all three vendors (Rancho, AA, Weddle) do a good
job and have good customer relations. Do you listees agree?

Thanks,
Martin (with 82 Westy 1.9l TD conversion)