Date: Tue, 31 May 2005 15:39:20 -0400
Reply-To: terrapincampers@OPTONLINE.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jim King <terrapincampers@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Transmission advice needed 3-4 syncro hype? (Also higher gear)
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The pre 90 Vanagons have a relatively fragile 3-4 syncro hub.It is well documented, and not hype.
Here's the link that you referred to:
http://www.gowesty.com/3-4syncrohub.html
I figured the way mine was babied, I'd be safe past the 100k mark.
Even with synthetic oil, my 86 Syncro's went without ANY warning at just under 98k last summer... on the 2nd day of my 2 week vacation.
Change the oil, it can only help, and make a plan to get your van home if/when it does happen. At least then you will not be totally unprepared.
There has also been recent discussion regarding gearing changes, check the archives for details.
Jim King
86 Syncro Westy (Terapn)
----- Original Message -----
From: jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Date: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 2:39 pm
Subject: Re: Transmission advice needed 3-4 syncro hype? (Also higher gear)
> With most transmissions I have always known when they were on the
> way out
> with usually a few weeks notice. Not with the tran I just
> replaced. Two
> days after it started to kick out of 4th I picked up a new tran.
> On the way
> home I lost 3rd and 4th gear. Third went with a very strange howl
> noise and
> then a clunk that jerked the van. Made it home in 2nd.
> jimt
>
> On 5/31/05 11:44 AM, "Mark Cumnock" <kayakwesty@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
>
> > My westy 1984.5 with an ABA conversion shows 146000 on the
> odometer. I
> > think it may have the original tranny in it.
> >
> > It makes no noise; the stick shift does not jump. It is working
> perfect. I
> > changed the fluid less than 15000 miles ago it showed no metal etc.
> >
> > Do I need to replace it, or will it give me notice? I noticed on the
> > GoWesty site that they state it gives no notice, is this true,
> or is it
> > just a way to sell transmissions?
> >
> > My last question is a transmission with a higher gear make, does
> it better
> > on the interstate or does it make it an even worse hill climber?
> >
> > Once again thank you
> >
> > Mark
> >
> >
>