Date:         Tue, 18 Jul 2006 10:08:51 -0400
Reply-To:     dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: WWUD-Tranny issues or get an RV?
In-Reply-To:  <44BCD18D.9070307@verizon.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Vanagon Tranny shifting forks do not bend or even break. The only internal linkage that does fail is the 1-2 shift lever. Since the difficulty is limited to 4 th gear, my bet is the 3-4 slider hub is cracked or the 4th gear hub is cracked at the weld and is separating. Either way, It is tranny time.

I don't think you can get much of an RV for $2,000 down. Of course you could sell the Westy to free up more of a down payment. Depending on your planned use, an RV can be a great way to go. Especially if you have a family. I made the move back in 97 and am now on my third motor home. It can become a bad addiction. If you can, a Class A will tend to be more durable and have better weight and water capacity then a class C. Surprisingly, Class A's also get the same or better fuel economy at highway speeds. Class A's will often have larger generators and 2 air conditioners. one just does not cut it in 95F weather. They will often have the plumbing designed to be more suitable for winter use. When buying used, pay careful attention for water damage and chassis fatigue. They like to leak and often, the rear is supported by welded or bolted on frame extensions. RV's tend to be very reasonable to insure, and if being financed, the interest is deductible as a second home mortgauge. The down side is that they are thirsty for fuel and all those amenities reqiure maintenance.   


I still haven't parted with the Westy but the RV is more livable and enjoyable. 


Dennis

> 

> 

> William Alexander wrote:
> > 1987 Westy, beautiful (see it here:
> > http://www.homepage.mac.com/william_idzyn/vanagon ) condition -
> > exhibiting a shifting problem. It doesn't seem to be the infamous
> > sudden death - according to the local stealer (VW dealer) they think
> > the shifting forks are bent, and now that I drive it since they've
> > said that, it does feel a bit like that - shifting into third is
> > slightly difficult, shifting into fourth at first seems impossible,
> > but with patience and pressure fourth does happen - no grinding or
> > weird noises - just tough shifting and the nagging "I'll be 

> stuck any
> > minute" feeling.
> >
> > I love the westy, have had a ton of fun in her in the last two years
> > since I bought her, and haven't been shy about spending a couple
> > thousand dollars every year on little things here and there, but 

> this> is the first couple grand big thing I've encountered, and 

> I'm having
> > trouble pulling the trigger on a Go Westy or similar rebuilt tranny
> > for the van, especially when rust is strating to make holes in the
> > body, and based solely on a visual inspection - the kind of lift the
> > hood holding a beer and say "yep" visual inspection - the engine 

> will> be wanting some major attention some day in the not too 

> distants..>
> > The dilemma is this: dropping the $$ for the tranny switch this 

> summer> feels like commiting to more $$ for body work and paint 

> next summer
> > and an engine swap down the road - along with lots of other little
> > goodies I see it more as the first installment on a $8000 fix rather
> > than just this one job.. should I submit to this kind of 

> commitment on
> > the vanagon? Or should I take the $2000 and make it a 

> downpaymnent on
> > a Class C RV? I sure would enjoy all f those extra ameneties.. 

> shower,> bathroom, master bedroom... all in a similarly parkable 

> package... and
> > it's not my daily driver, it's just for liiving large while
> > vacationing...  but would I be selling my soul?
> >
> > Discuss... I need help here..
> >
> > William in Roanoke
> >
>