Date:         Sun, 17 Sep 2006 23:42:57 -0500
Reply-To:     Budd Premack <bpremack@MN.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Budd Premack <bpremack@MN.RR.COM>
Subject:      86 Syncro - What Should I Do?
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I have an 86 Syncro (200K on the body) that must make room for my latest addition, a 91 GL.  After swapping engines (so that my 91 will get the freshly rebuilt 2.1), the Syncro will be available for a new owner.  It originally had a locking rear diff but has had a non-locker installed for the last 80K.  The Syncro was my daily driver for 7 years, and so has significant rust issues, but no body damage.

The issue is that the there is a rumbling from the Syncro transmission whenever it is under load.  (It quiets down when coasting or when the clutch is depressed.)  Since this happened over a year ago, the Syncro has been driven very sparingly.  I obtained a used Syncro transmission (non-locker) from a reputable shop via eBay awhile back, but never installed it.

Querry:  Should the replacement transmission be installed when the engine is switched or should I leave that up to the new owner?  Should I sell the replacement transmission separately?  Should I even bother to install the replacement engine?  (It needs head gaskets; should they be done or left for the new owner?)  All work will be done by a reputable mechanic.  He is inexpensive, but not free.

If there were no rust, it would be obvious to just repair the Syncro with the parts I have obtained, but that is not the case.

Opinions and ideas are solicited.

Budd Premack
91 GL, 90 Carat, 86 Syncro, 86 Weekender
Land of Sky-Blue Waters