Date:         Mon, 2 Mar 2009 14:58:41 -0800
Reply-To:     al sinclair <alvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         al sinclair <alvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      automatic transmission rebuild - can I do-it-myself?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Looking at the archives it seems that it's possible for a hobby-mechanic
like me to rebuild a Vanagon automatic tranny. Please tell me if I'm about
to make a huge blunder! I've got a spare tranny (it's an '81 van) that was
fairly noisy but still sort-of working when removed - shall I try rebuilding
it, and how long is it likely to take?  It's not a catastrophe if the
rebuild isn't successful, though I'd prefer to discover before changing
transmissions -- it would be a pita to take out what's working OK (but also
noisy, and slightly leaking) and replace it with my rebuild then find it
broken.

Are details for the tranny rebuild covered in Bentley, or anywhere else?
Are special tools needed?
What parts should I replace?  I'm assuming the basic mechanical parts are
all ok, and that only seals etc need replacement. Are kits of parts
available?
How about the differential? Does that get rebuilt at the same time, or does
it separate off when the tranny is dismantled?

Thanks for any clues
Al