Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:48:17 -0800
Reply-To: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Transmission Gurus?
In-Reply-To: <BAY405-EAS265A458026F74BBE728090A07D0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Thank you, All. I was unsure of the availability of compatible systems
for a 5sp like in my 84..I guess I'll need to Google the Syncro lockers and
see how it is done there...If I could do that with little trouble and
expense when I have the case empty to rebuild....I would make my locker
controllable with a marine control cable..
I had 911 friction/clutch limited slips in my racecar...I think these
were rather simple and low tech, but I didn't have time to pay attention to
that detail when I was working that car...I do know that on a one minute
lap having a functional limited slip was worth about 3 seconds......a
rather significant difference.
.I had planned on AA Trans for the work but I am also now considering
German Trans in Bend, mainly because they are about half as far from my
location and said to do good work also.
On Sun, Nov 30, 2014 at 5:12 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:
> It is possible that you main transmission housing already has the casting
> bits to accept the factory locker as used on the Syncros. If so you just
> need the locking differential pieces and to have the machine work done. The
> factory set up used a vacuum operated actuator to lock and unlock the
> differential. When locked you do have a fully locked rear axle. No give at
> all. You can likely get most of the parts you need used.
>
> For the other limited slip options bring money. Personally before spending
> $1,500 plus the other rebuild costs I would start with a serious wheel and
> tire upgrade. Traction begins where the rubber meets the road or gravel or
> snow or whatever.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Don Hanson
> Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2014 11:38 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Transmission Gurus?
>
> I know little about transmissions so I'm asking for information from
> those who've learned already...
>
> How does the locker system work on a Vanagon transmission? How do
> limited slip differentials work? Can I have either one of these systems
> installed into my Vanagon 5sp manual transmission when I get it rebuilt?
> I know the Vanagon 5sp manual trans is fairly rare, so I doubt there is an
> "app" for a Limited slip differential or a locker already available, but
> I'm interested in having my current tranny modified, somehow, to produce
> more low traction drive..
>
> I am already planning on refurbishing my transmission when I return this
> spring from an extended winter trip to the Desert. I have owned and
> driven vehicles in the past with limited slip differentials and they are
> excellent, If cost is not too great, that would probably be the most
> convenient for my needs...A locking differential/rear end, that would also
> work just fine....I don't often find myself where I'm needing just a
> little bit more traction...I usually just get stopped by the actions of
> other vehicles and can't get moving again........If I had to, I could
> easily get out and go under the van, even, to lock the differential and go
> again....then release that when the hill or the sand wash was in my
> mirrors...I don't mind doing the locking hubs on my 4x4 pick up 4wd
> system...A limited slip might let me avoid getting stuck in the first
> place...but cost is also a factor and I see many of the traction rear ends
> are quite expensive before you even start the machine work to install
> them...
>
> Does anyone have any knowledge to share on what might be possible? I
> know having my current 5sp transmission rebuilt will probably be pretty
> expensive, but the 5sp is a very good transmission when combined with my
> 2.0 liter ABA hybrid inline motor. When I have this gearbox totally apart
> I'd really be keen on modifying it to somehow give me better drive, if it
> isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg. Ideas?
>
> Don Hanson
>
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