Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 12:03:35 EDT
Reply-To: Jwilli941@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Todd Hill <Jwilli941@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: 85 Westy transmission advice needed-reply
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Hello Cary,
<< Fourth gear on my vanagon is gone (acts like its
in neutral). I looked in the latest VW Trends magazine
to check out prices and availability. I saw Fast German
Auto,.......>>
Most of those places only sell rebuilds and do not actually
do the work themselves. If you want a good transaxle and
wish to mail order from a California co. then I'd try either
Rancho or Carter's Gearbox Shop as they both have good
reputations. As a general rule of thumb if the rebuilt is more
expensive it is usually of better quality. The parts required
to do the job correctly are not cheap unless you consider
$275 for the 3rd/4th hub, $240 for the syncros, $250 for 3rd
or 4th gear sets, and so on inexpensive.
>>I would also consider purchasing a used transmission
from a list member if the price is reasonable. <<
The price maybe reasonable but how many times do you
want to pull this transaxle? Bite the bullet and have it done
correctly the first time. I'm going to guess that the first
trans the Westy had lasted 13 years so I would assume that
you'd want the second one to last that long as well. Also,
since your orginal lasted that long and the used trans is of
the approx. same age then why would you think that it will
last longer or be in better condition than your old one?
>>Final question--does anyone know what a "metal
intermediary plate" is in regards to its usage in a rebuilt
transmission. A mechanic told me to make sure any
rebuilt transmission I buy has one, but none of the
transmission people I have talked to know what I am
talking about.<<
What he is refering to is a 40 thou. thick steel plate
that is sandwiched between the gear carrier housing
and the nose cone. This plate provides a hard thrust
surface for the mainshaft bearing and does not allow
it to move in the housing. This longitudinal movement
can break the teeth off of 3rd and 4th like shearing
sheep. I've opened a few Vanagon transaxles and
found the gears stripped and all of the teeth down
in the bottom of the gear oil.
Good Luck.
Todd Hill
VolksWerks Transaxles
Olympia, WA
