Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 04:13:41 +0100
Reply-To: Per Lindgren <lindgre@ONLINE.NO>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Per Lindgren <lindgre@ONLINE.NO>
Subject: Re: [Audi-VW-Diesels] Re: For Sale: Volkswagen LT35 in SoCal
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Hi John et al. I do not know much about the LTs, but I have a few comments...
Blue Eyes wrote:
> From: Blue Eyes <lvlearn@MCI2000.com>
>
> The following interesting posting for a model LT35 VW Van brings to mind my
> continuing search for tougher rear wheel drive transmissions than any standard
> Vanagon manual boxes. I don't know much about older LT35 series vans other
> than the fact that they are larger, heavier, and mainly sold for commercial use
> outside the USA.
The old LT is approx. 200 cm wide and 480 cm long.
> More recently, the front wheel drive versions came fitted
> with larger displacement high torque low rpm turning motors than those fitted
> in the Eurovan.
Both the old and new LT series are rear wheel drive cars. The new LT shares its
body and interior with the Mercedes Sprinter, but according to the local MB truck
dealer, the VW LT uses a different suspension system than the MB, in addition to
VWs own engines.
> Hunting for the rare bird 2.8 liter 4 cylinder VW motor found
> in VW motor charts revealed that they were sold in the LT35 VW, and heavily
> used in commercial trade.
The 2,8 4-cyl TDI was not available in the old cars. They were only offered with 4
or 6 cylinder engines, the 6 is the same used in the Volvo D6 models.
> They seem to enjoy an excellent reputation for
> reliability. To give you an idea of build quality, the current LT35 TDI
> diesel has an all-gear valve train drive so there's no belt or chain to replace
> like batteries in a flashlight. Very classy. I have a photo of this motor's
> gear set, and it's just beautiful.
>
> For a person mainly interested in a rear wheel drive transmission from a parts
> donor, newer LT35 vans would be of no particular interest because they are
> front wheel drive models. But how about the older LT35 vans? Were they rear
> wheel drives fitted with a larger slower turning motor having LOTS more low end
> torque than Vanagons? If that describes them, it seems their transmissions
> would be rear wheel drive, high torque rated, and geared for a lower rpm range
> motor than any offered Vanagon transmission. That describes some of the
> characteristics those of us wanting to install direct injection TDI diesels
> into Vanagons want. Might older LT35 transmissions be excellent candidates for
> these TDI transplants?
With the old LTs being front engine / rear drive vans, the tranny rides up front
with the engine. Packing the TDI engine, tranny and rear axle into the latter end
of the Vanagon would be a shoehorn operation, IMHO.
Otherwise, one could always remove the front suspension of the Vanagon, and cut out
the floor between the front seats, and install a different front suspension,
together with the LT engine and tranny, and LT or other rear axle in the back. you
would have to custom make an engine box, fuel tank suspension mountings, the works.
>
>
> Lots of speculation here, but not enough information. Could anyone who KNOWS,
> please cast some light on this whole issue? Surely some of you who live
> outside the US where LT35 Vans were commonly sold are familiar with them.
> Thanks for your help.
> John
>
hope I have nligthnd you,
Per
