Date:         Fri, 16 Apr 1999 08:16:04 -0400
Reply-To:     dodge89 <pattip@IONSYS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         dodge89 <pattip@IONSYS.COM>
Subject:      Why automatic 86 vanagon's differential failed
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Since my request for information (below), I have received e-mails asking why
I thought the differential failed.

I bought this camper as-is, being told the transmission was no good.  The
auto seems OK but the diff gears are worn very thin.  The oil pan on the
bottom of the diff is rusty and has had rust holes brazed in a few places.
I assume previously the diff oil had seeped out through the porous rust
until it was driven with the diff empty and the hard surface destroyed on
the ring and pinion teeth.

I live near Toronto, Canada and because of road salt, it is not uncommon for
oil pans on older cars to rust through.  Hope this alleviates anybody's
fears that their diff may fail.

                                Larry
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Original message:

I have a 1986 Westy with the differential gears worn out.  The automatic is
still good.  I'd like to find a used transmission, perhaps with the
automatic worn out and bolt my automatic to that differential unit.

Does anyone know what years will bolt into a 1986?  I was told that the
differential section from '76-'91 would bolt in but the ratios might vary.
I'm sceptical that '76-'79 will fit but who knows?

I'd like to hear from anyone who has a transmission or differential section
that would work.

Larry
Thanks