Wow, you guys are awesome.  I'll spend tomorrow night collating all the good
advice and post the results.

Jeanne

----- Original Message -----
From: Jeanne Maly <traveller57@CABLEONE.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2000 3:00 PM
Subject: Preparations for Rough Roads

> You may recall the thread on this topic last November.  I'm preparing for an 8
> month trip to South America in my '87 Syncro Westy.  Since no vanagon parts
are
> available in South America, it's necessary to treat this trip as though I were
> off-road for 8 months.  In my attempt to research how to do this, I came
across
> a Volkswagen publication describing preparations for rough roads which
included
> a spare parts list.  Unfortunately for me, it was pre-fuel injection and
> pre-syncro.  So, I'm attempting to settle on a list of parts - this being
> complicated by the fact that I am not even a shadetree mechanic.  I'm listing
> all the parts I think I need here.  If you see a glaring error - either by
> omission or because I'm including something unnecessary like diesel parts,
> please let me know.
>
> I'd appreciate any feedback.  This is a heck of an expensive list.  I don't
even
> have estimates of prices on everything because in some cases I don't even know
> what it is!  Duh.
>
> ENGINE
> Inserts for intake air cleaner
>  K&N Air Filter
> 2 engine oil filters
> Set of engine gaskets
> Gaskets for cylinder head cover
> Oil strainer cover
> 2 copper gaskets for oil drain plug
> 1 oil drain plug + washer
> 1 thermoswitch
> Tuneup kit, incl:
>  Spark plugs, caps, rotor (platinum = 2.75)
>  Spark plug wire
> 1 clutch plate, cable
> 1 float needle valve
> 1 accelerator cable
> 1 set of contact breaker points
> 1 distributor cap, rotor arm
> 2 vee belts
> exhaust mounting loops
> 1 ignition coil
>  Oddly shaped pieces coolant hoses and clips
> fuel hose and clips
>
> Front and rear axles
> 1 inner & 1 outer wheel bearing & 1 wheel bearing oil seal
>  front wheel bearing
>  front wheel seal
>  rear wheel bearing inner
>  rear wheel bearing outer
> Rubber boots for tie rod joints
> Rubber boots and steering ball joints with rings
> Ball joints with rings
> Grease nipples
>  Grease seal?
> 2 shock absorbers
> 2 coil springs
> Drive joint boots with fasteners
>  CV Boot Kit, front outer, Syncro
>
> 1 spring strut and rubber buffer
>
> Gearbox
> Front & rear bonded rubber
> 1 oil drain plug
>
> Brakes
> 2-3 sets of brake pads/linings for disc brakes
> Drum brakes (depending on distance to be covered)
> Brake hoses
> Brake lines
> 1 can of brake fluid
> Syncro Brake cables
>  Left
>  Right
>
> Electrical system
> TCI switch unit
> Electrical wiring
> Various connectors
> 1 set of vehicle bulbs
> 1 packet of fuses
> Headlamp lenses
>
> Other
> Assortment of nuts, bolts, washers, split pins
> Fuel filter
> Air filters
> Power steering belt
> Power steering fluid
> Ignition rotor (Same as coil?)
> O2 sensor
> Fan belts
>
>
> Need
> Rear Hatch Strut
> RTV Sealant
> Fix-a-flat, WD40
> Oil change bucket
> Locking lug nuts
> Baling wire
> Solderless connector kit
> Electrical & Duct Tape
> Axle grease
> Oil
> Coolant
> Spare lug nuts
> Transaxle drain plug
> Radial tubes in spares
>
> Jeanne
> '87 Syncro Westy