What ratio 4th did you use?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gary Lee" <gary2a@TELUSPLANET.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2000 00:55
Subject: Regearing transmission

> >There is no reason to switch to these wheels because your 14 inch wheels
> >will mount as big a tire as you can use without regearing. Re gearing is
a
> >huge deal and costs many thousands of dollars.<
>
> Re-gearing is not a big deal (imho), especially if your gearbox is apart
> already.
> New/used  gears in just about any ratio are available from some of the
list
> transmission specialists. I paid about $145 a few months ago for a taller
> 4th for my syncro from Chris Weedle.  Well worth it.
> Drops the RPMs about 500 at highway speeds.  You are still well within the
> power band, I don't notice having to downshift more than before.
> No regrets at all.  I would not change the ring and pinion though, which
> would be the same as increasing tire diameter.  I just wanted to reduce
the
> RPMs on the highway, and thats what changing 4th does. Acceleration is the
> same.  Noise is reduced, and it may give better gas milage.
>
> Contrary to list opinion, I found that the vanagon gearbox, syncro and
2wd,
> are not difficult to rebuild.  Automatics from the 1990s are not any
easier.
>
> If I ever get another vanagon and have the gearbox out for a clutch job or
> whatever, I would throw in a taller 4th, replace the 3-4 slider and put in
> new syncro rings.  Should cost less than $300.
>
> Gary Lee
> Calgary, Canada