> ed
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date:    Mon, 5 Feb 2001 22:57:08 -0500
> From:    Jeff Birk
> Subject: Automatic Transmission alternatives..help
>
> So I've done all the checks on my AT and I believe the seal is gone between
> the final drive and AT; smelly, dark, overfilled AT and underfilled final
> drive (after replacing final drive fluid 1 yr ago)...and I'm wondering 'who
> around here can fix this thing?'.  I can remove the drivetrain, separate
> the engine from trans, maybe separate AT from final drive but then what?
> Do I have a shop rebuild it?  Will they want the van intact before working
> the trans?  Does anyone know of a reputable AT rebuilder?  I once owned a
> SAAB and it was going to cost me $3500 for a reman tranny...I traded it for
> something else but that's another story.
> I've read on the archives (search keeps timing out tonight) about AT's from
> Golfs or Jettas or Audis being of similar specs that could be used in the
> Vanagon application...anyone know the story here?  Any conversions out
> there?
>
>

I think I put a "funky" header on that last post so I'll repost with an addendum.
First I said that if a guy could RR a drive train he could replace his own seal
between the diff and tranny. But, I was not aware of the "funky jitter" shifting,
so the critter may need to be rebuilt/replaced.

BUT, if money is really tight I would replace the tranny fluid with clean fluid
and a new filter and drive it real quick (before it gets contaminated again) and
see if the tranny shifts right with clean juice. If so, then maybe just replace
the seal! If not, well you tried, go getchersef a new tranny. Or, maybe a low
mileage wrecking yard unit and install it yourself? Hey I thought you was worried
about the monie? Either you gots lots or you don't! Your options are myriad!

I would not spend 3500 on a new trannie unless it said Lamborgini on it.

mark...