> looking to reduce the RPMs on my Vanagon while cruising at
> highway speed for
> a little better fuel economy and less wear on the engine. I know
> that there
> are 5spd trannys avail from south Africa, but I was curious if
> the synchro 5
> spd would work without all of the forward gearing on my normal GL. any
> suggestions?
>
> possibly rebuild the tranny so that it has a lower ratio running gear in
> 4th?

Yes. See my post today for a new VW trannie that does just that. Copied
below...

-----------------

I have just one unit available. It is a genuine Volkswagen (South Africa),
brand new, 4 speed manual trans for watercooled Vanagons (except Diesel and
Syncro).  Appears to be 456 gearing, which means slightly lower RPM's at
highway speeds compared to US spec models; in other words a good highway
cruiser trans.  Carries a 6 month/6000 mile warranty from the importer.

Price is $1550 plus shipping (which is likely to be $125-150 range since it
is heavy).  If you want it, call Customer Service and ask for Dan
(215-234-VWVW) or email me directly at ron@busdepot.com.  Since there is
only one unit I will not be putting it on the website or advertising it to
the general public.

These are scarcer than hens teeth.  I'd be keeping it for myself if I hadn't
already snagged one that came around last year.   (Unfortunately, the one I
got was standard gearing; wish I'd held out for the freeway cruiser :-)

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com