The 5 speed diesel Vanagons are pretty rare in North America. As far as
I know, only sold in 1983 model year. I have seen maybe 5 including
mine.

Converting a 1982 4 speed diesel Vanagon to a 5 speed is somewhat
complicated. The 5 speed tranny is longer and the engine is mounted
farther back. The 5 speed tranny linkage is the water boxer style. There
are numerous other parts that are different.

In other words, they are rare and not all that easy to put in to an
originally 4 speed diesel though it is doable. They are much easier to
put into a waterboxer.

Here is a place that has offered them for sale in the past.

WEDDLE ENGINEERING
700 Becknell Road, Unit A
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 696-9665 Fax (805) 696-966

good luck,
Mark

Julianna Thoennes wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I have a neighbor with a diesel vanagon, that wants a lower gear.  I thought I would ask here to see if there is anyone that has, or can build one.  I will forward any information on to him.  By the way, he did his own cut and weld Vanagon Truck.
>
> Thanks for any suggestions in advance.
> Julianna
> 90 VW Vanagon Westfalia
> 76  VW Automatic Bay Westfalia