Steve, et al...The big problem of course it the square cut detent slots
and VW has used the same hub from the beginning of time, but as the vans
got heavier and the hp & torque increased the problem suddenly got worse.
The method of operation fo the slider/hub/shift fork is pretty much the
same in all trannys with just the minor design issues and the materials
they chose to use. The actual sliding during gear changes won't affect
the wear or stress but instead, the shock loading from more power ,
"rough" driving or constantly getting on/off the gas instead of being
smooth will take its toll. Just use a good quality synthetic oil and the
rest is up to the mechanical gods...Mind you I am not a metalurgical
engineer, just a tranny guy, but I see about 5 of these a week and got a
pretty good handle on what happens in the real world.
Daryl of AA Transaxle
Duvall, WA. (Seattle area)
(425) 788-4070
1-877-377-0773 (toll free)
aatransaxle.com (web site)