According to ETKA, the ring/pinion ratio changed from a 4.57 (32/7) to a
4.33 (26/6) starting with the 86 model year. I doubt you will really
feel a difference. This may have been done to reduce noise or compensate
for the smaller diameter 205/70-14 they would be using with the Alloy
whhels.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Jim Huskins
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2004 5:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Transaxle differences: 1.9 vs 2.1

A reputable source with lots of VW transaxle experience tells me that
he thinks VW may have changed some gear ratios when they enlarged the
motor, but this person cannot remember for sure. Do any of you know if
this is true, and if so, exactly what those changes are?

More importantly, if such changes exist, would they adversely affect
swapping an '85 transaxle into an '89 van?

TIA

Jim Huskins
Spruce Pine, NC