Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: ok.. last time for 84 auto trans into an 89 vanagon
From:Larry Alofs
Date:Tue, 23 Mar 2004 20:22:00 -0600

jesse johnson wrote:
> Seems that most people think the 84 1.9 ltr. trans will bolt right into
> an 89 2.1 ltr. vanagon...
> if anyone has done this on the list.. and know for sure.. please
> contact me... Chris put an 85 trans into 89 no problem.. so i would
> assume that a late 84 would be the same..
> not related.. my starter went bad today.. and when ordering.. i asked
> if there is a difference in part number for and 84 auto trans starter
> and an 89. and there is..
> but they also make a starter that will work for both.. hmmmm.
> any thoughts?
> thanks everyone...
> jesse
> 89 carat
>

Once upon a time I rebuilt the AT from my '84.  I bought an '84 core for
$100  just in case it had some parts I could use.  It came with the
final drive with a starter attached.  That starter laid under my bench
for about 7 years.  This past fall the starter on my '91 AT quit (short
cable from solenoid to starter corroded away; keep it greased volks).
   While that starter was gone for rebuilding I installed the starter
from the '84 and it worked OK.  As I recall it is about an inch shorter
than the newer model and probably has a little less power, but that's
probably more dependent on the condition of the brushes and commutator, etc.

Larry A.