Zoltan...No sure way to know what has gone on inside...
Looking at the drain plug magnet will tell a lot and just listening to hear
any bearing type noise while turning the flanges can tell you if the m/s or
pin bearings are really noisey. A perfect sounding & feeling trans out of
the car may still be bad, Its a crap shoot.

Shawn...The spider gears do make noise just turning them without oil and
with bell housing off. They are kinda like a VC..only work when the wheels
are turning at different speeds under load
Daryl
----- Original Message -----
From: "Zoltan" <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, April 09, 2005 6:57 PM
Subject: Testing transmission ...

Hi guys,
I was wondering if anyone of you know how to test a transmission that is out
of the car.  I am about to buy one and I would like to know what condition
it is in.  Is there a way to find out?  The seller is always inaccurate and
misleading some.
Even if I get one from a '91 unit it does not mean it is a low mileage one.
I would appreciate the help.
Zoltan