I removed my Syncro transmission in about 4h last weekend with nothing more
than hand tools and a small floor jack.

I did not unbolt the engine cross member (I4 TDI)

Hardest and most time consuming part was removing the bolts for the clutch
cylinder and the bolt for the starter.

If you are just lowering it to get access then removing the two front mounts
is all you need to do - of course you have to remove the skid plate and
unbolt the drive shaft....

David Marshall

Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada  V2J 6Z3

http://www.fastforward.ca    mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
Phone: (250) 992 7775        FAX: (250) 992 1160

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-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf Of
Cary Chiang
Sent: September 9, 2005 7:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Accessing Rear Brake Lines above Syncro Transmission

Hello Listees:
I need to replace one or more rear brake lines where they join
together directly above the nose of the transmission, directly
behind the rear crossmember.  I can't access the union without
dropping the front of the transmission at least several inches (or
more).  I've replaced 2WD trannies, but never one on a syncro.  I
would prefer to remove as little as possible.  I plan to do the
following:

Unbolt rear of driveshaft (mark it first).
Unbolt engine mount crossbar, lower very slightly with floor jack.
Support transmission with 2nd floor jack, remove two large mounting
bolts, lower as much as possible.  Leave halfshafts attached if
possible. Re-assemble in reverse

Is this plan of attack feasable?  Any warnings or suggestions?
Thanks in advance!

Cary