Just throwing this out there but we have rebuilt automatic transmissions for
the Vanagon now for $1595 plus a core charge.  I would probably only want to
sell it to someone who could come and pick it up as shipping is difficult
and expensive.  However these are gone through very thoroughly by an
experienced transmission guy who replaces all the bearings and bushings,
along with all other wear items.  They come with a 12 month/12k mile
warranty that is honored at any Cottman transmission shop in the US.  I have
installed several of these and they always turn out nice.  They also have
rebuilt torque convertors.  Our shop is located in Millville, NJ 08332.  I
usually leave transmission rebuilds to the pros.  Call me silly but the
thought of pulling the transmission and putting it back in several times
just breaks my heart :-)

Just FYI,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
http://www.strictlyvwauctions.com
http://www.eurovan.org
http://www.vwcabrio.org
Phone: (856)-327-4936
Fax: (856)-327-2242 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Aaron
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 12:19 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Auto tranny questions

On Apr 26, 2006, at 5:29 PM, Edward Maglott wrote:

> how big around was this broken up plastic washer thingy?  My AT died, 
> and one piece that got destroyed was a nylon(I think) thrust washer,
> about an
> inch and a half in diameter.  The replacement part from the dealer
> was metal.
>
> Edward

That sounds like it. It was just sitting in the filter in around 15 pieces.
What is it's purpose? Does it need to be replaced and if so, can it be
replaced fairly easily?

I'm not sure that I want to try to repair this tranny if it's falling apart
internally. Of course, if $50 in pars and a few hours of my time could take
me another 2 years, I would rather do that that than overhaul the entire
tranny for much more.

Opinions and thoughts are still appreciated...

- Aaron