The 4th gear splitting is a fairly common problem. FUN BUS had it happen
twice. The replacement was a new gear, from the delaer and it split again in
less than 40K miles. Why is still a mystery. Especially since the 2nd one
now has about 100K on it.

All those mysteries.

Dennis

>From: Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@HOTMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@HOTMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: AATransaxle .. Daryl
>Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2007 10:47:00 -0600
>
>Just shy of 2 weeks ago I was driving home in my van and it wouldn't shift
>from 4th down to 3rd, or into any other gear. Had it towed to "the shop"
>(Utah Imports on South State Street in Salt Lake City). They diagnosed it
>as a seized 4th gear bearing. I had called Daryl (it is a tranny I got from
>him 3+ years ago) and he said "I'll send them a box and have them ship it
>to me. I'll make this right for you and the shop".
>
>Yesterday, Daryl let me know that the tranny is on the way back to the
>shop, likely will be there by Tuesday. He said that 4th gear had "split in
>two", a rare but sometime occurance. Nothing surprises me with these 20+
>year-old vans. So I'll have my van back in time for a trip I'm planning for
>early Sept.
>
>On this and other lists we see posts about lousy vendors, people who have
>no spine, don't mean it when they say "guaranteed" or "warranted", and
>Daryl is so much the opposite of that. His personal and business ethic is
>laudable and a real relief. He's a good example for me of how to conduct
>all my affairs, professional and personal. He stands behind his word. One
>of the things he said is that the shop I use is a really good shop, that
>the guys there know what they're doing. They had diagnosed almost precisely
>what was happening without even being inside the tranny. They DO know their
>stuff. They have been doing it as long as Daryl has, since 1959. I'll have
>to pass that on to them when I pick the van up next week. They'll be adding
>a new LUK heavy duty clutch I got from Bus Depot as well. All I can say is
>that it's nice to know my business, my van and I are in good hands.
>
>It's no surprise to me that Daryl's shop has almost more business than they
>can handle. It's a problem they deserve. ;>) G~d bless 'em. Certainly has
>me.
>
>Bob Stevens
>'87 Syncro Westy
>_________________________________________________________________
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