The code stamped into the bottom edge of the manual tranny will tell the
gears inside when it left the factory. It is not a mystery. According to
VW parts data and the Bentley, North American waterboxers got DU, ABD,
and ACW 4 speeds. All are very nearly the same gearing. Other markets
got some waterboxer trannys with a much taller 4.57 , 4 speed ABB code,
starting with the 1985 model year. Of course trannys can be switched and
some vans and parts for vans have been shipped around the world so
exceptions to the norm do exist.

Mark

Walt Spak wrote:
> Jake,
>
> I think the automatic seems to be geared differently, but I don't
> remember ever feeling much differences between all the standards I have
> had.  Some of the ones that got dismantled were not driven though.
>
> Walt
>
> Jake de Villiers wrote:
>
>> Walt, that's just like my '84 GL which seems to have the 4.57 R & P.
>> Do you notice a gearing difference compared with later Vanagons?
>>
>>