Steve,
First the only place you should go to have your transmission rebuilt. He'll
ship it right to your door
and either put it in yourself or provide it to your local mechanice.
www.aatransaxle.com
Daryl is a pro at what he does. He has some option to the traction I think
your looking for. Go to his website and read what he has posted. I was would
aslo drop him an email and explain what you have for a van,motor,tires size
and intended use.
The syncro  tranny takes some specific knowledge to have a long lasting
reliable rebuild. Most run of the mill shops don't even have access to the
parts needed or where the inherent weak spots are and how to fix them.
I have had nothing but spectacular customer service and I am one of those
customers that
shops hate to deal with. I usually tax their limits of patience with
multiple phone calls,emails
ect before,during and after the transaction. www.aatransaxle.com is the only
place I would ever
send anyone for transmission service. He is highly know for his work,in fact
I recall a recent post
for someone with an autotranny (which) he doesn't service asking for the
aatransaxle of automatics!!  There are other that do tranny work but why
gamble when you dont have too!
Good luck,

Bill M

On 8/28/08, Steve Smith <stevesmith4947@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I'm new to the list and appreciate all the great words I read.
>
> Does anyone have experience with a locking rear differential? I'm
> considering having this done when I rebuild the tranny on my 89westy. I'm
> curious if you have found it worthwhile, worth the expense and if you have
> had any unanticpated issues since installing it. Here are a few other
> questions:
>
> - I live in Seattle and would like to know who did your work  (there's
> tranny work and maybe alittle electrical work -- switch/wiring, yes?)
> - Where did you get the parts?
> -Does your engine (now) have enough power to 'drive' two wheels
> simultaneously?
> - Did you (or now would you) change any tranny gearing?  (a lower 1st gear
> maybe?)
>
> Thanks to all who respond
>
> Steve
>