In a message dated 1/9/10 8:00:01 PM Eastern Standard Time,
rangermorton1972@YAHOO.COM writes:

> All the diesel Vanagons I ever knew of had 5-speed transaxles with 5.43:1
> R&Ps. Now comes a knowledgable Vanagon owner telling me all he ever saw
> were equipped with 4-speed transaxles. The Bently clearly shows a 5-speed
> transaxle for these vehicles. Were some built with 4-speed boxes? Inquiring
> minds want to know the truth of the matter.
>
> Craig
>
>

this is an old email so im sure this has already been answered....  but USA
model 81-82 diesel vanagons came with 4spd.. early '83 diesel vans came
with 5spd.    so the 5spd is actually more rare..   maybe youve just seen early
'83 diesel vans..

chris