the short answer is 'it can be done.'

biggest issue that pops into my mind is that the syncro engine and trans sit
lower in the body than they do in a 2WD vanagon.
The threaded holes in the frame for the front trans mount are there I
believe.
the welded in side brackets that hold the two front mounts of the syncro
trans ....they should not be in the way.

fore-aft location  is the same....
I think a waterboxer 2WD trans with front mount on it will be equivalent in
length to the syncro trans coming out.
I did recently mock up syncro engine location in a 2WD van by spacing the
front trans mount down almost 2 inches to work with the syncro 2 inches
lower engine altitude ..
so it 'can work' most likely.

so 'sure' .
might not even have to space the front of the trans down too  much ...
though if it's too high, starter or trans will be against fuel tank, which
you sure don't want.

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Will Taygan" <lists@ALASKABIODIESEL.ORG>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 10:08 PM
Subject: Putting a 2wd transmission into a Syncro?

> Heresy, I know.
>
> Will a 2wd transmission pop into a Syncro?  I'm strictly diesel 2wd, but
> I've got some buddies with a blown syncro transmission and no money to
> fix it.  I've got a spare 2wd tranny.
>
> Found lots of info converting 2wd to 4wd, but none going the other way,
> hard to see what is actually necessary..
>
> Thanks,
>
> Will in Alaska.