Looks like the driveline u-joints are rusted and frozen up......

The van runs great with the driveline removed.

We have VW original u-joints on order, but I have two questions for the gurus on the list:

1 - Does it hurt anything to run the van for an extended period of time with the driveline removed?� At least other than not having the 4WD?

2- Would it be better to replace then entire driveline rather than just the u-joints?� There isn't a whole lot of price difference when our vendors sell "updated" drivelines for about $525.� Which vendor drivelines do the gurus like?

If it doesn't hurt anything, I may just wait, drive without the driveline, and save up for a new driveline.

Thjanks a lot, Anthony
'89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Anthony Egeln <regnsuzanne@yahoo.com>
To: Vanagon List Post <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 3:57 PM
Subject: Drivetrain Diagnosis Ideas Requested

Greetings,

Wife was driving the van home from work last night and said that when she got it into 4th gear on the highway, she couldn't get it to go over 2000 rpm and it "sounded weird".

When I drove it I didn't get out of first gear, just over 10 MPH, before it sounded and felt like I had a flat tire....low rhythmic bumping, so I pulled it back into the driveway.� I thought wheel bearings, but all four are rock solid when shaken.� None of the CV boots look bad or have too much movement either, but I wouldn't rule out rear CVs since they haven't been replaced since I've owned it (about 100K miles).� Less than 10K on front CVs.

Might be my imagination, but it looks like the van is listing slightly to the passenger side.

I hope it isn't the transmission.� It's a Darryl (AA Trans) rebuild right at the 24 month mark.

Any ideas?

Thanks, Anthony
'89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)