Robert,

I just read the Bently procedure on R&Ring the AT and it really
doesn't look too bad - so I getting tempted unless i get a really
good quote from my mechanic.  It really doesn't look like more then
an afternoon's work each way.  I suspect it's little tricky seating
the torque converter.

As to the milage, it's probably around 125-130K.  The odometer
stopped with the PO at 118K and he had it a few years but said he
didn't put more then 5k on it.  That fits with the paperwork (goes
back 15 years or more).  I've put a few K on it driving to Santa Fe
and Mammoth this summer.  I suspect the differential is just fine.  I
thought the AT was a transaxle and was one unit.  Live and learn :-)

Dan
L.A., CA
'85 Westy Weekender  "Winky"

On Oct 13, 2011, at 7:18 PM, Robert Fisher wrote:

> I don't recall if you've said how many miles are on this unit, but
> unless you know of some specific reason to replace the differential
> you most likely don't need to. They go for a long long time with
> minimal care. You can get the rebuilt auto unit by itself from
> German Transaxle, and if you really don't want to do it yourself
> you can have a shop R&R it. I've pulled and replaced the auto
> section by myself in an afternoon.
>
> GT has a good reputation on the list. Conversely, there have been
> many complaints about local shops that listees have used that seem
> mainly related to the shop's/mechanic's unfamiliarity with the
> Vanagon. GT rebuilds those things all day long.
>
> On Thu, Oct 13, 2011 at 4:12 PM, Daniel Rotblatt
> <d.rotblatt@verizon.net> wrote:
> Dennis,
>
> I was curious what a shop would charge to do it so when I get some
> bids I could get a feeling whether they are jerking me around or
> not.  Honestly, in my younger days I would do it myself without
> thinking twice.  But at 54, I have little desire in climbing under
> the car and pulling the trans, etc.  On the other hand, if we're
> looking at $7-800 or more difference (which we may be) and I can
> find a good rebuild AT in the L.A. area (which is likely - I just
> don't want to deal with shipping a trans) I might consider it.  I'm
> fine mechanically - I completely rebuilt the engine on my spit this
> last spring (and it runs awesomely now) so swapping out a
> transmission is daunting only in a physical way.
>
> This place has a rebuilt AT with the converter and final drive for
> $1600 or $1800 (depending on the warranty).  $700 core charge,
> shipping...
> http://www.germantransaxle.com/catalog/volkswagen/vanagon/automatic-
> converter-final-drive-complete-/
>
> Dan
> Los Angeles, CA
> "Winky" the '85 Westy Weekender
>
> On Oct 13, 2011, at 3:47 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>
> > Are you looking to buy one and swap it yourself or have as hop do
> it? This
> > is a simple transaxle set up and most any competent transmission
> shop should
> > be able to take care of it for you. The book says 12.6 hours for
> overhaul
> > including remove and replace. I would recommend replacing the torque
> > converter (they get rebuilt) and cleaning, pressure testing the
> oil cooler.
> > Parts prices will vary depending on needs starting with the "Master"
> > overhaul kit. Any hard parts like the pump or gears-shafts will
> add to the
> > cost.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of
> > Daniel Rotblatt
> > Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 5:35 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Cost of AT rebuild?
> >
> > Though I'm going to try an additive to my slipping transmission
> (Lucas),
> > looks like it will need a rebuild sooner rather then later.  I
> was wondering
> > how much a reasonable bid would be for a rebuild?  It's an '85
> automatic
> > transmission, 3 speed.  The basic standard.  The AT is slipping when
> > speeding up after going around a turn.  I've recently had the
> fluid changed,
> > it was overfull before and it's slipping a little more now though
> the fluid
> > is at the right level now.
> >
> > Dan
> > Los Angeles, CA
> > "Winky" the '85 Westy Weekender
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Cya,
> Robert
>
> '87 & '86 Auto GLs
>