I've got an '89 White Star with ~160k miles on it.  First gear whined
when I got it, and very soon after it started being reluctant to
shift out of first on the first start in the morning.  Transmission
serviced, no difference.  ~15k later, over this past winter first
gear is louder, second is starting to whine, morning sickness is
worse.  Otherwise behaves beautifully.

Local highly recommended transmission guy put it up, noted
non-standard bolts (double-nutted studs, looked like to me) on right
side, right side 2-3 mm separation from engine, noticeable leakage
from final drive.  Bell housing is cracked, believed weldable.

I have a line on a complete drive unit removed with engine from a
body-rotted '89/90 three years ago, engine still running well in
another van.  Stated to be in good running order at the
time.  Available $500 at the shop in South County where I used to
take my '84 back before I found the list.  New owner but lots of vans
in the yard.

I don't feel up to R&R right now.  Estimated cash price by
transmission guy or by my local shop ~$400.

Suggested courses of action?  The German Transaxle unit is out of my
reach at this point.

Thanks,
David

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David Beierl -- dbeierl@attglobal.net