I've seen my share of transmission to engine separation, especially with
automatics. Part of what happens when the wrong hardware is used. It is
probable that the threaded inserts in the engine case are also damaged and
will need repair. For welding the final drive it is doable but any
miss-alignment in the final assembly will result in torque converter bushing
wear and ATF leaks. At the extreme cracked flex plates are next.

I would try to get one of those better housings and have the local tranny
guy overhaul the automatic section for you. This is a very simple auto and
having your repaired should be cost effective.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Beierl
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 5:26 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Auto trans wisdom please?

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

--
David Beierl -- dbeierl@attglobal.net