I've FINALLY got it back together and shifting properly...
I never imagined what a headache this job would be. After removing and
disassembling the automatic transmission FOUR TIMES, I've learned...
1.) I don't EVER want to be a transmission specialist, and the money I've
saved by doing this myself, probably wasn't worth the frustration of the
learning curve.
2.) Yes you CAN get the transmission out with the engine still in the van,
but DON'T reinstall the transmission to the final drive this way.
3.) needle bearings are CRAZY expensive.
4.) Bentley is only a guidebook for the fearless, If you choose to go into
the forest, be prepared to get lost.
5.) the accumulator is WAY more important than Bentley makes out.

On Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 2:36 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:

> Before tearing it out you should do some diagnostics.
>
> Does it fail to shift into 3rd, (drive or direct) or when it tries does it
> slip and let the engine rev freely? If the former it may just be a problem
> with the governor or valve body. If the later you probably have a bad
> piston, a broken ring on the pump drum, or something inside fell apart. The
> bentely also has some test procedures using a pressure gauge to help figure
> it out.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> aka.bugle
> Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 9:43 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Yup, I solidly guarantee ALL my work, (here I go into the AT
> again)
>
> Trying to rebuild my AT I've learned... save now, pay later! I couldn't
> afford to replace all the parts, and tried to reuse some. Luckily, my
> mechanic (ME!) stands behind all his work... Not that I have any more money
> now than I did before.
>
> --
> Driving a 2 speed, not 3 speed Auto,
>                           ~david
>
>

--
Best Regards,
                          ~david