Howdy ramblers,
(this is my first ever original thread on here)

I'm writing from Montreal, Que, though I'm officially based in Los Angeles
CA.

I'm finally ready to undertake rebuilding the trans on my 82 westfalia
(originally air-cooled - now powered by 1995 subaru EJ22.)

I didn't have the money for a long time. Finally I got it together. When I
reached out to find the legendary transaxle rebuilder up here (M. Laval) I
learned that he was tragically killed by a vanagon fallen on him. Such a
bummer. I spoke to him on the phone back in 2010. Nice guy. Very well-liked
in the community.

I don't know of any other highly reccomended rebuilders up in this part of
North America.

I'd appreciate any advice on this project. I want to get it right. I'm
keeping this van. I've been driving it with a bungie-cord to hold it in 4th
for years now. I've probably done 8,000 miles like that. Only recently I
learned that I may have (probably have) wasted the case by force-holding it
in 4th gear.

If anyone has insight they can share, websites that help plan it,
recomended parts, gear ratios etc, please let me know.
All the best,
Vinnie