Thanks gents for all the feedback and different perspectives.  I pulled the
tranny yesterday and think I'll take a shot a taking it apart.  Thanks also
for the links Robert, I hadn't come accross wittrans.com before.

Do I really need to dismantle the valve body or is there some other way to
get any gunk out?  I am planning to replace the TC.  Even with that,
hopefully I can get this done for less than $500 as opposed to the $2000
plus for a professionally rebuilt unit.

Rick

On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 3:53 PM, Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@gmail.com>
wrote:

> It doesn't require any special tools - you need to set the brake band
> tension in inch pounds, but that's about it. If you've rebuilt engines you
> can do this, and I'm 98% sure that you are correct in that it's the forward
> clutch.
>
> Earlier today I described the process to someone as "painstaking". You
> have to be particularly clean and well-organized. The fluid in the case and
> internals will want to get all over everything. I did most of my work in a
> large Rubbermaid bin lid lined with plastic. I took a picture every time I
> did something - every stage, every time (and it saved my ass later).
>
> You may want to go in for a reconditioned valve body if it appears to need
> it (how many miles are on this tranny, do you know?). It isn't necessarily
> likely, but it's an option. Cleaning the VB requires the most care and
> attention (and lint free cloths) imo.
>
> I would always replace the TC in doing this - the one you have is full of
> friction lining material and other crap that you won't be able to get out;
> it's my pet theory that that's the stuff that causes the cold shifting
> problem these things get right before they die (choking up the vanes in the
> TC until it gets warm(er) and they free up).
>
> The last time I got parts for an overhaul I got them from
> www.makcotransmissionparts.com and www.wittrans.com (I think because I
> couldn't get everything at one place). The standard rebuild kit doesn't
> quite have everything you need, so you need to make a comprehensive list.
>
> Alternately, you could get a rebuilt from German Transaxle (which is of
> course much more expensive than rolling your own).
>
> Keep us posted!
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 6:20 PM, Rick Cooper <rickdcooper@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Just bought an 1987 2WD Westy with a faulty automatic transmission.  Fell
>> in love with these things this past summer but could not afford a nice,
>> clean one so I picked up this one last week instead.  It's in lovely shape
>> but only reverse gear works.   There is no forward motion in any of 1, 2
>> or
>> D, though with both rear wheels off the ground, they will spin slowly.
>> Based on the chart in the Bentley, looks like this could be the forward
>> clutch, but I know darn little about these things.
>>
>> Looks like I'm gonna have to fix this since my wife refuses to see the
>> country backwards.  Being the curious type, I'm wondering whether I dare
>> try taking it apart myself.  Anyone have experience with rebuilding these?
>> I've overhauled a couple of engines but never touched an AT.  Does it
>> require special tools?  Also, is there a source for a rebuild kit -- can't
>> see one on either the GoWesty or the Bus Depot sites.
>>
>> Rick
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Cya,
> Robert
>
> '87 2.1/Auto GL
>