I haven't done it myself..
but google 'replacing seal between differential and transmission on a
Vanagon automatic transaxle.'
that'll get you started.
that's how to find out how to do *Anything* I don't already know how to
do ....it's all online somewhere.

I've been at this exact same point with a Vanagon auto trans..
It won't go, fluids are all weird etc.

I'm a little skeptical that just resealing something will make it all
happy again.
It's either a good used one ( rather uncommon ) , or a rebuild. BTDT.

On 4/1/2016 2:56 AM, Michael wrote:
> As my backyard mechanical skills, projects don't intimidate me as much as they used to.
>
> I've spent enough time one under the van and taking things apart that I can usually figure stuff out.
>
> That being said, transmissions seem like a whole different story.
>
> Since its at the gearbox (??) to the differential, is it advisable to just remove that part and bring it somewhere for a rebuild?
>
> My information on removing the whole transaxle is lacking and I have no idea if it's ok to just disconnect the box portion and the leave the diff and final drive installed and then just bolt it all back up.
>
> The optimist in me says go for it. The realist laughs and says good luck.
>
> Anyway, Neil are you following this at all? Know anyone in NH area that could do a rebuild?
>
> Mike
>
>> On Mar 30, 2016, at 9:04 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>
>> Your tranny blew because the seal between the diff and the tranny failed.
>> Unfortunately, it's very common after 25+ years. You need a rebuild or a
>> rebuilt unit from a reputable vendor. Good used ones can be found, but I
>> would not install one without resealing it. :-(
>>
>> Stuart
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>> Michael
>> Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 5:18 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Sad and depressed
>>
>> Sooooo,
>>
>> Last December the 88 auto blew the diff gasket. Checked atf. Nothing.
>>
>> This winter replaced engine oil, diff oil and gasket and coolant as well as
>> threw in some atf.
>>
>> Just moved the van. It revs really high. Like 3500 high before it moves. It
>> feels like it's stuck in a high gear.  Usually it clunks a little when it
>> goes in gear. No clunking at all through the gears.
>>
>> And smoke. And the oil level which was full, is now not after runnin it for
>> like ten minutes. No drips.
>>
>> Damnitt.
>>
>> Mike