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