I've finally got money saved to have my 5sp tranny rebuilt but I'm
undecided now about where to send/take it to have the work done...German
trans in Bend is "quoting" me $1900 with a big core fee, and they want to
dismantle mine before they will give me an actual estimate on anything...
    The "other" shop in duval, Wa.  Their starting quote is attractive,
they're a little further away from me.

  I'm a bit gun-shy about having a strange business dismantle my
transmission with a "blank check".... "We'll look at it, and then tell you
how much it'll cost?". I understand that, but sheesh! .they'd have my
tranny and they could easily decide to maximize their take ($) with my
tranny apart and on their bench 200 miles away.
   Has anyone else had either of these shops do a 5 sp rebuild on a 2wd
Vanagon transmission?
    I am hearing whining noise in all gears...no popping out or shifting
problems with any gears, but this transmission has been getting noisier for
some time... It's now noticeable louder when I roll down a window....past
time to have it done.  I want to get the van back...
  Any experienced 5sp 2wd tranny service feedback for me?  Don Hanson