In a message dated 97-03-17 02:06:01 EST, s.overmyer@uws.edu.au (Stephen
Overmyer) writes:

> I was curious about the comment that the WBX's in the US were
> all only 4 speed except for diesel and syncros.Is that the situation
> stateside?

Yes. In the USA:
Manual transmissions in 1980-1982 aircooled Vanagons were all 4 speed.
Manual transmissiona in 1982-1983 diesels were mostly 4 speed, few 5 speed.
    (Automatics were not offered with the diesels.)
Manual transmissions in 1983.5-1991 waterboxers were all 4 speed.
Manual transmissions in 1986-1991 Syncros were all 4 speed + Low gear.

> All 2WD Waterboxers imported into Australia were all 5 speed
> (with a real 5th gear not an overdrive)and as far as I am aware that
> was the case from 1984 on.

Interesting, 4 speeds in USA and 5 speeds in Australia.  Wonder why?

>Syncros are all 4 speed plus a crawler gear as in
> the US. 

As far as I know, all Syncros worldwide used the same trans, but with a few
variations in gear ratios and/or final drives.

>I was interested as it seems you guys were treated much more
> poorly than in Oz.We got Panel Vans,Window Vans,Caravelles,Carats,
> Single Cabs,Double Cabs,Hightops and Syncros (in any of the above body
> shapes)and ALL were 5 speed except for(obviously)autos & syncros.
> Also all Double Cabs were 4 door from '88 on (correct me someone if I'm
> wrong)

That's quite a selection.  I'm envious!!

Regards,
Jim Davis