Mikey,
Are you sure you mean differential?  It sounds like you might be describing a
CV joint that fell off?  The differential is the BIG 100 pound object that
resides in the center under the front of the van between the axles and is
attached to the front of the driveshaft.
Jim Davis

In a message dated 97-12-04 18:33:48 EST, NEJAZZ2@AOL.COM writes:
<< In a message dated 97-12-04 13:59:41 EST, NEJAZZ2@AOL.COM writes:
 <<S aturday night as i was driving along at 65 MPH my differential broke and
  fell off my 89 syncro  and made the drive shaft bind    it prevented me from
  making right turns
  this could have been a catastrophe    I drove home slowly and made it
  has any one else had this happen  is it something I can get VW for
  this is a very well maintained van with 140 K on it
  How does a differential just fall off ????   >>

 my mechanic said the whole unit was gone   bolts ,boots  ,mounts and all
 on the front right    the drive shaft was attached to nothing and that was
 getting pushed up against the underbody       how could this happen
 they say i was lucky that I didn't have an accident
 it had it's last check up at 125k    anyone know any thing ??  >>