Larry Hamm wrote:
>
> Mark B. Magee wrote:
> >
> > Larry Hamm wrote:
> > Your original trans is a 5.43 I
> >
> > > believe,
> > > so unless you've swapped to a more powerful engine, or put on really
> > > small
> > > tires, the 4.57 will make your diesel agonizingly underpowered.
> >
> > Going to more power for sure, approx 75 to 90 HP when done, presently at 49.
> > Need taller gears! Help.
> Mark,
> I'm planning to upgrade to a 100 or 105hp jetta or gti engine, and I'm
> going to simply put on larger tires to compensate. I enjoy finding my
> own campsites far from the other "nature lovers" with their loud
> stereos, generators, and beer busts, and the bigger tires will give me
> another 1.5" or so of ground clearance. The installation of tires is
> much easier than doing the trans, and if I find that I'm a little off in
> my final "ratio", I can easily compensate the next time I buy tires.
> Something to think about!
> Good luck,
> Larry

Mark, et al.
Hi, i'm new to the list so here is my first small contribution.
i have an 82 westy Diesel that is now a TD thanks to jetta TD that
rolled over one to many times.  after the added power i needed the gear
change also.  my cheap fix was larger wheels off of a jeep wrangler.
looked good, small price to pay at local salvage yard.  should not be
too hard to find. super fit.  it now cruises at 65 without to much noise
from the back.  also, clearance is an added bonus when camping.

jeff r