The different tire sizes have probably ruined the VC, which inturn ruined the
tranny...although the trannies on syncros fail like clockwork in that approx.
mileage range.
I disagree with Bill's prices, though.
Tranny rebuild: $1,600-1995 depending on where you go and parts
Viscous Cop rebuild :  $1700
Head gaskets: $800 - 2000 depending on whether it needs heads.
steve

> From: CARY CHIANG <chiang1@USA.NET>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Date: Monday, March 01, 1999 5:20 PM
> Subject: Syncro questions
>
> Hello:
>   I saw a syncro for sale recently and had a few questions.  This one was  a
> 1989 vanagon with 117k mi and a noisy transmission.  The mechanic at the
> repair shop it was parked at said the transmission noise could be duplicated
> somewhat by turning the driveshaft by hand (I did not test drive or hear the
> noise  myself).  I noticed the front and rear tires were of different sizes,
> 195/70 front and 205/70 rear.  The body was in fair shape (some dents), had
> AC, power mirrors, and alloy wheels.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1. Would different tire sizes cause the transmission problems?
> 2. Are syncro transmissions lots more expensive to repair/rebuild than
> regular
> vanagon trans.?
> 3. Asking price was $5300.  Is that reasonable, cheap, or too high?
>
> Please respond to chiang1@usa.net with your opinions.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Cary Chiang
>
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