Hi Shawn,
    The 1st and 2nd gears on our transaxles are part of the main shaft and
are not replaceable without replacing the main shaft.  3rd and 4th gears
can be changed around to get the ratio you need.
    The young seems to be going to a lot of expense and trouble to do off
roading these days. If you don't like to walk and climb I  found at a very
young age that horses and farm tractors are great for off road
transportation. I guess I am out of step and am kind of an old fart.
Darrell

----- Original Message -----
From: Shawn Wright <swright@SLS.BC.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, June 03, 1999 12:18 PM
Subject: Lower 1st gear in 091-1 - forgot to add this

> I forgot to add this to my last post:
>
> Since I can't afford the current 2wd trans rebuild I need, I certainly
can't afford
> the syncro westy that I really need, so...
>
> In addition to lack of a limited slip diff, the other big problem I have
with the
> 2wd trans is 1st gear being too high for rough terrain and/or hill
climbing. Is
> there an easy/cheap 1st replacement which would give a lower ratio without
> leaving too much gap between 1st/2nd? Has anyone tried this?
>
> tia.
>
>
> ========================
> Shawn Wright
> Computer Systems Manager
> Shawnigan Lake School
> 250-743-6240
> swright@sls.bc.ca
>