Mark-- Most US vanagons and all syncros before about 1988 came with a 4.86
ring/pinion, henceforth called a 7 tooth (on the pinion) and the later units
came with a 4.83 R&P which has 6 teeth on the pinion. 75% of the early 7
tooth units are fine even after 200,000 miles. OVER 50% of the later 6 tooth
units I rebuild are bad---primarily, I believe, due to tooth loading and poor
heat treating (no scientific evidence to back that up). They wear at the root
of the teeth almost identically on each one. What can I say...same vehicle-
different ring/pin ----one will always wear-one wont.
I am a strong believer in Redline gear oil for these transmissions--they
shift better and stay cleaner and wear better with it installed. The $40 to
$60 for it is well worth it. Good luck Mark-I assume you got my post 2 days
ago re $$ of parts.
Daryl, AA Transaxle
aatransaxle.com
1-877-377-0773 toll free