You should assume you will need a new/rebuilt drive
shaft and a tranny rebuild somewhere between 100,000
and 150,000 miles.  The burden should be on the owner
to prove otherwise if it can't be test driven since
such failure are pretty common at those miles.  If the
van is in a state of poor maitenance, and the tires are
junk or not all the same wear, tack on another $6-700
for a rebuilt VC.  Not many front differentials seem to
fail, but if it leaked all its fluid out from neglect
and seal failure, it's possible.

If the van is in otherwise good condition, it's worth
buying if the price is good even if you have to rebuild
most of the drive train.  It should be pretty easy with
teh engine out.

Bob Berkemer wrote:
>
> I suspect I know the answer to this but if a guy (or gal) were looking
> at a westy syncro minus engine.... is there any way to tell if the
> syncro stuff is any good? I can't imagine how but have to ask. There's
> one for sale in Colorado and it would allow me the opportunity to put an
> audi 5 cylinder or TDI in it...
>
> TIA, Bob
>
> Smashed 84 and loking for a new ride