Jim-

There is NO clamp on the CV in the position you describe. Maybe I am
misunderstanding where you are describing, but the CV boot bolts up to the
CV on the inside edge, and has a compression clamp on the 'half-shaft' end.
There is no need to replace the boot, unless it is damaged. Temporarily,
you can use a Scotch-Loc(r) cable tie on the half-shaft end, but replace it
in the near future with a stock clamp. A regular hose clamp puts too much
weight on one side of the half axle, don't use one.

If your tank is the same as the gas 1982 (and I can't imagine why it
wouldn't be), it is 16 gallons. You will show reserve at about 14.4
gallons.

I've made the cross-country trek at least a dozen times. Unless you need 16
hours of sleep each night, 7 days is enough time to go to one side of the
country, turn around, and come back. Even at 55 mph, you are still only
travelling 8.5 hours per day...what are you going to do in the rest of the
time?  If this isn't a sight-seeing trip, I'd set my sights on rolling for
12-14 per day, leaving you enough time to make up for break-downs, helping
strangers, gambling away your relocation money in Vegas, falling in with
the wrong crowd, getting a tattoo, running from "the man", making bail, and
filling out post cards so the folks back home know you are alright.

While it has got to be the most boring road in the world, I-40 is a
straight, safe, level, fast trek across the USA. There are a couple areas
while the incline will put you in third, most of it is a smooth haul.
Although it is doubtful you would run into any weather on 70 or 80, this
time of year can be unpredictable. Stick with 40, and you will be okay.

It sounds like you are a little tense about this whole cross-country thing.
From the vehicular standpoint, you are putting LESS stress on your van on a
cross country trip than you would be in a month of commuting in most
metropolitan areas. Consider the number of times you brake, hit potholes,
turn the steering, shift the gears, use the shocks, and accelerate the
weight of your van from a dead stop during your daily grind. Then think
about a twelve hour day at a constant speed, going straight, rarely
braking, keeping all the motor parts at a constant temperature. Your van
LOVES the road, and despises the city. Take it easy on your revs (since
it's a diesel) at your will be a-okay.

And don't forget to write.

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Jim Snyder [SMTP:jsnyder@DAVIS.COM]
Sent:   Monday, October 11, 1999 12:26 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        moving from California to Virginia

Hi Folks

Due to lack of free time, it has been awhile since I posted to this list. I
recently re-subscribed to catch up on what has been going on in addition to
needed some advice on an upcoming move to Virginia.

I joined the list last February when I bought my '82 Vanagon diesel which I
am happy to report has seen about 10,000 trouble free miles since. I have
been working on a few items and have the van in very good running
condition.
I have installed a new exhaust, water pump, oil filler tube, and new tires
and shocks. I average about 4-500 miles per week and have been getting
about
28-30 mpg. The odometer is now showing 120,000 original miles.

I recently was selected for another position for the USDA in Virginia after
spending the last 4 years in the Sacramento area. My plans are to drive the
Vanagon to Woodstock, Virginia leaving on Oct 30 and averaging about 4-500
miles per day. I have a couple questions before I leave. They are:

I am missing the clamp on the inside of the cv joint on the driver's side
boot nearest the transmission. This was discovered when at the VW dealer's
for service replacing the transmission oil. Is this an easy fix? The dealer
wants $25 for a new boot and $100 for labor. Can I substitute another
universal clamp or go with the dealer repair? There is no noise coming from
the cv joint and the boot is still in great shape.

Next, how big is my fuel tank? I do not have an owners manual.

Also, has anyone made this journey form CA to VA? What is the best route?
My
choices are I-80, I-70, or I-40. Depending on the weather, I would like to
take the shortest and least steep route. I only have 7 days to get there
and
have estimated 2700-3000 miles.

Many thanks in advance. This list has been great!

Jim Snyder
jsnyder@davis.com