Well, I finally installed my driveline with a replacement u-joint from a
local driveline shop and all seems good so far. I replaced the joint on the
side with the rubber grommet (guibo?) but did not have the driveline
balanced. The old joint practically fell out, and after cleaning the yoke, I
placed the new one in. Make sure to fill the caps with plenty of grease ( I
bought a tube of the correct grease with the joint) before pressing them on
the cross member. I squeezed them using a large C-clamp, first one side,
install the retaining snap ring, then the other side. When it was all
together, it seemed a bit tight and wouldn't move as freely as I thought it
would. I took the whole thing to the driveline shop where the guy promptly
bonked the base of the yoke with a hammer. It loosened just fine. Details on
the part are listed below.

Note to those considering this operation: it is no tougher than Bentley
describes, but be prepared for a good 90 minutes on your back
loosening/tightening nuts in very tight places.
Installation was no worse than removal, though the flanges didn't line-up
due to me driving it with the driveline out, I guess. The front was off by
about 180 degrees and I just slowly turned it until it was right. I hope the
ability to rotate this doesn't mean my VC is screwed (the front wheels were
on ramps). Anyway, bolted it up, tightened the VC mounts down and went for a
drive. My vibrations used to start around 40 mph and got bad by 50. With the
new joint, no vibration; just like when I had the driveline out. I am happy!

Now for the details:
*       Manufactured by Allied Eastern
*       Part # 1702 (printed on box)
*       Stock # AE1704 (sticker covering part #)
*       Puchased from Bill at Drivelines NW, (206) 622-8760
*       Price: $93, including a big tube of grease

This replacement joint is not greaseless, as the original VW ones are. The
joint comes with a zirc(?) fitting for greasing, but the clearance of the
yoke won't allow it to be installed, so the plug (included also) must be
used. Incidentally, Bill recommended it be greased annually, which means
pulling the whole thing down and pulling it apart. Not too convenient.

Well, I think that is about it. I'm not on the Vanagon List right now, so if
you have questions or comments, please e-mail me directly. Incidentally,
I'll be resubscribing as soon as things quiet down at work; I just don't
have time to go through all the jabbering.

>       [Brad Anderson]
>       87 Vanagon Syncro, 148k
>       87 Golf GL, 157k
>       70 911E, 67k
>