Author Topic: Best Transaxle for 1.9TD AAZ in '82 Diesel Vanagon (Read 5969 times)

dosma · « **on:** March 27, 2005, 07:39:34 pm »

I'm having a 1.9TD AAZ installed in a '82 diesel Westfalia. The transaxle will be a DK (air cooled trany) 4 speed with 4.57 R&P. A speed calculator shows 3300 rpm in forth at 65 mph with 185r14 tires. Is there a 5 speed available with compatible shift setup and strength that would give a longer highway ratio and a lower 1st gear for dirt road hill climbing?

This is my 1st post here. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

...Don

'97 Passat TDI
'82 Westfalia with 1.9TD AAZ
Northern California

dieselweasel · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2005, 09:35:52 pm »

You might consider a five spd Fox transmission...they have a 4:11 final drive with a .68:1 fifth gear. The shift setup, mounting, and axle positions are quite likely to be much different though. The only similarity I know of for sure is that they're made for a longitudinal setup. Just a thought.

Could try posting this in www.vwvortex.com. They have a manual trans forum with some tranny experts.

VWRacer · « **Reply #2 on:** March 28, 2005, 09:47:45 am »

Don, here's a nifty tool for evaluating tranny options:

http://www.nwlink.com/~vdb/vw/Transmission/speed-ratio.html

BTW, there are several options to the Fox trans, as this same basic gearbox (type 013) was used in the VW Quantum and Audi 4000, as well. You can read about them here:

http://www.lunaticfringe.org/vwfox/mod/transmission-swap-specs.html

But like dieselweasel notes, it's an open question whether they will fit you Westy without major work. And if you don't already, you need to belong to the Yahoo Westy and Adventurewagen groups. Tons of info and many "been-there-done-that" experts willing to share their secrets.

dosma · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2005, 06:28:55 am »

Thanks guys for the replies. At this stage I can't consider major installation mods in linkage and mounting but you have given me food for thought for the future. Right now I need a transaxle that can be bolted in place without mods. Looks like I'm limited to a couple of 4 speeds, the original 82 diesel Vanagon trany and the DK air cooled 4 speed trany. I've plugged into a diesel-vanagon yahoo group that has good information.

Thanks again, Don

janb · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2005, 11:38:55 am »

there is a 5 spd gas vanagon transmission, I've seen them in diesel vans, and they are nice in dropping revs at highway speed. They are note real plentiful, but available.

jb