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Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:01 pm

Ok dumb question, but when referring to the trans which "type" can that trans come from, and what are the differences. I've looked at that trans for dummies thread but still had the little questions about this specific transmission.

Thanks

Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:28 pm

Type 1 = beetle, karmann ghia, thing
Type 2 = van, bus, transporter; big slow box
Type 3 = Fastback / Notchback / Squareback
Type 4 = short lived late air cooled car
Type 181 = Thing

Type 1 bolts right in to a beetle
Type 2 requires some fussin and fittin
Type 3 bolts right in
Don't see many Type 4s

Type 1 has 4.125, 4.375 or 3.88 final drive gears.
Type 2 refers to 68 and later IRS boxes. wider, stronger cases, bigger ring gear carrier, bigger pinion to match, bigger CVs that can handle more angle. Gear ratios: 68 - 71 5.38, 72 - 75 4.86, 76 - 79 4.56

Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:50 pm

Well what's your opinion if I can get my hands on a type 4? It's going in a buggy with ecotec.

Sun Apr 08, 2012 3:08 pm

You'll definitely want at least a 5 rib, if not a 6 rib. 6 ribs are a bit stronger, and have more aftermarket support, but more importantly, that Ecotec makes great power, and doesn't need the short gearing of the 3 rib. A friend of mine had a 4 seat buggy with a 2.2 Ecotec, 32" tires and a 3 rib. He was climbing hills in 2nd gear. First was all but useless.

Sun Apr 08, 2012 3:23 pm

I'm for sure going with a 6 rib, I just want to know what the differences between the types. I'm assuming the newer you go the better the bellhousing is probably built, but I'm assuming the gears and diff and stuff are along the same lines?

Sun Apr 08, 2012 3:28 pm

6 rib's only came in buses. I don't believe there were any changes made amongst the years of 6 ribs. If there were, it would be something minor not worth hunting for.

The only thing you should be aware of is the Vanagon's came with a 6 rib but with a side shifter instead of front shifter. There are shifters that will work with these side shift trans, but they are expensive, and big, so I doubt they will work in a car, just a buggy.

Sun Apr 08, 2012 3:31 pm

I found a type 4 nose shift 091 6 rib, just never heard of a type 4 6 rib, wanted to make sure it wasn't something to stay away from

Sun Apr 08, 2012 4:22 pm

Blackoutt wrote: I found a type 4 nose shift 091 6 rib, just never heard of a type 4 6 rib, wanted to make sure it wasn't something to stay away from

Here's where it gets confusing. The Type 4 car (411 and 412, not popular at all) never came with a "type 4 transmission". They came with a bug (type 1) trans if I recall correctly. They did come with a type 4 MOTOR though, which is where the motor got it's name from.

So the bus (a type 2) uses a motor commonly known as a type 4, but with a type 2 trans (3,5, or 6 rib).

So what the guy is selling is a bus 6 rib that originally came with a type 4 motor. That will work fine with an ecotec. In fact, that's the same setup I run in my 78 bus (build thread is in my signature). The Ecotec makes the bus VERY fun to drive and has plenty of power. This is in a pop top camper that weighs over 3000 lbs. In a baja or buggy, that motor is a total riot!

Sun Apr 08, 2012 8:35 pm

As to the comment of pulling hills in second.

If you ever pull apart a VW trans, you will see just how small the gears are. Both the type 1 and 2 use basicly the same gears 1st-4th. I feel better pulling hills in second, it's a stronger gear than first. Next to reverse and type 1 spider gears, first is the next weakest. I use first and reverse only to get on and off the trailer. Sometime I do use first on hills, but quickly shift out and into second. My fourth gear is geared to do an honest 85mph at 6000RPM, because I see no sense in going 100mph out in the sand. She is an animal from start to 75pmph and very fun. Just something to think about.

002 trany (built by Bill Kenny)
5.38RP
3.78 1st Weddle
2.46 2nd Weddle
1.78 3rd Weddle
1.318 4th US gear
Hardened keys, welded hubs, New syncros, HD T/O shaft etc, etc, etc...