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evansdd3
Samba Member
Joined: May 11, 2005
Posts: 78
Location: Sooke, Vancouver Island
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 Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:58 pm Post subject: Best transmission for a Vanagon TD conversion? |
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What do you reckon is the best transmission for a VAnagon with a 1.9 TD in it?
It's an 82 (originally a 1.6NA diesel) that currently has the stock DZ which is really REALLY low geared.
What years/codes are the most sought after?
091 side shift from a 79?
ACW from an early 80's?
What do you think? AND WHY?!
I don't know much about them but have been getting pretty confused by the variety of opinions...But many of the opinions are backed up with reasons.
My needs are for a mild off-road van that does a lot of highway miles.
Thank!
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C'mon, gimme your 71 type 2...And throw in a dash clock. |
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crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 10462
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 5:48 am Post subject: Re: Best transmission for a Vanagon TD conversion? |
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First specify what tire size you will use.
If stock diameter tires, the aircooled 80-83 trans with DK code is the best stock 4spd tranny to use in an 82 with a stock tuned 1.9TD. Fits easily.
With 215/75/15 tires a 83-91 4 spd wbx trans works better for gearing but needs linkage adapted if used in an 82. Nose mount must be modified. Codes DU, ABD, ACW
Most versatile from a gearing standpoint would be an 83 5 spd DX code but again the linkage has to be adapted if used in an 82 and the 82 engine mounting position does not easily work with this longer tranny.
The above refers to trannys commonly available in stock USA/CA Vanagons. Below is the approximate year usage by code.
DK - 80-83 aircooled
DU - 83-84 WBX
ABD - 85-86 WBX
ACW - 86-91 WBX
DX - 83 diesel
Mark
| evansdd3 wrote: |
What do you reckon is the best transmission for a VAnagon with a 1.9 TD in it?
It's an 82 (originally a 1.6NA diesel) that currently has the stock DZ which is really REALLY low geared.
What years/codes are the most sought after?
091 side shift from a 79?
ACW from an early 80's?
What do you think? AND WHY?!
I don't know much about them but have been getting pretty confused by the variety of opinions...But many of the opinions are backed up with reasons.
My needs are for a mild off-road van that does a lot of highway miles.
Thank! |
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evansdd3
Samba Member
Joined: May 11, 2005
Posts: 78
Location: Sooke, Vancouver Island
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| Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 10:43 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the help, Mark.
I'm using 215/75/15.
What kind of mods are necessary to make a later transmission fit?
A 5 speed from an 83 would be awesome cuz it's both a little bit lower and little bit higher!
David
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C'mon, gimme your 71 type 2...And throw in a dash clock. |
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evansdd3
Samba Member
Joined: May 11, 2005
Posts: 78
Location: Sooke, Vancouver Island
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| Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 10:57 am Post subject: |
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Actually, what mods are needed for thr 5 speed as well?
Thanks,
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C'mon, gimme your 71 type 2...And throw in a dash clock. |
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J Charlton 
Samba Member
Joined: August 24, 2007
Posts: 1546
Location: The True North Strong and Free
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| Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 11:28 am Post subject: best tranny? |
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You might want to take a look at this gearbox. Pretty much the standard in Europe for TD's
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220718386693&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:CA:1123
You might also be interested in the gearbox page on the website http://northamericanhightops.com
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NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 1 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 4 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2024 |
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busfever
Samba Member
Joined: September 24, 2010
Posts: 54
Location: Netherlands
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evansdd3
Samba Member
Joined: May 11, 2005
Posts: 78
Location: Sooke, Vancouver Island
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| Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 11:42 am Post subject: |
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Oooooh, that ebay link...I've heard about those...The elusive EuroGas 5 speed! I'll inquire about shipping as it could get a little pricey to get it to my door.
And aren't you the North American Hightop guy? Do you have anything available for my van?
Thanks for your help!
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C'mon, gimme your 71 type 2...And throw in a dash clock. |
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rotaecho
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2012
Posts: 531
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| Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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I have the option to get a DX 5spd rebuilt. I'm just not sure if it's worth the investment for when I upgrade my engine to either a 1.9na or 1.9TD.
Anyone want to weight in opinions on the DX mated to an 82' with a 1.9na or 1.9TD?
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-Will
1982 Westfalia mTDI (50deg) aka Betsy Bertha
http://www.tdivanagons.com |
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iceneweb
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2009
Posts: 158
Location: Vancouver (White Rock)
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| Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 3:53 pm Post subject: |
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What transmission did you end up choosing? I have a DX in my AAZ 87, and am seriously considering putting in a DK.
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Thanks,
Mark
1959 Volkswagen Panel |
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kustomizingkid
Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2014
Posts: 142
Location: Minneapolis, MN
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| Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 4:08 pm Post subject: |
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| I have a DK waiting for my 82 TDI build... Still planning on changing the 3rd and 4th gear ratios. |
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