Transaxle advice

[TheRealJG]

73 Thing with 31" X 10.5 BFG KO2'S tires in the rear.
Motor 2276 with a 3 rib bus trans in it now, 2nd gear synchro going bad.
What's the best setup?

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

[Heiferman]

I don't know how to do all the math but do you want to keep the bus transmission so you do not have to change the nose cone linkage and mounts?

Also - would love to see pics. Sounds like a beast with 31"s
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- 1973 Thing, 1970 Ghia, some LandCruisers and an old Ambulance

[TheRealJG]

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Not sure on the bus trans, 1st and second gear seem low, 3rd winds out
fine and 4th is a slug to about 65mph.

With these tires 65mph is about as fast as I like to go or its a handful.

[Heiferman]

I dig it!

You might consider cross posting over in the performance engine and transmission area of the forum to get some gearing suggestions. Seems like it gets more traffic.

If it was me I guess I would research the final drive ratios and then get my Type 2 transmission rebuilt or core it for a rebuild. They are generally stronger and since it is already in there it would likely be necessary to make some major mount changes to go back to a type 1/181.
_________________
- 1973 Thing, 1970 Ghia, some LandCruisers and an old Ambulance

[Heiferman]

Are you running a Tri-Mil exhaust?
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- 1973 Thing, 1970 Ghia, some LandCruisers and an old Ambulance

[TheRealJG]

Im not to familiar with this site still trying to navigate it, thanks for the heads up on performance engine and transmission.

[TheRealJG]

It's an A1 Thing exhaust.

[TheRealJG]

[TheRealJG]

Or I could post these pictures

[Olli from NJ]

Very cool Thing.

I don't know anything about Bus gear ratios. If the tranny is stock you should be able to get the gear ratio information via Google. I only know Type 1 trannys. It does sound like you need to change some ratios. For best cooling target for around 3000 rpm @ 60 mph. (That is how VW geared the Thing 4.12 R&P .93 4th , 25.6" tire dia.)

You will need to figure out what you have...your speedo will be way off, so use a GPS app on your phone.

Here are a couple of gear calculator links.

https://weddleindustries.com/gear-calculator

https://www.blocklayer.com/rpm-gear

I just ordered an exhaust from A-1 for my Thing this week. Just as general information, the headers are available in different diameters, 3 bolt flange or v-band, o2 bung. for heater boxes or not. Multiple muffler options. Standard as shown above, polished standard muffler, dual bullet muffler (slightly more aggressive tone, BUT not loud), single bullet (pretty loud). OR exit through the stock bumper exhaust hole with any of the above mufflers except the single bullet. (but if you really wanted that , ask Tiger)

[TheRealJG]

Thank You for the information, you are correct about the speedo 20 mph is 34mph according to my GPS app on my phone. Like th A1 exhaust info as well.

I'll get her figured out and post it up.

I didn't build this thing , she was built in Colorado by a Father and son team and then it sat for 6 years at the second owners place, I'm the 3 rd owner finishing things up.

1st car 1959 Baja Bug rag top.......spent a lot of coin $$$$$$ and time fixing it up.

[TheRealJG]

New transmission in the works, got tired of second gear downshift pop and wanting to go into 4th gear instead of second gear.

Norm From Mesa West has a guy building the transmission as we speak.

Cant wait.

Next up....Getting it to handle better with the big tires...

Can you install rack and pinion steering and still use the stock gas tank?

[Schepp]

A bit late to the party,

I just had a gearbox built by Benco.
It was a super smooth experience. He's very knowledgeable and has been in the industry as long as the rest. His price was fair. He was very responsive to emails throughout the process. The gear box for my baja is a type 1 "Pro Street".

He builds all kinds of VW transaxles. If you send yours in as a rebuildable core, he gives you a hefty discount on the new gearbox.

I let Ben decide on the gear ratios. He's the professional. Tell him as much detail of your car and the driving application.

Benco is highly recommended on the samba and in the off road industry for transaxles. He's in Riverside, CA
He even told me how best to package and ship them as cheap as possible. My core arrived to him safe and sound.

[TheRealJG]

Thanks Schepp

Ill find out more information on the transmission builder,
since thats all he does....your're on a waiting list.