Trans question / Post Daryl AA? / Considering my options.

ARMc

I'm considering my options as where to have my 2wd manual transmission refreshed and it seems like Daryl was the prime choice when he was alive. Its to my understanding that his son is now running the show at AA. It might be too soon to know but has anyone had any experiences with the post Daryl A A transaxle?

Also, maybe someone can clue me in on whats up with my trans. I get some foreboding vibrations through the shift lever around 3500 rpm in first, second, and third. 4th has no issues. There is also a constant light metallic sound transmitted through the shift lever when resting in 3rd or 4th. Trans was last rebuild and re-geared about 100k miles ago at the time of the engine swap. So no surprise it needs service at this point. Van drives acceptably as is but would like to make the repair before a catastrophe arises.

I've also been entertaining the idea of doing the work myself, anyone have experience rebuilding their own without prior trans building experience? Steep learning curve? or just a few specialized tools and a Bently needed?

I'm also considering Gary Zink. By chance does anyone recommend any shops in the Midwest?

Christopher Schimke · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:48 am Post subject:

Daryl's son Matt has been the man behind the rebuilds for a long time now...well before Daryl's passing. Daryl passed his years of experience down to Matt very well, so you are in good hands if you decide to go with AA.

My personal experience with a Gary Zink-built Vanagon gearbox was not good at all. I can't say that I would recommend it.
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ARMc · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:53 am Post subject:

Great! Thanks for the confirmation!

msewalson · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:00 am Post subject:

Here's another option.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=593733&start=0

Meet him at RMW camp out this year and seemed pretty legit. I'm planning on having my Syncro transaxle gone thought this year and will probably use him.

Definitely can't go wrong sending it to AA.

Matt
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87 Syncro w/EJ22

markz2004 · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:26 am Post subject:

Also make a consideration for German Transaxle of Bend, OR.

Great reputation and great work.
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87 Westy, 250k GW 2.4 - 2.0 Wink

, 16" wheels

Bman · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:30 am Post subject:

Bruce Wayne · Samba Member Joined: May 15, 2007 Posts: 1210

when my transmission gave up the ghost just outside of Rapid City South Dakota,(1500 miles from home) in the summer of 2013,I called AA. they could not get me a transmission shipped out the next day like I needed,so they suggested I call German Transaxle in Bend,Oregon. John at GT was great! I ordered the transmission on Tuesday,had it Wednesday afternoon. dropped off the core on my way back home,as I live by Eugene. with service like that at both AA and GT, I think either one is a good choice.

MURRAYMW1 · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:36 am Post subject: Trans question

I have 450 miles on a German Transaxle rebuild. Great discussion prior to the rebuild, excellent service and advice, tranny feels and sounds good, will take it back for the 500 mile check very soon. I'm lucky enough to live in the area.
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Mark
85 Westy - current
Past - 85 weekender; 72 camper, 65 van; many bugs 54 - 72

atomatom · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:43 am Post subject:

i'll vouch for german transaxle as well. the transaxle they sent back has been great, quiet, and i was able to get it in my van within about a week of ordering it. i got my full core deposit back.

i wanted a quick turn-around (my trans blew up in july, just after my engine rebuild and before any camping!) and AA was on vacation (fair enough) and very booked up (1 month wait at least).

i did have one issue with a slight leak from the nose cone, but i really didn't want to remove and send it back for that, so i just sealed it from the outside. not ideal, but did this with consultation with them and there will be no impact on their warranty.
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84 Vanagon Westy, 1.9L, California raised but defected to Canada.

vwjoel · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 10:04 am Post subject:

I had Matt at AA build me a 2WD trans with a limited slip and aluminum housing last year. So far so good. I like that Matt is innovating to work on bringing 21st century tech to our aging transaxles. Whenever I'm out at his shop to pick something up I'm impressed with his operation. I've see Subaru tranaxles and containers of syncro drive setups from Sweden.

I use Gary Zink for my older air cooled stuff. Gary is a cool guy. He let my my kid and I hang out while he tore down our 61 bug trans so we could see what was inside.

MarkWard · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 10:12 am Post subject:

Matt recently built me a front differential with Pelquin TBD locker. His dad built my 2wd transaxle. No change in quality or service.
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insyncro · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 10:49 am Post subject:

A 2wd with a Peloquin, internal oiling mods, prep for external cooling and dedicated fluid temp sensor built by Matt:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Fancy coating by insyncro:

dobryan · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 10:57 am Post subject:

The same from AA as well.

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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

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whynotvw · Samba Member Joined: May 04, 2004 Posts: 1322

Don't forget Rancho Transaxle in Fullerton Ca. They are one of the best. Ask for Mike.

ARMc · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 11:26 am Post subject:

Thanks for ALL the input. Looks like I'll either be dropping the trans off at AA or GTA on my next drive about.

GWTWTLW · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 4:50 pm Post subject:

MarkWard · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 9:45 am Post subject:

Dave, does that panel wax pick up sand and dirt?
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insyncro · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 9:49 am Post subject:

As the question was not directed to me, I am just sharing.

The panel wax is actually an interior product.
Wurth makes a wax just for engines and transmissions that can handle the heat better.

The Wurth product, once cured doesn't attract as much dirt or allow it to stick.
it was used on the engine, trans and front diff in the Subaru Infestation thread.

dobryan · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 10:33 am Post subject:

MarkWard · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 12:55 pm Post subject:

Dave, I asked because I use a similar looking product on my outboard made by CRC called corrosion inhibitor. Everything seems to stick to it, but it does prevent the corrosion. I actually sprayed the body seams with it when I had the kitchen out. It flowed really well. Some flowed all the way to the exterior.

Certainly painted they look nice as long as the paint stayed bonded. If it started to fleck off over time, it would be a mess. mark
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Trans question / Post Daryl AA? / Considering my options.
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