Frequently Asked Questions

White pickup truck loaded with wooden pallets in a forested area.

We use only German bearings, seals and synchro's in our rebuilds. All Vanagons receive the custom updated 3rd/4th slider hub to cure their most common failure and get re-bushed carrier housings and 1/2 relay lever in main case.

We suggest a name brand 75/90 Synthetic for stock Vanagons with stock 2.1L motors such as Valvoline, Royal Purple, Amsoil or Penzoil.

For higher power applications over 150 HP, a thicker weight racing type oil is highly recommended. Swepco 210 (80/140 wt) is the recommended choice (the Porsche boys love it.) 210 is better in colder applications than 201, but both will shift a bit stiffer when cold.

The high power SVX and TDi conversions will eat up your ring/pinions if your not careful...beware...We recommend Swepco 210 for the higher HP/Torque and heavy rigs and to change every 2 yrs max.

Vanagons with a non stock engine can get a taller .77-4th Gear to drop about 500 RPM or a .70 for the SVX or TDI engines ($550 extra) A taller 1.18 or 1.14-3rd gear that drops about 200 rpm($550)...call for details or other gear ratio info and availability. Other ratios available these days...A 1.09-3rd or a .73 or .75-4th.

We have a mainshaft bearing retainer plate available to keep the mainshaft secure in its housing for higher powered motors as well. $175 extra.

Bell housings for the 020, 02A and 02J units are an extra charge if they have holes in them.

Syncro (or 2wd) mainshaft retainer plates are a good way to assure the mainshaft bearing will stay put down the road for higher powered vans...Always suggested for a TDI or 3.3 Subie and not a bad idea for a 2.5 either.