'71 VW Bug truck w/Subi WRX eng/trans...Buga-Truckaru?

[ambrynmc]

Then, I decided to start on the transmission.



Cracked that puppy open (I was feeling really brave). Todd sent me a pinion setup tool, so I figured I would try to do this whole thing myself...



I made a "plaster" mold of the left case to use as a gauge to clearance the right case side.

[ambrynmc]

So everything was going fine, and I had already ordered a bunch of new seals to use to put this back together. I even bought a oil seal for the speedometer gear...but I should have just left it alone...that stupid seal was a pain to get out and once I started (and damaged the seal) I had to keep going.

Mental note to others, just leave the speedo gear parts alone!



Anyway, I have to order some more parts and a seal installation tool. Get this, there are two part numbers in the manual to install the oil seal. One is $20 and the other is $40. And I have no idea if they both actually will work or what the difference is...I'm going to call around to see if anybody knows what gives...

Another tip! Stay organized!! All the darn bolts are different sizes. I made a board to keep them square.



So I finished clearancing the right side case half. I also need to finish cutting/shortening the center case. I did the rough cut, but need to finish cleaning it up.

Then I'm also going to paint the cases and get the parts I need to start re-assembly.

I'm still waffling on whether to get the gears "super finished". Weddle can do the ring and pinion for about $100. They will also do drop-in gears for $5/each...did I mention I did get one of those OBX differentials? Oops...

[ambrynmc]

Oh yeah, and don't forget the Subamount!!!



My precious....

Sorry couldn't help myself...

[RonW]

somebody's been busy! looks good. if/when i end up going with the suby tranny, would love to tap into your experience/expertise then if you don't mind

[56SemaRag]

Take a close look at the double bearing on the pinion gear. Those are usually the first ones to have a bit of slop in them. Good to see the progress!

[ambrynmc]

Which bearing? The big one?



Or the other needle bearing?

[ambrynmc]

somebody's been busy! looks good. if/when i end up going with the suby tranny, would love to tap into your experience/expertise then if you don't mind

No problemo!

[56SemaRag]

The double taper. The one that the shims sit on and has the four mounting bolt holes.

[ambrynmc]

The double taper. The one that the shims sit on and has the four mounting bolt holes.

Oh crap...that one looks like it would be difficult to get to...you have to take off that huge nut to get to it.

So what do you look for? Just look for signs of wear and check to see how much play it has?

[crankwalk]

This looks great. Love the organization throughout it so far. It saves time to not have to RE RESEARCH something you already did for sure! Ask me how I know.

[ambrynmc]

Priced out that bearing "for fun"...$150 plus a 50mm socket and some way to get it torqued to 195 ft-lbs. I hope I don't need to fuss with that one...

[ambrynmc]

Good news, I checked that double bearing and it is in good condition. The bearing next to the pinion was a little sloppy, but I planned on replacing that one anyway.

I did get one of these.



One other thing I will say about the OBX diff, it is a little rough inside. The machining is not very impressive. I ordered the washer/bolt kit and re-tapped the bolt holes as several of them were not tapped very well and were rounding the bolt threads. The little spiral gears and the housing have rough machining marks on them. I've started to smooth them out.



I even put the spiral gears in a vibratory tumbler for a half hour (need to go in for longer).

[56SemaRag]

Good news!

[Steve Arndt]

What type of media do you have in your tumbler?

[noslzzp]

I even put the spiral gears in a vibratory tumbler for a half hour (need to go in for longer).

ShopTalk folks have the coolest toys.