Just out of interest - VCU

Got a reply from Long Enterprises - the people who make the de-coupler for the Vanagon.

Good news and bad really.

The good news is that what they sell is an off the shelf so to speak (exchange) complete kit to do the job and it sells for $1200 dollars so a lot cheaper than having to replace a rear diff, VCU and IRD.

The bad news is they are a VW only specialist and have no intentions of looking into a Landy one.

See full reply below:

Hi Chirs …Thanks for your e-mail. We sell a full line of standard and high performance VW transmission parts, tools as well as completely rebuilt VW transmissions. Our Syncro decoupler kit which includes everything you need to install it in a Vanagon, comes with very detailed instructions, and sells for $1299.95 exchange (you send us your old housing). Our billet shaft / viscous coupling replacement sells for $299.95. While the billet shaft is not intended for use on dry pavement, the decoupler/ billet shaft combination is outstanding for slippery or off road conditions. Sorry, we are not in a position to produce these for Landrovers. If you have other questions or would like to place an order, please call us at 707 829-1169 (9-5 Monday thru Thursday Pacific Time). Thanks,
Rick Long
LONG ENTERPRISES
VW Transaxle Specialist
http://www.longenterprises.com
707 829-1169 (Monday -Thursday



Chris

Bum! - but at least they replied.

Think ill bite the bullet for now and get myself a new VCU before I do any other damage.

Given the info we have found ie life expectancy of our VCU's is between 60K and 90K miles and the fact that mine is now at 90K miles seems like the best / safest option.

or do the "Mondo mod"? till a proper fix is available.

Yes that is an option but think id prefer to keep 4wd ability without having to jump under the thing every weekend.

Do you think it would be worth changing to the later type diff at the same time ??

Some say the ratio was slightly different to "ease" the problems but having looked at the Ascroft transmissions web site it just says that the later types benefit was stronger journals - no mention of a different ratio ??


Chris

Shame about the supplier not willing to make one.

It was Ianh1 who mentioned the ratio had been changed from the IRD rather than final drive.

I dont know where he sourced that info from. PM him if needs must

that is tru - coz the vcu is diff too on early models - it had a .8/1.0 ratio - i believe it now has a 1/1 ratio. I think i posted this on one of the other (many) 2wd/4wd/vcu threads.
They could always be approached to see if they would allow manufacture under license for use with a hippoo - that wouldn't step on their toes and wud protect any intellectual property rights and/or patents. It also means they might help

Where is Iah1 he must be interested?

And Ianh1 said:



"I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover."

What a song!!! Men at Work?

nope - lr1796!