which transaxle for and AWD VW?

[jesusgatos]

Are there any 4WD or AWD transaxles or transmissions that would mate-up to an air-cooled VW engine?

[Chris_Wilson]

Didn't Jon Nelsons rock buggy, "Tiny" run an air cooled vw? Whatever he did might work for you.

Or was that solid axles?

[jesusgatos]

Yes, it was powered by a V-dubb, but I think it was mated to a powerglide/atlas. I just was curious as to whether there were any VW AWD transaxles out there.

[cogbox]

the vanagon syncros were 4 wheel drive. they are very strong and very hard to get. the syncro was never imported into the united states. so you will look around. the most common repair need for the transaxle is the coupler. after market ones are available . hope this helps

[jesusgatos]

Vanagon syncros, huh? Cool, but it's too bad they're not more common. Any idea what a person might have to pay to get their hands on one? I tried searching google, but wasn't able to find any pictures or diagrams. Where's the front driveshaft output? Does it have a low-range?

[Mark Newhan]

YEs the Vanagon transaxle would be perfect for a rear engine 4x4. Also you may want to look at Subaru, depending on your application.

[jesusgatos]

Yeah, I've had a burning itch to build an all tube-chassis (naked) WRX rally car ever since I moved up to the PNW, and I've never been into VW's. But my neighbor is a VW engine builder and that got me thinking about an AWD baja bug with a center-mounted front diff and A-arms. But if the Syncro transaxles are too expensive, or hard to find, that kind of kills my interest. I'd rather build something with a Subi drivetrain...

[Mark Newhan]

Sounds fun... Build it and post the build!

[jesusgatos]

Oh, that's at least 2-3 projects down the list. I'm just kicking ideas around.

[Like2PlayInSand]

The VW Vangon Syncro's were sold in the US from 1986 though 1991. A little over 5000 were sold here. Trannsmission cores are not easy to find though. Rusted out Syncro's can be found for under $2k that you can take the whole drivetrain out of. Weakest part in the Syncro trans is the 3-4 shift slider for which there is a factory upgrade. Since the Syncro is an all wheel drive setup a solid shaft replacemnet has been made to make it true four wheel drive. Then a decoupler needs to be installed on the front of the trans to give you 2wd in the rear only. Most Syncro's sold in the US have rear vacuum lockers. The front differential has the same locker option but non were sold in the US. They can be found through rebuilders like AA transaxle in Oregon. They were sold in Canada as an option and the rest of the world.

I have 6.17 R&P's and lockers in mine and it will amaze you where it will climb even with a stock 100hp engine that is well worn. I also built my own lift kit of 3" and put 30" tall tires on it. I have had it to Moab, Mogfests and the Northwest mogfest. Just search for Syncromog on the web for lots of photos. Also on Youtube under silver syncro.