I have an '81 Rabbit diesel with a 4 speed box. I just got a 5 speed. Can
I swap boxes without changing the clutch, speedo cable gear, etc.???

Thanks.
Bill L.

William Longyard wrote:
Absolutely! None of those parts are different between the two. How
did your 81 Rabbit Diesel end up with a 4 speed? Mine came with a 5
speed.

TEMiller

Corrado Daddy wrote:
correction.........it depends on which 5 speed box you are trying to
install. If it is for the 16V engine the input shaft may be larger in
diameter. Half Axle shafts flanges may be different diameters also.

You will probably have to change linkage pieces also.
backup light switches may be different
not sure about the trans mounts

It should be very doable though! ;-)

later,
dave
(One out of many daves)

Thanks for the info and encouragement, but I've got one more question: How
can you mount a later five speed into an early engine compartment. What do
you need to do to the motor/trans mounts?

Bill Longyard


"one out of many daves" <NOSPAMvwdoc1 (AT) hotmail (DOT) comPLEASE> wrote

You can get detailed and expert answers to your questions at the appropriate
VWvortex forum. VWvortex has several forums. Go to http://www.vwvortex.com/
to select the forum that best fits your car.

5-speeds have been an option in the Rabbits since around 1979 AFAIK.
So it will be an easy bolt-in swap! ;-)


William Longyard wrote:

Are you saying you got a 5 speed from a diesel? The shift linkage is
different but if the tranny has the linkage attached then you should
be ok. I think the ring and pinion ratio is different between the gas
and diesel.

On Sun, 08 Oct 2006 03:00:39 GMT, "William Longyard"
<longyard (AT) ix (DOT) netcom.com> wrote: