what to look for in a used trans???

gerico · Post by **gerico** » Wed Aug 04, 2004 3:23 pm

I need a stronger trans (`70 IRS) for my ghia so I would like to find a `73 or newer Super Beetle trans. Going to look for one at the next Pamona swap meet. Any tips on what I should look for?? Any you guys have a ssc trans you want to get rid of?

Bruce2 · Post by **Bruce2** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 1:25 am

There's really no way to determine anything about a trans' condition when looking at it at a swap meet.

Post by **Marc** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 11:48 am

If they'll let you take out the fill plug and take a look at the teeth on the outside of the 1/2 slider you might be able to spot one with a badly worn Reverse; if you can feel any axial movement of the input shaft the mainshaft bearing could be in really sorry shape - but like Bruce2 says it really isn't possible to tell a good'un without bolting it in a car and driving it or tearing it apart.
If there's a lot of radial play on either of the final drive flanges, at the least it needs a carrier bearing; depending upon how long it's been that way the ring & pinion may be abnormally worn too.

gerico · Post by **gerico** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 3:27 pm

Thanks. I'll check for movement /loosness in the shaft.

Post by **Marc** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 3:32 pm

Be aware that radial movement is completely normal since there's no support for that shaft until it's about a foot inside the transmission - and it's a 2-piece shaft at that so a tiny amount of light axial play doesn't mean anything bad either...it's only when you can feel that the entire mass of the mainshaft and gearstacks is moving lengthwise that you'd confirm the presence of a real problem, and there are many more common problems that could still be present with or without this one. You just can't tell much without X-ray vision....