5 Speed gearbox gone bang!

[Lang]

Hi all, Only had our T25 1984 1.9 petrol water cooled for a short period but think we got sold a dud regarding the gearbox.
Doing about 50mph the other day & an almighty clattering from the back end.
Luckily glided to a halt right next to a small friendly back street garage.
Left it with him to drop out the clutch & gearbox to see whats gone wrong.
Got the phone call today that there was a minimum amount of oil in the gearbox & there are metal particles coming out.
Was hoping it was the clutch or thrust bearing but no
He suggested I hunt down another gearbox, well they are nigh impossible to find.
Reading on the net if the 5 speed has gone bang then there is a good chance they can't be rebuilt.
So will the 4 speed slot straight in or with minor modifications?
Rest of the van is in exceptionally good condition for the year not an old banger so need to get her fixed.
Sorry for the lonng post & any ideas?
Steve

[itchyfeet]

yes you can fit a 4 speed but you will need the gear stick and linkage too, easy to swap over though.

[ELVIS]

Or just leave all the five speed linkage/stick stuff in, fit a four speed box and drive it in 2/3/4/5 only

[itchyfeet]

Good idea, sounds like you have done it before

[Lang]

Or just leave all the five speed linkage/stick stuff in, fit a four speed box and drive it in 2/3/4/5 only

Sounds good, that might just be an option

[Lang]

Does the Aircooled T25 gearbox fit or do I have to get one from a water cooled van?

[multisi]

If you fit an air cooled box you would need a gearbox mount extension due to the shorter length of the gearbox, the rear linkage rod would have to be changed/modified as well. If you do go for the air cooled the ones from a 2 litre would be better than the 1.6 box.

[Lang]

If you fit an air cooled box you would need a gearbox mount extension due to the shorter length of the gearbox, the rear linkage rod would have to be changed/modified as well. If you do go for the air cooled the ones from a 2 litre would be better than the 1.6 box.

Many thanks for your prompt response.

[nevill3]

Here is a list of gearbox codes used by t25's for you to compare. As you will see several codes were used for different engine sizes and should be interchangable

http://vwt3.com/t3-tech/t3-data/t3-gearbox-codes/

[Lang]

Here is a list of gearbox codes used by t25's for you to compare. As you will see several codes were used for different engine sizes and should be interchangable

http://vwt3.com/t3-tech/t3-data/t3-gearbox-codes/

Cheers