Club 80-90 Forums

The gearbox has gone (again) on my van. I replaced the original one about 2 years ago for a second-hand one so i suppose I was taking a chance
It's a 1.6 D (none-turbo) approx 1987 watercooled and I'm in desperate need of a replacement for my summer hols, but which ones fit? The original one was a four speed but do others fit, for example a 5 speed, or a 1.6TD box (there's one on ebay but with no bell-housing, will the bell housing on mine simply swap over?) The replacement one that's in now has the code ACP 25 05 4.

Much appreciated

bernard

I have just had to replace my five speed gearbox and found this site very usefull http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... fo/gbx.htm

It lists all the codes and ratios of the different gearboxes that were fitted originally. For a replacement I think the accepted wisdom is as long as the ratios and final drive are a close match to yours you should be OK. But if you do find a different code post it on here and I am sure Aidan will be able to help you.

If Aidan cannot help you now, I have just had a replacement box fitted for about £950 (it was a reconditioned one) they had them on the shelf!! PM me if you need details.

nevill3 wrote:I have just had to replace my five speed gearbox and found this site very usefull http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... fo/gbx.htm

It lists all the codes and ratios of the different gearboxes that were fitted originally. For a replacement I think the accepted wisdom is as long as the ratios and final drive are a close match to yours you should be OK. But if you do find a different code post it on here and I am sure Aidan will be able to help you.

If Aidan cannot help you now, I have just had a replacement box fitted for about £950 (it was a reconditioned one) they had them on the shelf!! PM me if you need details.

Cheers for that, but there's no-way I could afford £950 for another box at the moment
I'm looking at a five-speed box on ebay at the moment from a 1.6TD, I know I'm taking another chance on one but I've got no alternative.

To go from a four speed to a five would need all the gear change linkages too I think, not just a straight swap the box job.

nevill3 wrote:To go from a four speed to a five would need all the gear change linkages too I think, not just a straight swap the box job.

Good point - I'll ask the seller.

Ask the seller what? if it will fit oh yes sir it will fit your fjord,oh you have a vw , yes it will fit that too ,
sorry couldnt resist, err to go to 5sp does invoilve work and extra parts, if you have a 1.6 d then there are plenty of codes that will fit and as the gearing is only good for the d's then they are not too dear.
addy in wanted should draw a responce if you havent already
mm

if your only running a 1.6 d then you may struggle with some ratio'd boxes.

you will pretty much have the lowest ratio boxes you can get , pretty useless for any other engine.

stick to a 4 speed and a late one.

basically any later 4 speed box will fit , keep your mount , bell housing , input shaft and gearselector rod if you use a petrol box , easy to swap.

like i said tho some boxes , your van may struggle pulling with the ratios , but ok if your planning on an engine upgrade later.

billy739 wrote:if your only running a 1.6 d then you may struggle with some ratio'd boxes.

you will pretty much have the lowest ratio boxes you can get , pretty useless for any other engine.

stick to a 4 speed and a late one.

basically any later 4 speed box will fit , keep your mount , bell housing , input shaft and gearselector rod if you use a petrol box , easy to swap.

like i said tho some boxes , your van may struggle pulling with the ratios , but ok if your planning on an engine upgrade later.

Cheers - would love an engine upgrade, but baby steps and all that
4 speed it is then, I'll stick an ad in wanted.

metalmick8y wrote:Ask the seller what? if it will fit oh yes sir it will fit your fjord,oh you have a vw , yes it will fit that too ,
sorry couldnt resist, err to go to 5sp does invoilve work and extra parts, if you have a 1.6 d then there are plenty of codes that will fit and as the gearing is only good for the d's then they are not too dear.
addy in wanted should draw a responce if you havent already
mm

No - ask if it comes with the linkages but I take your point.

I'm on my second day with my replacement box. Down from five to four gears. To be honest it's not that much different. The change up and down is a lot smoother than the five speed. I'm in first for longer than I was with the 5 speed. Same in second. Third is a nice pick up and fourth is like the old fifth. Early days I know but she feels right. It's all working as it was before the crunch. The guy I helped knew what he was doing so that helped. What's the chances of meeting someone who had a box, linkage, and stick and ability and willingness to do the job? He wouldn't even use my tools in case he damaged them. I've discovered we have mutal friends in the area and they've informed me how qualified he is. His price was embarrassing. All I can say is, I hope you find someone similar. I could have rushed in and forked out but, instinct, patience and the internet can save you a hellova lot of fuel money. My time is cheap after all. Any advice needed though is on here, believe me I've read it all.

docklad wrote:I'm on my second day with my replacement box. Down from five to four gears. To be honest it's not that much different. The change up and down is a lot smoother than the five speed. I'm in first for longer than I was with the 5 speed. Same in second. Third is a nice pick up and fourth is like the old fifth. Early days I know but she feels right. It's all working as it was before the crunch. The guy I helped knew what he was doing so that helped. What's the chances of meeting someone who had a box, linkage, and stick and ability and willingness to do the job? He wouldn't even use my tools in case he damaged them. I've discovered we have mutal friends in the area and they've informed me how qualified he is. His price was embarrassing. All I can say is, I hope you find someone similar. I could have rushed in and forked out but, instinct, patience and the internet can save you a hellova lot of fuel money. My time is cheap after all. Any advice needed though is on here, believe me I've read it all.

I'll wait 2 weeks - then start to panic