Front diff removed??

[jes*b]

ok, I may have found an interesting project 16" van but from what i can gather the front axle arrangement has completely been altered and it is now a rear 2 wheel drive - I believe we are talking more than a duff vc i think from the guy he means that the front axle arrangement was completely messed with . The question is - how difficult it the to reinstate back to original? any ideas of cost - although not that bothered as i assume that major overhaul of the 4x4 on my future syncro would be factored in anyway. really just want to know the feasibility. cheers jes

[jes*b]

The above is total guess work really so i apologise for the many technical inaccuracies - hopefully someone will get my drift?

[Aidan]

Depends what's been removed and what is still available with the vehicle, but there are front diffs to be had (I have a good number of non lockers and can build a locker if required) the scarcest part will be the driveshafts and chances are you'll be needing new outer cv's which aren't cheap, but it is all doable, oh and you'll need a prop - as for front diff mounts and parts again there's buckets loads here.
Speedo cable hopefully is just cable tied up somewhere ready to attach to front diff, and VC's are available new from VW or refurb from Brickwerks and elsewhere

[jes*b]

cheers for the phone chat Aiden. First class info - need to double check the code on the actual gearbox but the paperwork shows code AVU which is the 6:17 final drive (according to Brickyard table). would it be easier to change the whole set up to something more user friendly (especially if engine upgraded) - would this mean new everything or could anything be salvaged? weighing up if this van 'is the one' (oh how many times have i said that in the last 2 decades) cheers jes

[lloydy]

I like my 6.17! 4500 rpm at 60mph
Makes it pretty handy off road though.
On the motorway I tend to stick to about 50ish mph, you soon get used to it. Enjoy life in the slow lane!