Now SMS was 4k tranny?

[dan.bubb at gmail.com (Dan Bubb)]

I think Ron's said it all!
I even agree with all his reservations and basic overall cheapness ;^)
Dan

On 12/16/05, Ron Pieper <rapieper@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Whew...of all the trannies I have torn down, a surprisingly high number either had SMS or were
> about to.  I'd guess at least 25%, maybe up to 40% I wasn't comfortable with when I opened them.
>
> Remember I got a lot of SMSd trannies in partial trade for a good one I'd supply (most folks just
> want to get rid of them).
>
> I do not recall having seen SMS on an F- tranny, probably because of better rivets.
>
> Some trannies that were about to go have had the little hats (that are supposed to keep that
> little shaft contained) either loose or worn through from the shaft, but the major catastrophe
> hadn't happened yet.
>
> Frankly, it's a bitch for a normal DIYer to tear down a tranny, apply the bolt kit, and
> reassemble.  On top of that, it's a "while I'm in here" sort of thing...the project can keep
> growing.  Roughly $200 in parts alone if'n you put all new synchros in (which I don't do for my
> trannies because some just don't wear out and I'm a cheapass besides).  This when we can get
> replacement boxes for a lot less, if you're connected to other VW fans.  Still, if you want to be
> sure of many miles, it has to be done, because Fritz decided to be cheap, stupid, or both.
>
> For anyone doing this, I'd at least replace (with bolts) the two rivets that align with the shaft
> (but I've always replaced them all, because I'm cheap but not stupid)  And of course add the
> circlips.
>
> Maybe someday I'll be doing more...it's been a year at least (ask Daun!!).
>
> HTH
>
> Ron
>
>
>