How can I tell if mine does ? Preferably without pulling the tranny out. Car is originally Mexican, Imported here from Bali, '76 production year. Any codes or anything to look for ?
Thanks
Do things all have ZFs ?
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Do things all have ZFs ?
Look for the trans code AW. Most T 181s will have code AV. The AW is with ZF and AV is without.
All T 181s sold in the US have code AV. The M220 (ZF option) was never sold in the US.
From my unscientific survey, I'd say about 1/5 or 1/4 came with a ZF.
You can also test the trans by jacking the rear off the ground and with the handbrake off and the car in neutral, turn one wheel and observe the other. If the other moves in the same direction, you have LSD. If the other moves opposite, you have an open diff.
The other way is to find a large parking lot, turn the front wheels to full lock and let go of the clutch.
[This message has been edited by Bruce2 (edited 11-28-2002).]
All T 181s sold in the US have code AV. The M220 (ZF option) was never sold in the US.
From my unscientific survey, I'd say about 1/5 or 1/4 came with a ZF.
You can also test the trans by jacking the rear off the ground and with the handbrake off and the car in neutral, turn one wheel and observe the other. If the other moves in the same direction, you have LSD. If the other moves opposite, you have an open diff.
The other way is to find a large parking lot, turn the front wheels to full lock and let go of the clutch.
[This message has been edited by Bruce2 (edited 11-28-2002).]
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Do things all have ZFs ?
ZF Transaxle ?
The option M220 was listed on the THING options sheet but, in 15 years, I have never seen a THING with one installed from the factory. First, the M-220 used the swing axles w/reduction gears and all THINGS had IRS rear suspension. I believe that the insides are interchangeable however because I have seen a few cars with IRS, with some sort of limited slip fitted. These are always called ZF Boxes because it has a better cachet sound than "Joes Bus Boxes" as a source.
BTW: Your car is a Type-181 or a Safari. THING's were only built in 1973 & 1974, in Mexico and were all sent to the United States for VW of A. The Indonesian built cars were partially built in Puebla, Mexico and then shipped to Indonesia for final assembly with additional locally available parts such as tires, tops, battery(s) final paint, glass etc.
If you car is a civilian version it is a Safari (I think), if not, it is a Military Type 181. The military version is much more apt to have the ZF option.
Would you please post a reply reply and tell us if it has 1) swing axles and reduction gears 2) if you have air intake boxes on the sides. 3) if you have any sort of heater, gas fired, or heat exchangers on the exhaust systems and, if you don't mind, the VIN. We have vey little history on Indonesian built cars. Many Thanks.
BTW: Do you know any one in the Akins family down there.? My Mori Aunt and several of my cousins relocated back to New Zealand about 10 years ago. Just a thought
Bob Miller
Riverside, CA
[This message has been edited by justcallmebob (edited 11-29-2002).]
[This message has been edited by justcallmebob (edited 11-29-2002).]
The option M220 was listed on the THING options sheet but, in 15 years, I have never seen a THING with one installed from the factory. First, the M-220 used the swing axles w/reduction gears and all THINGS had IRS rear suspension. I believe that the insides are interchangeable however because I have seen a few cars with IRS, with some sort of limited slip fitted. These are always called ZF Boxes because it has a better cachet sound than "Joes Bus Boxes" as a source.
BTW: Your car is a Type-181 or a Safari. THING's were only built in 1973 & 1974, in Mexico and were all sent to the United States for VW of A. The Indonesian built cars were partially built in Puebla, Mexico and then shipped to Indonesia for final assembly with additional locally available parts such as tires, tops, battery(s) final paint, glass etc.
If you car is a civilian version it is a Safari (I think), if not, it is a Military Type 181. The military version is much more apt to have the ZF option.
Would you please post a reply reply and tell us if it has 1) swing axles and reduction gears 2) if you have air intake boxes on the sides. 3) if you have any sort of heater, gas fired, or heat exchangers on the exhaust systems and, if you don't mind, the VIN. We have vey little history on Indonesian built cars. Many Thanks.
BTW: Do you know any one in the Akins family down there.? My Mori Aunt and several of my cousins relocated back to New Zealand about 10 years ago. Just a thought
Bob Miller
Riverside, CA
[This message has been edited by justcallmebob (edited 11-29-2002).]
[This message has been edited by justcallmebob (edited 11-29-2002).]
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Do things all have ZFs ?
Wow are you ever confused!
What makes you think all Things went to the USA? Don't you think other countries got them in 73 and 74? Just because a T 181 was sold as a Safari doesn't mean its not a Thing. Just a different name for the same model. Officially, VW of Canada sold the T 181 as the Thing, so not all went to the USA.
The M220 option is a ZF limited slip differential instead of an open differential. Both swing axle and IRS gearboxes had the potential of being ordered with a M220 ZF diff. Your list may show the M220 option, but it was not offered in the USA, so no cars imported by VW came with one.
Early Things had swing axle, later ones had IRS. The first IRS Thing appeared in 73, but swing axle Things were made well into the late 70s.
What makes you think all Things went to the USA? Don't you think other countries got them in 73 and 74? Just because a T 181 was sold as a Safari doesn't mean its not a Thing. Just a different name for the same model. Officially, VW of Canada sold the T 181 as the Thing, so not all went to the USA.
The M220 option is a ZF limited slip differential instead of an open differential. Both swing axle and IRS gearboxes had the potential of being ordered with a M220 ZF diff. Your list may show the M220 option, but it was not offered in the USA, so no cars imported by VW came with one.
Early Things had swing axle, later ones had IRS. The first IRS Thing appeared in 73, but swing axle Things were made well into the late 70s.
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Do things all have ZFs ?
Bruce2
Well Yes, I may be confused about many things (lower case) but about THING's (upper case), At least I don't think so.
So as to provide the information I have gathered, I have started a new thread about Type-181 names. Please read it over and let me know what you think.
Bob
[This message has been edited by justcallmebob (edited 12-01-2002).]
Well Yes, I may be confused about many things (lower case) but about THING's (upper case), At least I don't think so.
So as to provide the information I have gathered, I have started a new thread about Type-181 names. Please read it over and let me know what you think.
Bob
[This message has been edited by justcallmebob (edited 12-01-2002).]
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Do things all have ZFs ?
In addition to the info already posted here, codes to look for for 181 IRS limited slip transaxles are AW or GB codes. 4.125:1 and 4.375:1 ratios respectively.
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Do things all have ZFs ?
Type 181s sold in Indonesia were first CKD kits from Germany with not muffs; then CKD from Mexico; and finally many of the 75's not exported to the U.S.A. found their way to Indonesia through an Indonesian goverments contract to supply 181s to every departments chief in the country.
The first vehicles were used for the military and most of them had limited slip differentials.
All of the 181s in Indonesia were called Safaris as far as know.
The LSD swing axle is built diferently from the IRS, and the main part that does the locking is not possible to interexchange.
The first vehicles were used for the military and most of them had limited slip differentials.
All of the 181s in Indonesia were called Safaris as far as know.
The LSD swing axle is built diferently from the IRS, and the main part that does the locking is not possible to interexchange.