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Is it true the Type 4 standard transmission and clutch are unique and are more difficult to find parts (should one need to) than the automatic?

The clutch and flywheelare common parts. Ok..actually thast not true. The original 210 and 215mm pressure plates for the type 4 had a slight bit more clamping pressure, but bus parts work fine. The disc is unique. Different spline size. These can generally be gotten no problem from any clutch rebuild supply house for about the same cost as any other disc. Get a couple coresa and you are set for life. They are only available in solid disc form. I have never in my life seen one with springs except in a book.

The tranny....thats a different story. There are "0" parts avaialable for the 4 speed. Yes...the differential side seals and input shaft seal and hockey stick bushing....sure no problem. O-rings for various locations including the stub axles...no problem. Differential side bearings...no problem. Pinion bearings....not a REAL problem....but there is an A and a B part # for the bearing it takes. Get the right one...or you will screw up the shaft installing it. Countershaft needle bearings...can be sourced. The clutch slave..can be sourced...or I can help you with a conversion to audi 5000 style.

Other than the above....nothing is available. If you get one of these transmissions....they run forever. But....there are a few defects that must be fixed...or ALL of them will destroy themselves. Either look in my past posts onthis or contact me. If you get one that has no damage to the spyder gears...and no spalling yet on the 4th gear...all can be cheaply fixed. You can get a couple of hundred K more out of it. If thge synchros are worn, just swapping from another box can usually help. Ig the differential or gear assemblies are shot...these tranny's are 3 section. The dif can be re-slaved to a gear assembly and vica-versa.

Most everything needed is available for the automatic. The 4 speeds though are very very light and nice to drives. Ray

Ray,I heard that there is such a thing as a 4 speed auto is that true,if so anyone have one. Is the 4th gear like an O.D.
Dennis

Not on these cars. There are 4 speed autos on newer cars...but nothing in the VW line. You may be hearing about an auto stick. That is a diferent animal. You still have to shift gears, but there is no manual clutch. It uses a hydro-pneumatic control to do teh clutching for you. That was basically a standard VW 4 speed slaved to that unit. Interesting, but not really worth the effort. Ray