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Rancho gearbox opinion

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70 Jafa Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Apr 2011 ·

#921684
I am looking at having my swinging arm gearbox rebuilt, or replace it with a standard Rancho box. Would love to get Dangerous rebuild my box, but not sure I can justified the cost. So what are people's experiences with standard Rancho boxes? I understand the qualitity of the bearings may not be wonderful, but how well would one cope with a relatively standard 1600 twin port.

Alternatively any recommendations for rebuild existing box, all gears selected fine, and did not jump out of gear, but was niosey (may have partially been the thrust bearing) and metal particals in oil.

Thanks Rob

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 ·

#921686
Why is Dangerous a cost to avoid, he will fix or replace what is broken and charge you for his time and parts. A quality job is worth the money, instead of a rebuild that is built down to a price.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

70 Jafa Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Apr 2011 ·

#921694
Matt, Not saying it is a cost to avoid, just looking at cheaper options, may still go with David.

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#921696
If you do buy a Rancho Box with some good items in it

I would send it to Dangerous Before fitting to let him strip and check it out

I have seen a few of them not very well put together or cleaned correctly

A quick strip before may save you a more costly excerise later and the box may last you the life of the car

Or as per Matt just get Dave to build you one the way you want it

warranty issues will be costly with a Rancho
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#921701
Doesn't matter how you look at it, transmission are expensive to buy or rebuild if you want it to be strong and reliable. No real way around it unless you find a 2nd hand upgraded box next to nothing, but thats a slim chance.

Doesn't matter what I have looked at regardless of car make or year or model. the figure I come across the most is 3-5k for anything decent.

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

coletrickle Wolfsburg Wizard

661 posts · joined Apr 2009 ·

#921717
Dangerous.. End of story

70 Jafa Casual Dubber

33 posts · joined Apr 2011 ·

#921726
OK interesting comments, I suppose I know the answer you get what you pay for. If I need to have a Rancho inspected, it does not sound like a cost effective option. I will talk to Dangerous again.

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 ·

#921728
You said yourself, the bearings are not good......yep, what more do you want. Hearsay is out there where people have had issues. I know of some too, but I've not had one myself. I always think it's better in the long run to rebuild yours. Sometimes it'll need only a few parts replaced and may be cheaper outright. There are other shops that you could consider although in my opinion buy once, cry once. A good quality transmission will live for many years.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

DakDak67 Officially Full-On Dubber

208 posts · joined Sep 2011 ·

#921735
I have a Rancho thats done a of work , it's over 10 years and 100,000 km's old . I'm keen to strip it down for a syncro replacement and rerace as I'm upgrading to a bigger stroker engine next year. Guess i got lucky.

Gracey Wolfsburg Wizard

511 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·

#921770
You could always try German Autos at Geebung.

essex Officially Full-On Dubber

352 posts · joined Dec 2008 ·

#921773
coletrickle wrote:Dangerous.. End of story
I agree.

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 ·

#921805
Mmmm, yep , you COULD try Leon's too. I know where I go, I've had tranny's from Hellbug, Muller n Muller, German Auto, Leon's, Mac Tuned, Custom and DB. Fix yours, that way your fixing what is necessary.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

vwo60 Veteran Volks Folk

2,036 posts · joined Feb 2007 ·

#921808
I cannot see the logic in buying a Rancho box and giving it to Dave to strip down, just get yours over hauled by Dave and be done with it, at least you know you will get a good box built with lots of love.

ian.mezz I never said, I could write or spell

3,913 posts · joined Sep 2004 ·

#921822
whats wrong with the gear box anyway ????????
😂🤪😂🤪😂
car forums. where a lot of peoples good intentions end up taking a good old car off the road forever never ever to see the road again. 🥲

68BUS Wolfsburg Wizard

485 posts · joined Jul 2011 ·

#921826
DakDak67 wrote:I have a Rancho thats done a of work , it's over 10 years and 100,000 km's old . I'm keen to strip it down for a syncro replacement and rerace as I'm upgrading to a bigger stroker engine next year. Guess i got lucky.
Bigger? Are you not already running a pretty big set up you greedy bugger?😂
1966 Aussie 11 Window

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#921864
I wonder if dave does other "non vw" gearboxes? say like eg. suby, mustang etc ?

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

vassy66T1 Wow ... are U reading this?

2,120 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#921873
He doesn't 😁

Dave has done 3 for me (VW).
Beautiful!!!

DakDak67 Officially Full-On Dubber

208 posts · joined Sep 2011 ·

#921896
68BUS wrote:
DakDak67 wrote:I have a Rancho thats done a of work , it's over 10 years and 100,000 km's old . I'm keen to strip it down for a syncro replacement and rerace as I'm upgrading to a bigger stroker engine next year. Guess i got lucky.
Bigger? Are you not already running a pretty big set up you greedy bugger?😂
Yeh, I'm keen to go for a 2332/48IDA combo with Porsche cooling. 🤪

68BUS Wolfsburg Wizard

485 posts · joined Jul 2011 ·

#921909
I'm Grinning in anticipation.😀
1966 Aussie 11 Window