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

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

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

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.

Dangerous.. End of story

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.

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.

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.

You could always try German Autos at Geebung.

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.

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.

whats wrong with the gear box anyway ????????

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

He doesn't

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

Quote:

Originally posted by 68BUS Quote: Originally posted by DakDak67 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?

I'm Grinning in anticipation.