[vwtrike]

I am seeking help in flipping an early 70's IRS transaxle. Ton of stuff on the Net and Youtube concerning VW engines but nothing detailing flipping the ring gear in a VW transaxle. I've heard you need to gauge it to determine if you need a shim. Some say a jig is needed. But about 40 yrs ago I flipped a swingarm trans(1st and only time) but do not remember making a jig. I think we just took out the entire diff out one side and put it back in the other. Such a long time ago. Anyone available to assist by phone or email?

VWTrike
San Antonio, TX

 

[vwtrike]

You are in luck. Your IRS transaxle has the same side plates as the swing axles so you can flip the ring gear. The later IRS transaxles only had one removable side plate and the ring gear cannot be flipped in those.

Unfortunately, it is a little more difficult than your typical Ford three speed transmission of the same era. I found this rebuilder's course (and tools) invaluable when I rebuilt my swing axle: Rebuilders Courses.

These people seem to think it will be easy - they say just keep the same number of gaskets to maintain clearances: How hard is it to flip the ring gear in a vw trans?

I'll admit, I never "just" flipped the ring gear. When I was in a transaxle there were bigger issues to deal with.






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@nmcollector
Thank you so much for the reply. Man, I've been digging for info to do the flip right. Turns out it is easy. I spoke to some VW transaxle pro's Long Enterprises Volkswagen Transaxle Parts Specialists they said to just remove the diff and put it into the other side. Also make sure to use the same covers following the gear flip. In other words right and left covers should also be switched. There no gaskets. There's a big O-Ring that is inserted along the rim of the side cover. I was surprised. I looked at a Hanes VW fastback manual I have and they also state "no gasket". Interesting Also I am using a stock 1600cc engine and light load do to my trike only weighs about 800lbs

I did purchase a set of CD's on rebuilding transaxles from Long Enterprises for future mad scientist stuff. Here's a picture with the side covers off, not flipped yet. The ring gear was on the Clutch-arm side. Now it's on the Starter side.