Cutting did the trick! Popped off like nothing. I do have to say that I completely hate all the snap rings. They suck. But anyways, new shaft is in. Calling it a night.

 

Its pretty much all back together! Turned out to be pretty easy. It spins in every gear so I hope that means I did it right.

 

See, told ya it wasn't that bad. Once you crack it open you're like "that's it?". Lol.

 

Yep you were right. I thought there was going to be a whole lot more going on in there. Its crazy how simple of a design it is. Now I just need the back half of my trans case so I can put them together and in! Need 4wd!

Note to self for next time doing this, get the right snap ring pliers. Would have cut the time in half!

 

I have a big set of snap-ring pliers specifically for doing SYE kits. It comes in handy

 

Good work! I'll be doing mine this weekend hopefully. Everyone always says get the "right" snap ring pliers, but never really clarifies...what are the right ones?

 

This is the more common style of snap ring pliers. They are not what you need.



You need the ones with something like a flat tip like these. There are 2 different size snap rings on the shaft so you will most likely need 2 different pliers.

 

Few more updates. Still collecting parts. While searching on CL for the dana 30 (which I still cant find), I found some other stuff. So I will be getting some Rubicon Express front fixed arms, Bilstein 5100 shocks and some real 3" coils. This should get me by for a while until I am ready to do the custom long arm setup.

In other news, me and my Bug made it in our first magazine! While its not a big magazine company, I am still proud! Top right of the picture for those of you who dont know what a Bug looks like haha. Too bad they said it has a turbo when it really has a blower...

 

LSJ powered bug?

 

Yes, no, kinda, sorta but not really. Its a combination of about 4 different Ecotecs. My own creation. Its got the LSJ blower which has been modified for a LS1 throttle body. Then it has a 2.4 LE5 block. Then an older style 2.2 crank. Followed by a newer style individual coil 2.2 head. Add in custom pistons and rods and you got a Frankenstein destroked 2.4L. Comes out roughly to 2.3L. The last 2.2 I had in it peaked power around 7800 rpms which wasn't high enough for some tracks. So I am hoping this one spins around 8500 rpms. Haven't put the new motor in yet so we will see! My first race of the season is in a few months so I need to get the Jeep done so I can work on the Bug again!

 

Found a transmission under the xj tonight... dont know how it got there. Must have fallen out.

 

Hate when that happens. The front axle/suspension fell out of mine.

 

I sure hate it when that happens.
Atleast it appears to be functional and may bring some small resale value.

Congrats on the Beetle victory, I've been working on one for about 5 years, when I get tired of rust repair I just find another hobby.
Happened to be Jeeps this time.
Sold my sand rail recently.... and my fiberlass buggy oh and alot of other vw beetles and baja's.
Just tired of looking at them I guess.

 

Ya it was the wierdest thing. I came home and everything was fine. Then 2 hours later i find the trans laying on the ground. Wtf! Lack, glad im not the only one this happens to. Is it a socal problem?

Constantine - thanks and glad to see another vw person on here! I grew up with my dad restoring them in the 80s and 90s. Been around sand rails my whole life too. Went from stock vw motor to a turbo vw, then to quad 4, then to twin turbo LS, just to finish with a twin turbo v12 bmw (all my fathers). Now its all about side by sides...

 

Sweet! I just got rid of my LNF cobalt SS sedan. Was a good engine and quick but the rest of the car, well, it was a cobalt.... I honestly liked my SRT4 neon better lol.

And did you say twin turbo LS