Trans Question: 4-bolt vs. big grooved nut?

[Ole]

Hi all!

I'm just rebuilding my gearbox and had to realize my recently purchased tools don't work with the late style pinion bearing . All the transmissions I worked on before were the late style (1970 up) with the big grooved nut, and I always wondered if the early 4-bolt version wasn't much easier to assemble. The early pinion bearing's diameter is 75mm, the late version is 82mm. Bigger is better... well, that was my thought. Most of the aftermarket trans-cases use the early 4-bolt version...

What type of case/pinion bearing do you use? Why did VW change the easy to handle 4-bolt configuration to this f*#§ng grooved nut?

Saludos,
Ole

[GeirH]

That was exactly what Dave Folts said to me, when he put together my trans. The BIGGER is better!! So it was based on a newer housing. That was guesset on both side as well. No problem so far.