VW Beetle Transmission

Buy your VW Beetle gearbox transmission parts here

If there is one area of the classic Volkswagen Beetle that people seem most reluctant to work on themselves, it’s the VW Beetle gearbox. Though it’s often referred to as a ‘dark art’, we here at VW Heritage know that classic Beetle owners are a resourceful bunch, so offer an extensive range of replacement and upgrade parts for the VW Beetle transmission, from gaskets and bushes to Volkswagen Beetle ring and pinion sets and complete gearboxes, both stock for the restorer and performance Beetle gearboxes for those wishing to strengthen and uprate their Beetle’s transmission. To browse or buy the parts you need, just follow the links above, or read on for further information on the lines we supply for the VW Beetle gearbox.

Remanufactured Beetle gearbox

We are delighted to announce a new range of top-spec remanufactured VW Beetle gearboxes from renowned US transmission specialist Rancho Classic. These as-good-as-new classic Beetle replacement gearboxes are rebuilt to original factory specification, with bearings, syncro rings and any other internal components replaced as required. These are the simplest, easiest answer to rebuilding a classic Beetle gearbox and all stock replacement Beetle gearboxes come with a five year parts only warranty. We even sell nosecone conversion kits to allow you to fit a later full synchromesh gearbox into an early ‘crash box’ Beetle. Again, because so many Beetles have had elements of their drivetrain changed over the years, please provide your gearbox code and as much vehicle information (engine size / type / code, clutch size, year etc.) as possible when ordering so we can ensure compatibility.

Brand new genuine VW gearbox

If you simply have to have the best, how about a genuine VW Beetle replacement gearbox? Sourced direct from VW, these are 1200-1300cc units as fitted to late swing-axle Beetles, with a final drive ratio of 4.375. A GT Beetle version with 3.875 (more commonly referred to as 3.88) final drive is also available, rebuilt in the UK from standard genuine gearboxes using all new genuine VW parts. The latter Beetle gearbox is ideal for 1600cc and upward engines that see regular motorway use.

‘Rancho’ high performance Beetle gearbox

We here at VW Heritage know that for some people, though, the desire to extract more performance out of their air-cooled VW engines means they need to upgrade their Beetle gearboxes to suit. And so we now supply a range of the world-renowned Rancho Transmission high performance Beetle gearboxes. Choose from Freeway Flyer, Pro Street or Pro Comp versions, each with their own benefits, depending on your application. Features include a choice of gear ratios, Beetle super diff and heavy duty sideplates, along with hardened keys and welded third and fourth gear hubs. These are considered to be some of the strongest, most reliable, highest quality Beetle performance transmissions available, and at a price that is hard to beat.

Beetle gearbox parts and clutches

In our online VW Beetle gearbox store, you will also find a huge number of classic Beetle gearbox parts– both stock and performance – including cases, mounts, ring and pinion sets, super diffs, spider gears, plugs, bushes, swing axle Beetle axle gaiters, IRS Beetle CV joints, axles, bearings and hub seals, along with an extensive range of VW Beetle clutch kits and air cooled Beetle performance and stock VW Beetle clutch and clutch pressure plates.

The Beetle came with both a 180mm Beetle Clutch and also later on a 200mm VW Beetle Clutch; if you are unsure the type you need, just ask. Likewise there is an early and a later type of VW Beetle clutch release bearing, although a Beetle clutch release bearing upgrade is possible.

If your Beetle gearbox seems fine, but you just want to ensure it stays that way, we even sell a swing axle gearbox oil change kit with everything you need to do the job that most VW owners never do!