jjvantol@USWEST.NET writes:

<<  The main problem with running a transmission in reverse
is that it may not last very long, >>

OK- why not??

<< and the synchronizers may not work correctly.>>

I wasn't aware that they were directional.  Third and fourth gears
in a Beetle take the same syncro ring and those gears face each
other on the mainshaft, therefore, the gear spin is going in opposite
directions.

<< It is quite possible, and even likely that in a transaxle, the
bearings that take  reverse thrust may not be strong enough. >>

Again, my understanding is that the main and pinion shaft load
is axial and not longitudinal.   They don't care if they are spun
clockwise or counterclockwise.

<<Far simpler to run it forward, but flip the diff, or, if that's
impossible, flip the whole tranny. KEP has  some info on this in
their catalog. >>

Far cheaper is repair and run a Syncro in a Van and Quattro in
an Audi.   Sure, I think that this is a great idea but just how
practical in the real world would it be?   Unless you want to dump
a boatload of greenbacks into a major project like this I'd stick
with the stock system.  You could beef your 4WD platform of
choice for less than half of what it would take to retrofit a stock
system of one into the other and have a much better operating
system.   Believe me, if I could do something like this and have
a hope of selling it I would!  Its nice from an academic viewpoint,
however!

-Todd Hill
 VolksWerks Transaxles
 Olympia, WA