Well, I know it's been a while since I've been on, between a new job and life, it's been pretty hectic.  Figured I'd drop in, say hi, and inform you that the trans will be coming out of the truck-blew 5th gear this week, and have something else going on in the front of the trans too.  Uggh.  Not looking forward to it!  On a brighter note, we picked up a 2006 Jetta TDI, and I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed with it.  The engineering, the small details, and the fuel mileage (47 mpg avg, in town and highway) I'm pretty happy with it!  

Congrats on the TDI! Both of my kids have one. How many miles on the Jetta? Just an FYI, the recommended mileage to change the timing belt is 80,000 miles, not the 100,000 miles like the book says.

Good to see you back around... Is it the 5th gear nut that failed in the trans?

5th gear did fail, but there's also something else going on in the front of the trans...I still need to pull it all apart, I just haven't had time to do it yet.

And MNtom, good info, I'll keep it in mind. I can't remember exactly mileage right now but iirc I've got about 20-40k till due.