MD4E or MD4S-2D? Differentiating your transaxle.

Because the MD4E and MD4-2D share a modular main case, it is often difficult to distinguish between the two of them.
Internally, the main differences lie in the gear stack and input shaft.
A VW 002 style Weddle gear stack and a VW style 24 spline input shaft are found in the MD4E.

The MD4-2D uses a wider gear & larger (1") O.D. shaft, this is not to be confused with the smaller (.750") 091 gears.

The MD4S-2d gear set is a purpose built gear set for Mendeola Transaxles by Weddle Industries.
With a larger 1.00" O.D. main shaft it uses a 23 spline input shaft ,similar to what the 930 Porsche has.
To accommodate the larger shaft diameters on the MD4S-2D larger main shaft bearings are also used increasing strength and reliability above the 4E model.

*Externally the only visual difference will be in the intermediate.
The flange of the intermediate where it mates with the main case will be approximately 3/4 “ or 1/8”
The larger of the two will designate a MD4S-2D.

Click to view attachment

How deep is your e intermediate housing?
Is it possible to go with smaller gears and get a bigger reverse using the 2d stuff.....

I always wondered how to tell. Great info, thanks, not that I need it anymore, but still good to have.

CPU Guy,
It is not possible due to the shaft centers-Sorry
Click to view attachment

Your avitar rocks!

thanks for noticing!

Too funny not to.


BTW if you look at the pics of the 2D and the E-box on the Mende site, the difference in nose cones is very noticeable.

The web site shows the mid-engine shifter on the MD4S-2D. rear engine still uses the VW nose cones
but who drives mid-engine cars in the dunes any more?

Old School Duners go Mid . . . . . Mid-engine car ROCK !

Ian build this box in 2001 Never been apart

thanks you made me feel old "2001"
I am a firm believer that this style car will become popular in this economy.