...I know, a subjective question, but is it possible for a home
mechanic to rebuild a manual Vanagon transmission with only the normal
tools in the average home shop?...       Is there anything in the rebuild
process that takes huge expensive machines or VW Special tools that one
couldn't 'make' at home?

     My poor old 84 with it's inline Jetta motor and 5speed trans, it's in
need of some rather pricey maintenance on things that are being
'used-up'....While there are no operational problems,  it is whining a
little louder as the years pass and the miles accumulate...it's coming on
time that I can no longer defer taking action, but I simply do not have a
few grand to spare to send this work out right now.   I'm trying to get an
idea if I can do some study and then tackle the job on my own...