I replaced the bad transmission with a used one. Looked up trans code for the 1996 A4 2.8 quattro and found CJP.
Took old one out: was DRN

Is there more weird stuff going on?

VIN is:
WAUEA88D0TA209419

Engine Code (5th digit): A --> according to Haynes, there is only a D for 1996 (only 2.8 SOHC). A is used for 1997 2.8 SOHC

Model year code (10th digit): T = 1996

What gives? Do I have a 96 car with a 97 engine (AFC) and 97 trans (DRN)?

Any explanation, assumptions, theories?

Thanks.

 

There were a lot of situations like this when they were changing model years, thats how we ended up with 99.5, 01.5, etc. If you look on the info plate riveted to the driver's door jam, it should have the manufacture date, the date the car actually rolled off the line. I'd be willing to bet it was late in the year, and they started transitioning to the 97 components. They did the same thing with radios, intake manifolds, and so on.

 

You most likely have a 96.5, you might want to check the build date which should be on the plate on the driver door jam. They dont have vin numbers for .5 years lol