I am having a hard time finding 1st.

[levi]

[vwlovr]

[The Salt]

[Kopasz]

I bought the shift linkage repair kit from GW. I removed my old ball and sokcet and compared it to the new one from GW. I couldn't see a difference between the one remvoed from the van and the new one, leading me to believe that 1) this was not the solution to my problem, and 2) the PO may have already had this repair done (He was not a DIYer so he couldn't speak to any of the repairs). I almost sent the new unit back to GW, but then thought screw it, It won't hurt to just do it. I am glad I did. NIGHT AND DAY! I was actually dumbfounded. I really could not believe how much of an improvement the new linkage was.

That was Friday night, Saturday morning I started investigating why I kept slipping into reverse when I wanted to get into 1st. . . . .

I just did the hose/epoxy fix as well, but I used JB Weld to build up the metal flange. Then I slid the piece of hose on (only my passenger side plactic was missing - other side is good as new). Then I filled and costed the hose with JB weld. I am not sure how long it will last, but I can't wait 'til it sets so I can try it out my new shifting mechanism.......I'll let you know Sunday.
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adam

'87 Wolfsburg Weekender, Bostig Zetec

The rehabilitation of my Van can be found here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5949024#5949024

[Californio]

Exactly what mine does: slips into reverse when I'm trying to put it into first.

Done so far: the VC rear shift lever kit, two shift rod bushings, put pieces of fuel hose over the shift fork ends.

Let us know how your fix works.

Mine also scratches going into first, second, third gears...

[Kopasz]

Have you done those improvements and still experience sloppy shifting, or are the improvements yet to be tested?
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adam

'87 Wolfsburg Weekender, Bostig Zetec

The rehabilitation of my Van can be found here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5949024#5949024

[Kopasz]

the fix worked like magic. I no longer slip into reverse and getting into 1st is not confronted with a springy rejection and me ultimately cursing.

I still have a little play when it is in gear through. Is there any way to fix that? Anyone?
_________________
adam

'87 Wolfsburg Weekender, Bostig Zetec

The rehabilitation of my Van can be found here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5949024#5949024

[davidbaldwin]

[davidbaldwin]

Hey guys,

Have an 83 1/2 Vanagon. The shift linkage broke so I ordered the shift linkage kit from gowesty and my mechanic replaced those parts. Now, it's a lot tighter, the "spring tension" in the shift lever keeps it far right in line with 3rd and 4th. I have a real hard time finding 1st, usually ending up in reverse instead (without having to push down on the shifter to get it over to reverse).

The nylon tabs at the front box are in very good shape surprisingly, and prior to the linkage breaking, it shifted quite well into 1st, 2nd, 3rd and reverse. 4th was a bit tricky.

So what has happened here? What tips should I give my mechanic? As far as I remember, before when it was in neutral, it was pretty much in the middle and it was straight ahead to 1st and straight back to 2nd. Had to push down, then move up to the left to get in reverse. Now, "straight ahead" would put me in third and straight back would be 4th. Moving the shift lever to the left (without depressing it) gets me into reverse.

I think that alignment is the clue. What do I tell my mechanic?
Thanks for any assistance!
Dave

[babywindow]

Old post, but here's a pretty good description of the adjustment.

http://www.gowesty.com/tech-article-details.php?id=178


If you have to tell your mechanic how to fix things, time for a new mechanic.

[[email protected]]

You need to adjust your spline. Up towards the front. You use a spacer up on the box. See post #7
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=646105&highlight=shifter