Rough looking/stripped transmission rod... a pic is worth 1000..

[wyomingresident]

How this look? Can this work? Are the teeth too beat up?

Is this what is known as a catastrophic failure?

Just holding it in place it appears as of the shift lever won’t grab the teeth enough to move the transmission shift rod.

I’m tightening it all up now. We will see how it goes.
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Don't tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.
Mark Twain

[dhaavers]

Wow...that's kinda gnarly. Good luck!

<fingers crossed>

- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[Gnarlodious]

That rod is called a “Selector shaft”. The 13mm nut holding the lever on the spline came loose and it vibrated itself into oblivion. All Vanagon owners are advised to check that the lever is not loose whenever you are under the van.

For the quick fix you can use oversized washers to press the lever against the shoulder. Obviously the complete fix is going to be work. Start looking for a use shaft from a transmission shop, or they can be bought as a new part for about $250.
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Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit

[wyomingresident]

Awesome! Thanks for the information.

I had no idea the selector shaft is replaceable. Where is the best source for get one, either used or new?

Re: using oversized washers... I did just that. Except I used a burly lock washer to help things out. And another lock washer against the shift lever and tightened it all up.

Shifting like a dream.
_________________
Don't tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.
Mark Twain

[Gnarlodious]

Your best bet is a used shaft from a VW transmission shop. I believe other models such as the Passat used the same shaft, so they should be out there.

If you feel like your fix is reliable then consider it permanent. The shaft is some work to replace with the gearbox in place. If you think it is going to be a continued problem then having a spare shaft is a good idea.

If you just get a new lever, it will have more bite on the spline, they are available from the usual suppliers. Also, a hardened steel star washer behind the lever will do a good job of preventing slippage.
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Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit