Scott--Generally the problem you describe of hard 2nd or 3rd shifting is
the 3/4 slider hub is cracking inside the transmission and binding in or
out of gear. That is the most common failure of the Vanagon trans over
100k miles. $950 exchange is what it takes to rebuild and cure the
problem. The only other thing that might be starting to happen is the
pilot bearing dry and failing, but that usually affects 1st & rev also.
Maybe time for a rebuild...smile :)

Daryl of AA Transaxle, Duvall, Wa.
(425) 788-4070
1-877-377-0773 (toll free)
aatransaxle.com (web site)