Steve,

at first you should check the plastic 'ball joint' of the gear shift lever
under the boot.  The parts you must check and/or change are inside the
rubber guide..upper and lower ball halves and splitted shell.  Springs are
usually ok.  Be sure to lubricate new ones well.

Juha Koivisto
88 Vanagon (Caravelle) 1,6TD (old school bus with 9 seats)
TURKU, FINLAND