This sounds like a problem with the ball/socket section of the front
gear shift lever. This is an assembly of plastic  pieces and they are
cheap and easy to replace. I think one or more of the list vendors sell
a kit to replace them but even at a VW dealer they don't cost much.

Mark

"Imua Camper Co." wrote:
>
> More shifting questions...   Have a van that broke down suddenly leaving
> occupants stuck in the middle of the road with it stuck in gear and they
> were unable to release the clutch so they couldn't roll it off of the road.
> Had it towed to a shop and they decided the linkage was frozen and replace
> some bushings and relubed- ($109.00...)  when one of my employees picked up
> the van he said it was really stiff in shifting- which loosened up after a
> while, but also said it feels like the stick is 2" shorter than it used to
> be, and the "H" pattern has disappeared along with the reverse lockout.
> He has to hunt for every gear on every shift, and sometimes goes into
> reverse rather than 1st, far too easily.  This van is on a different island
> than me so I haven't checked it out myself, and this all sound very
> curious.  Anyne have experience with these characteristics?  Sound like
> shoddy repair work?  TIA for any advice-
>         Shawn Zenor
>
>              Imua Camper Company, Hawaii,  http://www.imua-tour.com
>             Volkswagen Westfalia camper rentals in the Hawaiian Islands
>                   ph/fax-1(877)773-4682 or (808)935-6241
>
>                        Member: Recreational Vehicle Rental Association
>                               Hawaii Ecotourism Association