Ross..I would guess that the 1st/2nd shift fork or relay lever interally
has broken...not a big deal once the thing is torn completely apart...the
original ones are weak and the replacements I use are shouldered and are
tougher..beyond that , I weld the shaft a bit to keep it solid (the relay
lever that is)...If you got a lot of miles, then go for the rebuild
($995) and repl the 3rd/4th slider that is gonna break soon...Good Luck
Daryl of AA Transaxle
Duvall, WA.(Seattle area)
(425) 788-4070
1-877-377-0773 toll free
http://www.aatransaxle.com (web site)

I just bought a '85 Vanagon 1.9L with 4 speed tranny (and giant factory
sunroof :) Here's the catch.  The van goes into reverse, third and fourth
gears and works fine. The shifter moves into first and second, but
letting the clutch out it is as if the van is still in neutral.  All the
linkage between the shifter and tranny appears in tact, and the clutch is
practically brand new.  The problem is likely internal.  Has anyone
experienced such a syndrome?  Better yet, any idea as to what in the
transmission may have broken?  Any and all ideas welcome and appreciated.
Thanks,