I had a similar problem with my '86 synchro. I couldn't shift from 3rd to
4th gear when I was going over 40 mph. Under 40 mph I could shift.  As it
turned out, the shift ring which shifts from 3rd and engages 4th on the same
shaft was cracked in 3 places (broken into 2 pieces).  On the later models,
VW apparently beefed up the web of this shift ring and eliminated the square
corners from which the stress fractures eminated.  Cost $1500 to have it
rebuilt.

----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Kozak <kozakmike1@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2001 6:56 PM
Subject: wanted to buy standard transmission for 87 gas westy 2wd

> 1986 to 1991 standard 4 speed preferred.  Please respond to
> kozakmike1@hotmail.com
>
> Appears my 3rd and 4th synchronizers are toast.  While returning from
> California on my way home to Indiana my pilot bearing bit the big one.
> After replacing the bearing and clutch (in a campground in idaho)
everything
> was great for a few hundred miles.  then it became difficult to get out of
> 3rd and 4th gears.  Stopping and rocking the van worked for a while.  Then
I
> started getting grinding going into third and fourth. Upon installing the
> linkage after replacing the clutch I pushed the linkage socket up firmly
on
> the shifter arm ball before tightening the bracket that secures the
lingage
> rod to the transmission housing.  I speculate that I should have allowed
> some slop in this joint.  Now only double clutching and a lot of luck
> prevents major grind in 3rd and 4th.  I find it impossible so far to
> downshift from 4th to 3rd without major grinding.  I put in redline mt90
and
> found no improvement.  Goes into reverse fine and have always had a little
> touchiness going into 2nd, but double clutching takes care of 2nd fine.  I
> suspect my leaf peeping trips this fall will be accompanied by a grinding
> transmission.
>
> Please respond to kozakmike1@hotmail.com
>
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