This has come up many times before and I just recently had the problem, so before you
spend any money, or mess with the linkage underneath, try this:
    Pull up the rubber boot at the base of the shift lever. There is a metal plate
with two 10mm nuts. First mark the location of the plate so you will have a reference
point, then loosen the nuts and move the plate slightly toward the steering wheel. It
helps if you have it in the offending gear (first) and then you can use the shift
lever to help move it, but not too much. Tighten the nuts and see if it is better.
    As others have suggested, it is also a good idea to clean and lube the linkage
underneath, starting with the box below the shift lever (accessible through the spare
tire carrier), the two bushings the linkage passes through on the way to the engine,
and the coupling at the tranny. On my '90 Westy, the rubber boot protecting this
coupling was shredded. Get a new one (less than $5 from Camelback VW in Phoenix),
clean and renew the lube in the socket. It's easy to replace without affecting the
adjustment.

Jerry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Marshall" <earthboy@HOME.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2001 9:02 PM
Subject: shifter bushing kit

> Hey folks,
>
> Lately it seems that first gear has been a bit hard to find, and I'm
> thinking that replacing the shifter bushings would solve the problem.  I
> recall hearing something once about a kit that had all the required
> parts in it sold by ken at vanagin.  I can't seem to find this on his
> site anywhere.  Is this a kit that other vendors have available too?  Is
> it an expensive dealer part if I go that route?  Also, can the job be
> done without dropping the gas tank?  What do you folks suggest?
>
> thanks,
>
> greg.
>