rotate the front linkage one or to grooves clockwise  at the mid van coupler
to alleviate this symptom. Also try redline tranny fluid for generally better
shifts all around.

cheers,
Mark
In a message dated 6/4/02 1:15:13 PM, dan@OFFTHEHILL.ORG writes:

<< Michael,

  My bus has the same problem -- I've found that by pushing down (as if to

  get round the reverse lockout), I can move straight into first.  This

  makes me think that it's a linkage problem and not a box problem -- I've

  adjusted the linkage plate at the base of the shift lever a bit

  (remember to mark the original position w/grease pencil first) and this

  weekend I'm going to have a go at the linkage under the bus.  A couple

  of volks on the list also recommend replacing the plastic bits at the

  shift lever end of the linkage.  If you really want to isolate the problem,
you can disconnect the

  linkage from the tranny, and with the bus up on jackstands, shift the

  box directly via the shaft coming out of the tranny which mates to the

  linkage.

Best,

d.

1990 GL "Mudskipper" >>