Mike, the shift points on your auto tranny can be adjusted at the front end
of throttle cable (front under pedal) and at the rear where the linkage rod
from tranny connects with throttle body.  I adjusted mine by taking up slack
to upshift later (higher RPM) and kickdown sooner; more slack to upshift
sooner (lower RPM) and kickdown later.  It can take a bit to get it where
you like.  After owning it for awhile, you get a real feel for the shift
point, actually feeling it in the pedal and can adjust driving to it.  I
really enjoy the Vanagon auto tranny and feel it is very user friendly,
'cept when it goes bad.

Rebuilding the auto trans.  I'll try it soon enough, parts can be had here:
http://www.bulkparts.com/
search around for the VW links (actual page is here
http://www.bulkparts.com/MM013.ASP?pageno=1036   )

Good luck

JB