My '87 is having a gear shifting problem, and as it's my only vehicle, I
could use some help.  I'll describe the situation briefly, but please ask
me any questions that might help in determining how to proceed.

Here's the problem:
I'm having difficulty shifting into gear, particularly into 1st or 2nd.
Sometimes the problem is beyond difficult in that I can't shift out of
neutral at all.  TODAY is the first day that I've had such trouble, but I
think the problem may be serious as I wasn't sure if I'd make it home.
While parked with the engine off, the shifter just doesn't feel smooth or
easy.  At the last red traffic light before arriving home, I had to put
it in 3rd to get going.  It just wouldn't go into any other gear.  I'm
afraid to go anywhere at this point.

Related matters:
The clutch was replaced about 14k ago, but for the last few months, I've
heard a slight gurgling noise with the clutch pedal depressed while not
moving.  The suspicion has been one a bad bearing associated with the
clutch.  The operation of the clutch and transmission have been fine
otherwise.  The vanagon was sitting for the last two weeks without any
use.

Question:

What steps can I take to diagnose and/or possibly correct the problem
(even without diagnosis)?  I'm in New Orleans right now, and I have yet
to find a mechanic here who knows anything about vanagons.  So, I'd like
to do as much as I can myself.

Thank you all for your help.

David

________________________________________________________________
The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!
Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!
Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!