Dave...I would imagine that the 3/4 slider is cracking..yes the early
vans do that too... or a detent on the slider is buggered up. It isn't
likely a syncro issue. The internal shift rails wear the bushings in the
housing (esp 3 & 4) and can cock the shift fork...a few other things come
to mind, but the bottom line is the trans likely would have to come out
and be repaired.
 Yes you can pull the trans without pulling the engine.
Holler if you need help

Daryl of AA Transaxle
Duvall, WA. (Seattle area)
(425) 788-4070
1-877-377-0773 (toll free)
aatransaxle.com (web site)

Date:    Mon, 30 Jun 2003 06:21:30 -0700
From:    Dave Cromwell <tortugasmarinas@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: locked in 4th gear

Here's what happened. Supposedly a newly rebuilt tranny (just bought the
vanagon) No shifting problems for three months, now every time I go thru
the gears it locks in 4th. If I stop, shut off the engine and rock it
slightly
backward in 4th, it will slip out of gear,
Is this a bad syncro? Maybe a burr on a brass tooth?
Also, does the front of the tranny come off or do you have to pull the
engine?
Dave Cromwell '82 1.9 diesel westy
tortugasmarinas@yahoo.com