Not sure this applies to you, but I could never get the linkage in my
Vanagon adjusted right until i replaced the plastic (nylon) parts at the
linkage joining the shift rod to the transmission.  After replacing those
parts, the adjustment practically "adjusted itself."  That is until the
plastic linkage parts where the shifter meets the inside floor disintegrated
the following year, but that is another story.

Anyway, before replacing the linkage at the transmission, I was going
through having to readjust the linkage every three months--maddening!

Donald Baxter
Iowa City, Iowa
'85 Vanagon GL

----- Original Message -----
From: "zolo" <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 3:56 PM
Subject: I'm about to give up...

I am adjusting the transmission shift linkage.  The second and the fourth
gears are not going in deep enough, only get to the top of the gears and
they would just grind if I let the clutch up.  From neutral the first and
third have enough travel, but the second and fourth have only half the
distance.
What is wrong here?  How do I get more distance for that two gears.  Moving
the rod further in front, only results in the shift knob position going more
forward but does not add more movement into those gears.  I can't find in
the Bentley any reference.
Zoltan